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THE JEWISH OBSERVER (ISSN) 0021 ~6615 is published monthly except July and August by the Agudath of America, 84 William Street, New York, N.Y. 10038. Periodicals postage paid in New York, N.Y. Subscription $24.00 per year; two years, $44.00; three years, $60.00. Outside of the United States (US funds drawn on a US bank only) $12.00 surcharge per year. Single copy $3.50; foreign $4.50. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Observer, 84 William Street, PESACH READINGS N.Y.. N.Y. 10038. Tel: 212-797-9000, Fax: 8 Imitation, Limitation and Nationhood 212-269-2843. Printed in the U.S.A. Sholom Scheinberg I Whisper Above the Roar: Making the Case for Subtlety RABBI , EDITOR Rabbi Matis Roberts EOrTORIAL BOARD DR. ERNST L. BODENHEIMER I 8 Pivotal Mitzvos in the Building of Our Nation Chairman Rabbi Zev Cohen RABBI JOSEPH ELIAS JOSEPH FRIEDENSON TEACHING COMMUNICATION IN THE HIGH SCHOOLS RABBI 2 3 The Write Stuff MANAGEMENT BOARD AVI FISHOF Rabbi Yitzchok Kasnett NAFTOLI HIRSCH KIAZNER 2 7 The Mandate to Communicate Torah in the Vernacular RABBI SHLOMO LESIN Rabbi Nasson Scherman NACHUM STEIN 3 A Letter with a Comment RABBI YOSEF C. GOLDING Business Manager 33 Published by "Don't Hijack My Sarah Schenirer!" Agudath Israel of America Sarah Herman Cohen RABBI MOSHE SHERER PRESIDENT 3 Planting an "AiSheL" in Your Home U.S. TRADE DISIBIBUTOR ISRAf"U DISTRIBUTOR feldheim Publishers Nechemia Rosenberg Dr Meir Wik/er 200 Airport Executive Park Kiryat Telshe Stone. 108A Spring Valley. N.Y. 10977 D.N. Harei Yehuda, ISRAEL V'YESH 0MRIM.•. AND THERE ARE THOSE THAT SAY EUROPEAN REPRESENTATIVE AUSTRALIAN DISTRIBUTOR M.T. Bibelman Gold's Book & Giff Co. Oh, What a Tangled Web!, Dr Bernard Fryshrnan Grosvenor Works 36 William Street Mount Pleasant Hill Balaclava 3183, Vic .. It All Started With a Gift, Dina Smith London ES 9NE. ENGLAND AUSTRALIA POSTSCRIPT THE JEWISH OBSERVER does not assume responsibility for the Kashrus The Unbroken Glass of any product, publication, or service Rabbi Shimon Finkelman advertised in its pages © Copyright 1998 BOOKS IN REVIEW Not Just Stories and Lights Along the Way, reviewed by D.M. Ernest APRIL 1998 VOLUME XXXl/NO. 4 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

DATELINE: 84 WILLIAM STREET PESACH READINGS Sholom Scheinberg

Imitat~o , imitation and ~ ationl1 od

l.AMECHAD

he essence of nationhood is dis­ tinction - having a unique, dis­ A Tragic Blunder Ttinct, national identity. "When one nation i1nitates another, or others, it Reform has borrowed too much from the alien church ideal ofWest­ thereby in1pairs its distinction, its ern lands .... At first purposing and later purporting to magnify the , national identity, its very "nationhood." it began to move in the direction of holding the synagogue, its worship, its prac­ 1'he Reforn1 moven1ent has, since its tices, and its mores, as distinct or distinguishable from the Jewish people. Some inception, imitated the West. It has, by unhappy results followed. There ceased to be an understanding of the truth that doing so, in1paired the very concept of people and faith were reciprocally pervasive, and again, almost equally lamenta­ Jewish nationhood - indeed, it has ble, it came to be believed that people and faith moved in unconcentric spheres. mini1nized it and trivialized it. 1'he Arn Coupled with this, a process of alienation began, in the end almost avowed and Echad public awareness campaign purposive, of Jews from what was an alien and borrowed concept of Jewishness. spearheaded by Agudath Israel has pre­ viously focused upon the" Echa

8 The Jewish Observer, April 1998 II. REFORM'S "TRAGIC BLUNDER" • he two paragraphs in the box on itzroyim sought to page 8 are a scathing critique of Tthe Reform movement, brutal in Mcompel Bnei its candor. It is not an excerpt fron1 an "Orthodox polemic:' It was not written Yisroel to imitate them, by the author of this article, or by any other Orthodox Jew. It was penned by to become like them - the man regarded by many to have been spiritually and morally the most distinguished, gifted and artic­ "This teaches that the Israelites were dis­ ulate Reform Rabbi of the Twentieth degraded. It is for tinctive there." The essence of nation­ Century- Stephen S. Wise. 2 hood is distinction. Listen to the words This excerpt is from a remarkable more tragic when we, of the Alter of Kelm in connection with short essay, "A Tragic Blunder".' The the above: central premise of this essay is that ourselves, deliberately The Ramban writes that the Torah Reform has imitated Christianity in strive to imitate alien has commanded us to remember and positing that "people" and "religion" are know that there is an ordered process two distinct concepts. Its central propo­ nations and cultures. of reward and punishment: "And sition and admonition is that Reform know that Hashem, your G-d, is G-d, should cease doing so. Reform no longer This type of imitation 1s the faithful G-d, Who keeps the consciously and deliberately sets out to covenant with, and the kindness imitate Christianity, as it did in its infan­ national suicide. towards, those who love Him and keep cy.·1 But, Reform continues to uncriti­ His mitzvos" ( 7,9). And the cally copy whatever is au courant in the source of this knowledge is indicated West, be it environmentalism, feminism, maintain its distinct• national identity­ in the previous pasuk: "Because or the "gay" agenda. even in seemingly "mundane" matters Hashem loved you ... He took you out... This is imitation at its worst. - it thereby merits incalculable rewards and delivered you from the house of When Am Yisroel, a nation that has - extending even to Ge'ula ... Redemp- slaves, from the hand of Pharaoh, king its own, unique, elevated mission, imi­ tion. Distinction is, as we shall see, a pri­ of Egypt." There they saw with their tates other nations - even in seemingly mary theme in the Haggada.5 own eyes that those who kept guard mundane, "secular,'' "neutral" matters - over the mitzvos were rewarded. Yis­ it has, to that extent, impaired the full Ill. "SHEHAYU YISROEL MITZUYANIM SHAM" roel kept the mitzvos of Hashem and flowering of its vast innate spiritual -NATIONHOOD MEANS DISTI~CTION were delivered from their servitude; potential. It has, to that extent, fallen they went out from darkness to great short in its performance of its holy mis­ ( (vayihi sham /egoy" - "There light. The Egyptians, who rebelled sion, to be a Mamleches Kohanim and a Israel became a nation." So against Hashem, were beset by plagues Goy Kodosh (a Nation of Priests and a states the Haggada, quoting and drowned in the sea. Holy Nation). It has limited itself Devarim 26,5. The Haggada's terse com­ But how can Yisroe/ in Egypt be severely. mentary on this verse is:" she­ considered "observers of mitzvos''? We Conversely, when Israel struggles to hayu Yisrael mitzuyanim sham" - are accustomed to think of them as

------·~~------·-·------~------2 This candid and remarkable essay is as ti1nely has elevated "credo" to such an extent that al! that expect neither a return to Palestine, nor a sacri­ as it is insightful. It has an almost eerie, ironic, remains is the artificial, Christian-borrowed, and ficial worship under the sons of Aaron, nor the relevance, on many-levels, to many of the points desiccated concept of a "Jewish Church." restoration of any of the laws concerning the Jew­ of contention behveen Orthodoxy and Reform 3 This essay appears in As I See It, by Stephen S. ish State." Encyclopedia Judaica, Volume 14, p. today. One point is particularly salient, and there­ Wise, Jewish Opinion Publishing Corporation, 26, The MacMillan Con1pany, New York, 1971. fore will be explicitly articulated: The Reform 1944, pp. 24-26. The full text is available from the Reform has since reversed itself on its rejec­ Movement today holds itself out as the chan1pion author or The Jewish Observer editorial office. tion of Jewish nationhood. However, Reform con­ of Jewish "nationhood;' in contrast to Torah-true -1 See Triumph ofSurviva~ Rabbi Berel Wein,Shaar tinues to i1nitate the \Vest, and thus- in spite of Judaism, ·which, they dain1, seeks in Bretz Yisroel, Press, 1990, pp. 52-54 for numerous ex.:tmples of its daitn - continues to in1pair, minimize and to sacrifice Jewish "nationhood" to the demands indeed, trivialize, the concept of Jewish nation­ of"credo" (i.e., "halacha"). obvious atte1npts by the early Reforn11novement to n1imic the Lutheran Church and its modes of hood. The Reform movement today proclaims that Jew­ worship. It is notewnrthythat the famous "Pitts­ s In addition to the matters discussed in this arti­ ish "nationhood" must prevail over "credo." This burgh Platform" of American Reform (1885) cle, the concept of "distinction/uniqueness" p!ay5 is an irony in view of the Rabbi Wise's thesis that explicitly rejects the concept of Jewish nation­ a dear and obvious role in the "Ma Nishtana," the Reforn1 movement has jettisoned the concept hood: "We consider ourselves no longer a the "Dayeinu" and the "Chad Gadya," an1ong of Jewish Nationhood, of the Jews as a people, and nation, but a religious coinmunity, and therefore other portions of the Haggada.

The Jewish Observer, April 1998 9 sunk in the depths of corruption would not have left off continuously - a refusal to fold, to collapse, under the (r1Nr.l1''1l'V1'"l:l). They had no mitzvos renewing their ties to the past. But relentless pressure of Mitzrayirn. This through which they might be there they were, standing their guard, conscious decision to resist assimil<,ition redeemed until milah (circumcision) rejecting their masters' culture on three becomes all the more heroic and and the korban Pesach (the Pesach sac­ cardinal points that help make up the remarkable when we consider the true ritlce) were given to them. bonds of society-language, clothing nature of golus Mitzrayim. Yet, we should not be amazed. Yis­ and names. Small wonder, then, that roel were slaves to Pharaoh and the they are called "keepers of the IY. DEATH BY CONSTRICTION: THE Egyptians. Servants by nature submit mitzvos" and that it is from their deliv­ ESSENCE OF GOLUS MITZRAYIM to their masters and ape their ways. erance that we learn of the process of They are fearful and ashamed of reward and punishment.6 he Haggada states: "If the Holy keeping other customs. Yisroel, how­ These words are truly astounding' One, blessed by He, had not taken ever, as Chazal point out, were "dis­ Bnei Yisroel, we learn, merited Redemp­ Tus out of Egypt, the result would tinctive there in lang;iage, dress, and tion because of something which, at first have been that we, our children and personal names" ( blush, appears to be both mundane and grandchildren would be subject to 1:773). They did not speak Egyptian; trivial - because they were distinctive Pharaoh in Egypt." they did not dress like Egyptians; they in language, dress and personal names. The commentary of Rabbi Eliyahu did not bear Egyptian names. All this But given their circumstances, this was Dessler pertaining to this verse was done to strengthen the traditions an assertive, heroic act - an affirma­ is as awe-inspiring as it is frightening: that they had received from their tion of a unique, exalted, national iden­ Everything has both an inner and fathers who had recognized the Cre­ tity. It was, in fact, an act of resistance an outer aspect. The person who is ator. They did not want to be swept attuned to externals sees only the outer

away by, and intermingled with, the 6 The Pcsach Haggada, with a Cornmentary aspects. In exile, for example, he sees Egyptians and their loathsome ways. Culled fron1 the Classic Baalei lv[ussar, Rabbi only a nation without a land of its own, It is unbelievable that a nation of Shalo1n Meir Wallach, The Mesorah politically and economically depen­ Series, published by Mesorah Publications, Ltd., downtrodden slaves who have labored in connection with ArtScroll, 1989. pp. 64-65. dent on others. A person attuned to at lowly tasks - producing bricks and The Hebrew original appears in: p. 141 Hagga­ inner truth sees the physical facts, but mortar- for over two hundred years dos Gedolei Tenuas Hamussar. he sees them only as effects. The pri-

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10 The Jewish Observer, April 1998 mary cause, the true cause, is the spir­ • and lay it wide open to the inroads of itual cause. The exile of Israel, in et us strive for the yeitzer hara. essence, is a spiritual state. It is the Once this power gains full control, state of being alienated from our true Lexcellence in all facets spiritual redemption is no longer selves, of being enslaved by the yeitzer possible. We are told that Israel was hara. In the physical world, this of individual and near this point of no return before the takes the guise of political or economic collective self-expression. Exodus. If there are fifty "gates of enslavement. This thought is defilement;' Israel had reached the expressed in the Haggada when we forth-ninth .... thank G-d "for our rescue [from the The significance of the following physical exile] and the redemption of cal reality discussed• above.] It was a quotation should now be apparent. "If our soul [from spiritual bondage]." spiritual Gehinnom (Zahar II, !Sa). [It the Holy One, blessed be He, had not The Egyptian exile was a very par­ is well-known that the" Sar" (Angel) taken us out of Egypt [at that partic­ ticular aspect of spiritual exile [-that of a nation embodies the inner, spir­ ular moment J, we should have of the rule of the feitzer hara. Any itual content of that nation. The Sar remained in eternal bondage to Paroh national name that appears in the of Mitzrayim was the Sar of Gehin­ in Mitzrayim [we would never have Torah or in the other Holy Scriptures, nom! J ( Gehinnom, as we have escaped from the particular defilement encapsulates the fundamental char­ explained elsewhere in the name of the acter of that nation.] In the Torah, Maharal, signifies the complete 9 See Strive for Truth! Vol. III, p. 215. Egypt is called "Mitzrayim," from the absence of spiritual values.)9 io Sanctuaries in Time, translated and adapted by root "meitzar,"1 which means "con­ The title of the Egyptian kings - Rabbi Aryeh Carmell from Michtav Me'Eliyahu, by Rav E. E. Dessler, p. 11-12 (emphasis added). striction" and "distress." It also signi­ Parah in Hebrew- is also significant. The Hebrew· original appears on pages 17 and 18 fies "boundary." This expresses the Its root meaning in Hebrew is "to lay of Michatav Me'Eliyahu, Vol. II. (The author has oppressive and constrictive nature ofthe open or untie," implying that the taken the liberty of adding additional material Egyptian exile.' The strength of their goal of Egyptian rule was to break translated from the Hebrew. This appears in boundaries {and the enormity of their down the defenses in the personality brackets.) oppressive strength Jis attested to by the fact that, prior to the Exodus, no slave had ever succeeded in escaping from Egypt. (See Mechilta on Shemos 18:11.) [Mitzrayim is the locus of For careful attention to your ''golus" in its ultimate, deepest, most powerful manifestation -the nadir of individual needs, call us today! "golus"!} On the spiritual level, Egypt is (914) 354-8445 known to us as the acme of moral degradation. [This reflects the physi- Presently commencing

7 It is noteworthy that the flallel, that we recite its sixth year, is pleased to inform on Pesach, and which is incorporated into the Haggada, contains several aHusions to "tneitzar": SEMINARY "Constriction/Affliction;' or to variations there­ at: iJ11'Gl'.l '7tNW i-w.:11 - "The confines of Gehen­ norn have found me."; N1j7N ·n C'W-11 NYDN )Ui'l ~ - ''Affliction/Constriction and sorrovv I would find and I would invoke Hashem's name." One verse is particularly relevant to our discussion: "1\1in harneitzar" - From constriction did I call upon G-d; G-d answered me with expansiveness. "Mei tzar" hints at "Mitzrayim." "1\ferchav" hints at "Geula." Exploring this the1ne in any further For applications or information contact: depth is beyond the scope of this article. Harav Yosef Leib/er s The "lachatz"-the oppression, the prcssurc­ Tel: 011·972·2·641·3377 is explicated in the Haggada's con11nentary upon Devarin1 26,7: CXl mNlV nr.i::i .pnm '!1' -1l:m'7 T1Nl Fax: 011-972·2·642·3759 "cnN ci:m., C">"t:ir.l 1VN vrlm rn iniN1( Shenws 3,9 ). In U.S.A. Exploring the theme of"lachatz" in further depth is beyond the scope of this article. Mrs. Rochel Goldbaum• 215-745-7832

The Jewish Observer, April 1998 11 represented by these two terms] ."10 unique national identity of Israel would in fact, become progressively diminished, The Mitzrim sought to forcibly "con­ have been totally destroyed. progressively"constricted," almost to the strict" Bnei Yisroel, until the essense of This would have meant death as a vanishing point - to the point of no its national identity, its inherent spiri­ nation through "constriction" - return. Therefore, Chazal teach, had tuality, would be completely and irre­ through limitation. Bnei Yisroel reached Hashem not redeemed Bnei Yisroel at the versibly crushed; smothered; extin­ the forty-ninth level of defilement very moment of Redemption, it would guished. They almost succeeded. But (tuma). The Mitzrim had almost total­ have been too late. Am Yisroel's spiritu­ for Hashem's 1niraculous intervention, ly succeeded in their objective of forcibly ality- the essence of its national iden­ they would have succeeded. Mitzrayirn prying open each Jew's personality tity - would have been "constricted» sought to break down the defenses of defenses, having their alien culture flood until it disappeared entirely." each Jew's personality, thus allowing in, and thns compelling each Jew to imi­ Bnei Yisroel fought back! They their alien, yeitzer hara-based culture to tate Mitzrayirn against his or her will. resisted the pressure of Mitzrayim in flood in, until both the unique indi­ The innate spirituality of each individ­ very concrete ways: they deliberately vidual identity of each Jew and the ual Jew, and therefore of Am Yisroe~ did, retained their language, dress and per­ sonal names - three cricital compo­ nents of a nation. It is noteworthy that the Torah (Devarim 26:5) states: "Vay­ ihi sham legoy. There - sham - in Mitzrayim ~a nation whose essence is the unparalleled ability to crush indi­ viduals, societies and peoples - Israel became a nation! There, in the place where it is least likely even for a fully­ formed, mature nation to survive, Israel, a not-yet formed nation, a conglomer­ Sefer Chofetz Chaim ation of individuals, became a nation! 12 We must truly marvel at our ancestors, with the commentary who became a nation in Mitzrayim Yad David because they had the courage and by Rabbi Dovid Marchant strength to remain distinct, in an envi­ ron1nent that crushed expressions of [f{,t la5t, in English translation: the dinstinctiveness; that excelled in its book that originally sparked the worldwide capacity to level individuals and nations. concern to guard one's speech. At last in English translation: the book V. DISTINCTION OR EXTINCTION that inspired scores of contemporary texts on the subject of /oshon hara. nei Yisroel were faced with two, The Seier Chafetz Chaim, Volume 1, and only two, options in galus features: BMitzrayim: distinction or extinc­ +A full translation of both parts of Sefer tion. They could strive to remain dis­ Chafetz Chaim - Mekor lia-Chaim and tinct, in the fundamentals of personal Be'er Mayirn Chaim - with Hebrew text names, language and dress, or they and English translation on facing pages. would become extinct. +An illuminating, detailed commentary, Yad David, written by The Alter of Kelm teaches that Bnei the translator. Yisroel merited Redemption because +This first volume includes an Overview, the Foreword, and Chapter One of they remained distinct. Had they not Sefer Chafetz Chaim. Further volumes are in preparation. been distinct, they presumably would Here is your opportunity to learn this classic sefer ... as you've nev r learned it before! 11 This portion of the article is, in large measure, an adaptation of the concluding paragraph of 0 Galus Mitzrayim, which is contained on pp. 17- 18 of Volume II of Michtav Me'Eliyahu. 12 The word "sharn'' ("there") appears to be super~ FELDHEIM mPUBLISHERS fluous, both in "vayihi sham legoy" (Devari111 Torah Literature of Quality 26,5), and in the Haggada's commentary there­ Toll Free: 800-237-7149 •Ask for our NEW catalog. on: "rnelamed shehayu Yisroel mctzuyanim sham."

12 The Jewish Observer, April 1998 have become totally assimilated, they lenge and opportunity. As has been noted vidual and collective self-expression: would have become extinct. The many times in these pages and elsewhere, Excellence in Torah scholarship; excellence essence of Mitzrayitn was its ability to there are today hundreds of thousands of in middos (character); excellence in our overwhelm, to smother, to level, to con­ Je\.VS who are searching for meaning and endeavors at building strong, vibrant strict, to destroy. Bnei Yisroel, against all authenticity, and who may therefore be Torah comn1unities; excellence in enthu­ odds, chose the path of resistance - of receptive to the message of Torah-true siastic, creative and diligent efforts at out­ standing firm in their identity, of Judaism. It is incumbent upon us to rise reach; and excellence in our efforts to earn endeavoring to strengthen the traditions to this historic occasion; to rise to the the respect of our non-observant they had received from the Avos, who opportunity and the challenge to reach brethren and of the world at large. If, like had recognized Hashem. Bnei Yisroel out to these Jews, and to influence them. our ancestors in Mitzrayim, we, too, are chose life: they elected, they struggled, The keys to doing so successfolly are con­ metzuyanim-in both senses of the word to remain distinct. In so doing, they tained in the word "metzuyanim." - then, with Hashern's help, we will be became a nation - in Mitzrayinz. «Metzuyan" connotes both "distinc­ able to influence our fellow, non-obser­ The affirmative, heroic efforts by our tive" and "excellent."u Let us en1phasize vant Jews to such an extent, as to assure ancestors not to imitate an alien culture both of these attributes. Let us proudly that there will be no more "tragic blun­ led to the Ce'ula. Attempts by the Jews proclaim our allegiance to the unbroken ders" in our future. • to imitate the -whether dur­ chain of Torah transn1ission as the source 13 ing the First Temple period, the Hel­ of our national distinctiveness. And let It is interesting that "distinction" carries the san1e dual connotation in English as "metzuyan" lenistic period, or in Nineteenth Cen­ us strive for excellence in all facets of indi- does in Hebrew. tury Germany - have always ended in disaster, and have often ended in out­ right Churban. A pattern appears: Resis­ tance to imitation bring about ge'ula; its opposite - conscious, deliberate imi­ tation - often brings about churban, the opposite of ge'ula. Personal responsibility throughout service - NOT JUST "PAPERWORK" Mitzrayim sought to compel Bnei Yis­ ORIGINATOR OF THE PRESENT METHOD roel to imitate them, to become like then1 Highly recommended by Gedolai Hador- Herc and in Eretz \'isracl - spiritually and morally degraded. It 104.1-42ntl Street, Brooklyn, JVY 11219 is far more tragic when we, ourselves, l)ay & Night phone: (718) 851-8925 deliberately strive to imitate alien 1VP>r.JN1~r.1Nj7 J)l"j7 - 1'1' 1Nl nlr.l:IJ) 'll~ nations and cultures. This type of imi­ Oiesed Shel &\JES \\ith l\.ttsirasNcfesh...as understolxland practiced by one acth-e in the i.ndustcy fur more lhan Wacmtm} tation is national suicide. BEWARE OF IMPOSTERS • TAHARAS ffA~IFTAR SHOULD NEVER BE COMMERCIALIZED In Caius Mitzrayim, the First Caius, Bnei Yisroel were faced with two options: distinction or extinction. These choic­ es inhere in every galus, including the present one. The choices are always the same: we either choose to remain dis­ tinct, or we will become, as to that par­ ticular galus-Jand, extinct. Imitation is national suicide; distinction is the key to survival, and ultimately, to ge'u/a as well.

VI. NO MORE "TRAGIC BLUNDERS"

here are today two diametrically opposed, competing and con­ Ttending visions of/udaism: There is the camp of those who would slavishly imitate the West, and there are those loyal to Torah, who look to the Torah and its infinite wisdom as its wellspring of cre­ ativity, guidance and inspiration. There is also a unique, historic chal-

The Jewish Observer, April 1998 PESACH READINGS Matis Roberts

Whisper Above the Roar: Making the Case for Subtlety

THE TEMPTATION TO PREACH Because the evils we face are so pro­ letters and exclamation points - and nounced, and the values so contrary to often broken down to simplistic levels t is not exactly news that the Torah all we hold sacred, we clearly need to of black and white. Jew is a cultural alien in modern make full use of every resource at our Thus, many educators who use I American society. Moral relativity disposal. meaningful stories to convey the Torah's dominates the landscape, reducing all of morals fortify their tales with lengthy the values we hold dear to a sermons that dwell on those murky bog of hazy confu­ morals. The same sion. No value is sacred applies to the realm and no evil unaccept­ of creativity. In able. And there is no school and at escape to the shtetl of home there are our grandparentsi many opportuni­ Thus, in the midst of3. ·· ties for children to world that produces con3 express their spiritual stant violence, accepts wantori.' values creatively. They do so promiscuity, and debates the moral! in picture and in verse, in drama ity of abortion for convenience, we have and in song, in prose and in poetry. to raise our children - as well as our­ Here, too, there is a common tendency selves - to pursue a life of Divine ser­ to hammer away at the points being vice. • made - to express them so clearly and This situation creates a problem he more subtle the repeatedly that noone can possibly that has no easy solution. If we meet the approach, the miss them. world heads on, we expose ourselves to T But the clamor of relentless preach­ a vast range of evils that inevitably affect deeper it penetrates. ing often drowns out the message being our attitudes and actions - often to a conveyed. When we spell things out so much greater degree that can ever be tol­ Rabbi clearly that there is no challenge in erable. But insulating ourselves in reli­ receiving them, we fail to engage a child's gious enclaves also has its dangers. For sees this as inherent 1n mind - or anything more than his one thing, it fosters a mentality of Us vs. human nature; the superficial interest. And when we repeat Them, which can cause us to rational­ ourselves over and over again until our ize various moral compromises. In passions that play on point is coming out of their ears, they addition, there is no way to isolate our­ begin to associate the values we teach selves completely, and many who grow the surface dull the with the suffocation they experience in up protected fall with a heavy thud when learning them. they are suddenly exposed. So we all jug­ effect upon the deeper gle with various blends of protection emotions within. THE PENETRATING POWER and exposure, trying to imbue our chil­ OF SUBTLETY dren with the depth of faith and strength of character to carry them he Torah, however, prescribes a through life. For this reason, there• is a prevalent trend different approach to cultivating to feed our children a steady diet of values, one that is exemplified by Rabbi Roberts is the of Yeshi­ T va Shaar HaTorah of Queens. His essay, "Yearn­ strong moral messages, employing a the way we celebrate the festi­ ing to be Free: A Personal Approach to the Fes­ great deal of preaching and sermoniz­ val. At that time, we devote an entire tival of Freedom;' was featured in JO Apr. '97, ing. Everything is spelled out in capital night to reliving the Exodus from

14 The Jewish Observer, April 1998 Egypt, and a full seven days to its com­ MAINTAINING A BALANCE OF where our children can internalize the memoration. Why then, asks Rabbi Yosef THE OVERT AND THE SUBTLE Torah's values - naturally, comfortably, Leib Bloch';>"~, do we fill our sederwith and effectively. We need, in other words, mere symbols and vague allusions? on't me wrong. We surely to foster the "cultural osmosis" of Yid­ Why not really bring those events to life need to learn, and to teach, clear dishkeit, without the ceaseless drum roll -with plays and reenactment of all that Dmoral lessons - to define the of overstated moralization. occurred? Wouldn't that drive home the lines between right and wrong and Teaching, for example, can be done lessons of the seder much more effec­ between good and evil in no uncertain with subtlety. We can get our points tively? Rabbi Bloch answers with an terms. But we must also maintain a bal­ across in ways that give breathing space insight that is absolutely vital in our age ance of the overt and the subtle if we to their recipients. One of today's out­ of ultra-decibels: want our messages to penetrate. We standing 'im uses this True spiritual achievement comes need to create a general atmosphere approach: "I begin every class with a through those things that leave only subtle impressions but do not arouse emotional intensity. These, and these alone, can reach the delicate strands of the human soul and inspire them. That What do you think which is more concrete and conspic­ uous can bring a person to great pas­ sion, and may seem - for the of when you hear moment - to make a deep impression on him. But its impact is completely absorbed by his more superficial emo­ ''Switzerland''? tions, and it never reaches the finer, _;;; loftier, elements within his soul. Co: I! /' Therefore, we relive the exodus from Egypt with stories, symbols, and allu­ sions rather than with dramatic pre­ sentations, for that is the way to cre­ ate lasting impressions that will not be easily forgotten ( Shiurei Daas, Nish mas ' Ha Torah). In other words, the more subtle the approach, the deeper it penetrates. Rabbi Bloch sees this as inherent in human nature; the passions that play on the sur­ face dull the effect upon the deeper emo­ tions within. It is also true on another The enchanting snow­ level. We all have some resistance to things capped Swiss Alps? that accuse us of falling short, or that The world's most out­ demand from us increased effort and standing timepieces? Definitely, but now there energy. Thus, when something address­ is something more ... es our overt feelings, it also arouses our The natural goodness inner defenses. "What does he mean: I'm of genuine Parve and not good enough?,, Or, "How can I pos­ milk (CholovYisroel) sibly try any harder?" In many cases, we SchmerlingChocolates. One taste and you will find excuses to negate the effect of that never settle for "make­ which moved us - in order to protect believe" Swiss chocolate ourselves from their implications. The ever again. subtler influences, however, make no Taste the Schmerling difference. It's one of demands or accusations. They merely those special things that plant seeds of awareness- awareness of Sdiiiitrli!!J makes Switzerland our obligations and our capabilities - famous. that steadily rise to the surface of our psy­ Switzerland chocolates & cheeses. che and urge us forward. U.S.A. IMPORTER TAAM TOVFOODS, INC., BROOKLYN. NY 11232

The Jewish Observer, April 1998 15 story, but I never explain its moral. That message across much THE JELLYBEAN I leave for the students to figure out more effectively. APPROACH themselves." This is not just intellectu­ And it enables ally challenging. It also enables his stu­ the children to ith a bit dents to plug in to the story at their level relate to the of of devotion - and to thereby increase concept on their W imagi­ that level. terms, in ways that nation, this concept of The same applies to creative activi­ are meaningful to them. subtlety opens up whole ties. A play or a story that depicts mesir­ This allows them to embrace the moral new worlds of opportunity in chinuch. as nefesh (self sacrifice) does not need wholeheartedly, without resistance from Here, for example, is an idea that has an accompanying speech to drive the any feeling of doubt or inadequacy that been used by teachers in the classroom, point home. The medium itself gets the may fester within. but is equally applicable at home. Bring home a jar of jellybeans - or of any other item of mini1nal value - and Mozeson/Malinowski Advertising (201) 801--0101 introduce the following arrangement: Every time a child does something that is difficult for him, he gets a jellybean. This will vary from one child to the next. It h For the "absent-n1inded professor," remembering to clear his place or hang up his coat n1ay be an achieve1nent. One who is highly competitive deserves a reward if he accepts a smaller portion (of dessert, not spinach) or a less st1c expensive present without complaining. Kindness and cleanliness, 111aking a care­ ful berncha, keeping one's bedtime - these accomplishments and many oth­ ers are all worth jellybeans for those to whom they present a challenge. When the jelly bean jar is emptied, the entire • family is rewarded with a special trip, treat, or activity. However, a child earns a jellybean only if son1eone else reco1nn1ends hin1 for one. It can be a parent or one of his siblings, but he cannot endorse himself. (Obviously, the parents must decide if the deed qualifies for a reward.) Since the ultimate goal is far more valuable than the immediate prize, each child will recommend the others as often as pos­ sible. Thus, the cry of"It's not fair" that no fills many homes is replaced with an atmosphere of mutual support, every­ one rooting for each other to earn jelly­ The Shalom Task Force beans. At the same time, the children Abuse Hotline is endorsed by "" ~ learn to appreciate each other's diverse ~~-. c.."' strengths and weaknesses. This fosters leading Orthodox Rabbonim. "°·FO~ the awareness that true achievement is n1easured in terms of personal effort, Confidential Hotline 718 337 3700 and that fair treatment mnst always take Collect calls accepted. Do it for yourself. that into consideration. And, most Do it for your children. important, this is all done smoothly and naturally, withont the speeches and lee-

16 The Jewish Observer, April 1998 tures that make a child feel like doing something wicked just to get the sour taste of preaching out of his mouth . • need to create general atmosphere where our children can internalize the Torah's values - naturally, comfortably, and effectively. We need, in other words, to foster the "cultural osmosis" of Yiddishkeit, without the ceaseless drum roll of overstated moralization. Kids Foll Footst~vs~, THE UNMISTAKABLE• MESSAGE ByChai~c hese are but a few applications; the essential point is the princi­ The KIDS SPEAK series struck Tple itself. It is a principle that is a chord in the hearts of many young clearly expressed in the Torah: And readers ... and parents too. behold Hashem passed by, and a great and Now Chaim Walder has authored mighty wind was shattering the moun­ another fascinating volume of true sto­ tains and breaking rocks before Hashem ries involving children . . and each - Hashem is not in the wind. And after story relates - in a unique, significant way - to the wind a quaking- Hashem is not in an event in the life of a great Torah sage. the quaking. And after the quaking, fire Full of adventure, humor, and heartfelt instruction, each story will capture - Hashem is not in the fire. And after the interest of readers - young and old alike. the fire, a still, subtle voice (Melachim I 19, 11-12). The Gemora (Chagiga 16a) With OUR HEROES. Chaim Walder proves once again why his books are concludes: And behold Hashem passed by, such favorites among young readers, and parents too! i.e. within that still, subtle voice. ' •• 1•. • • OOf I• I I• The message here is unmistakable. Fire and brimstone can proclaim G-d's presence, but they cannot be its carrier. FEIDHEIM Hi PUBUSHERS True spirituality is found within the still, Torah Literature of Quality subtle voice - the voice that penetrates 200 Airport Executive Park, Nanuet, NY 10954 •Te! (914) 356-2282 • Fax (914) 425-1908 • E-mail feldheim@wor!dplaza.cam to the core of the human soul. • Toll Free: 800-237-7149 •Ask for our catalog.

The Jewish Observer, April 1998 17 PESACH READINGS Rabbi Zev Cohen Q}Jivotat ~itzvos in the ~uiL[).in9 o~ (!Jui @l\Jation With Shalom Bayis at the Cornerstone

n preparation for Pesach, we are viva! of the soul of the Jew­ of his assets to ensure the fulfillment required to devote time and ish nation. When we pub­ of the mitzva. Why, then, in regard I effort to reviewing the relevant licize the miracles of our to the aforementioned mitzvos are we halachos (laws) of the Festival. In the exodus from Egypt through the obligated to spend all of our process, not only do we become more drinking of the four cups of resources? It would seem reasonable keenly aware of detailed requirements wine, we affirm our desire to to assume that it is the pirsumei nissa of the specific mitzvos, we can gain be counted as members of Kial factor in these two mitzvos that insights that may have far-reaching Yisroel. We triumphantly raise makes them so unique. Publicizing implications in how we lead our lives. our cups and proclaim that both the creation of the Jewish peo­ For example, the requirement to we are forever thankful to ple and the spiritual survival of the drink daled kosos-four cups of wine Hashem for the miracles nation would seem to elevate during the Seder - is of such sig­ that facilitated for us the these mitzvos to special status. nificance, that the halacha even unique privilege of requires a destitute person who relies becoming His people. MAKING CHOICES on charity for basic necessities to sell So, too, on Chanuka: with AMONG MITZVOS his very last shirt, or to sell himself into the lighting of the meno­ servitude, in order to procure the wine ra, we publicly thank t would follow, then, that necessary for this n1itzva. The same far­ Hashem for the miracles He when a person of limited reaching obligation applies to the acqui­ performed that enabled I funds is called upon to per­ sition of candles for the mitzva oflight­ us to remain His people. form one of these pirsumei nissa ing Chanuka neiros. There are those Both of these mitzvos as well as another mitz­ who seem to be perplexed as to va, the pirsumei nissa what the Talmudic source of mitzva takes prece­ these laws might be. dence. Therefore, on seder night a person THE IMPORTANCE OF who has only PUBLICIZING THE MIRACLE enough assets to purchase either t first glance, these ·· wine for the daled kosos wo mitzvos share the com- along or n1atzos, is required to buy on theme of pirsumei nissa, their statements of belonging wine. Similarly, on Shabbos publicizing miracles experienced by to the Kial, brook no excuses. Men and Chanuka, he is required to use his lim­ Kial Yisroel. The four cups of wine com­ women, young and old, rich and poor, ited funds for the purchase of ner memorate the process of the creation of even the destitute- all members of Kial Chanuka and not for the purchase of the Jewish people, while lighting the Yisroel- must participate in the daled wine for Kiddush. menora proclaims the miraculous sur- kosos and the lighting of the menora. As we often find in halacha, howev­ In regard to expenditures for per­ er, there is an exception to this rule. The Rabbi Cohen is the Rav of Congregation Adas forming other positive commands - Gemora ( Shabbos 21 b) declares that if on Yeshurun in Chicago, and serves as the Mashgiach even those of Torah origin, such as tefill­ Friday night-Chanuka a person has of Bais Medrash Le Torah in Skokie, Illinois. He is also a popular Maggid in the DafYvn1i in, succa, lulav or - a person is funds for only one candle, it should be Dial-A-Daf program. only obligated to spend twenty percent used for ner Shabbos and, surprisingly,

18 The Jewish Observer, April 1998 money so that it be in accordance with without shalom bayis, we cannot have a • halacha. As we have seen, a mitzva that Jewish nation. We must take a good hard oth of these mitzvos, promotes shalom bayis actually takes look, then, at how much time, money precedence over mitzvos that are pub­ and energy we invest in building, main­ Balong with their statements lic declarations of thanks for the creation taining and strengthening shalom bayis of belonging to the Kial, of the Jewish nation and its survival: in our own homes and in our commu- brook no excuses. Men and women, young and old, rich and poor, even the destitute - all members of Kial Yisroef - must participate in the doled kosos and the lighting Heed the call of Torah Leaders "We beseech everyone to save this Rav and his family In merit, may you be blessed of the menora. with good health and much success." Rabbi Yosef Sholom Elyashev • Rabbi Aron Leib Steinman Rabbi Nissim Karelitz · Rabbi Zalman Rotberg not for the special• pirsumei nissa mitz­ "I, too, urge everyone to save this Rav - whom I know personally­ va of ner Chanuka. The halacha follows and his family from their desperate situation." the same ruling with regard to giving Rabbi Avraham Pam priority to the purchase of ner Yam Tov Please send your tax-deductible contribution to: on the first night of Pesach, over buy­ Tzedaka V'Chesed, c/o Rabbi Avraham Blumenkrantz ing wine for the special pirsumei mitz­ 814 Caffrey Avenue, Far Rockaway, NY 11691 va of daled kosos. The glaring question is, why do the Shabbos or Yam Tov candles take prece­ THE PERFECT WAY TO REVIEW dence over the established supremacy of the pirsumei nissa mitzvos? The Gemo­ ra offers a remarkable answer: YOUR GEMORO SHIUR Rava says, "It is simple to me. [i.e. I need no textual proof.] In a contest Are you falling behind the Daf in Mesechta Shabbos? between acquiring a candle for Shab­ Do you want to catch up? - The complete Mesechta bos and a candle for Chanuka [when Shabbos, explained clearly in 32 tapes (48 hours)! there is only money for one of the two J, ner Shabbos comes first, mishum IT'S TIME FOR .M:ASTER shalom beiso- because of peace and harmony in the home." •Each Daf is read in its entirety, translated, and In other words, if we were to ask explained slowly and dearly in just 20 minutes which mitzva in the (not just a summary) necessitates the primary expenditure of ~ • 4-5 blatt per tape. $4. per tape (plus S&H) funds, the unequivocal answer would be •A tape series where you can review/prepare the ner Shabbos because the light promotes Daf in your car, on the subway, or on the bus shalom bayis. This is so obvious to the .. • Mishna tapes also available (approximately one Gemora that it does not even need to Mesechta per tape) $5. per tape (plus S&H) bring a proof. OICIO . . .. •Subscription rate: $3 per tape (plus S&H) A HALACHA-BASED PRIORITY Get ready for Mesechta Eiruvin - May 6th

t would be in place to draw atten­ 1-718-435-5438 • 1-800-966-6026 tion to the implications of the In Israel, 03-.579-4067 halacha we just reviewed, and per­ I A project of the Slabodka Yeshiva haps reassess how we tend to spend our

The Jewish Observer, April 1998 19 nities. Shalom bayis should assume a some guidelines. For exan1ple, when one quality time, buying that special gift, prime place in our lives, without any is faced with a choice of how to spend conscious consideration of one's exception or loopholes. "top dollar" on various rnitzvos, or spouse's feelings or sensitivities (no mat­ While this article is not meant as a whether to devote precious resources to ter how irrational they may seem), or medium for rendering halachic deci­ the enhancement of shalom bayis resorting to professional counseling, sions, it is not out of place to suggest through various means, such as shared may I suggest that shalom bayis should definitely take precedence? Shalom bayis is not merely something You can! Just call to "wax Rabbinic" about at Sheva Bera­ ''I wish I could chos. Shalom bayis is real and it is vital. The Yitti Leibel Shalom bayis is complicated. And it is Helpline. crucial to one's well-being. We all know speak to a HOURS: couples in pain, couples whose shalom Monday-Friday ...... Sam -l 2pm bayis is lacking. There are dedicated rab­ Monday-Thursday ...... Spm -11 pn1 banim and mentors, as well as highly therapist Sunday ...... 9ain ~12pn1, 9pm -l lp1n capable professionals, who are skilled in 718-HELP-NOW helping others with their shalom bayis. on the phone (718)435-7669 And then there is the Yitti Liebel Help Chicago (800} HELP-023 Line (which is also available for people outside of ). We cannot Lakewood (732) 363-1010 without giving [. Cleveland (888} 209-8079 afford to wait until the eleventh hour to Baltimore (410} 578-1111 seek assistance, or to advise others to do so. We cannot hide behind the excuse of ' For addiction problems call our It my name.'' addiction therapist, Wednesdays shame, because this is not shameful. 11 :30pm to I :30am is a problem that can plague almost any­ one; it must be dealt with, and it can be overcome. Delay in receiving help can be extremely damaging. As a Rav, 1 have ~ur daught(;!r deserves . witnessed the corrosive effects it can :; have on the couple; as a Mashgiach, I a s()lidfoµ!ldation ,, ;-~- ' have seen its devastating effects on the inTorah a~d Illid~os .> •• . ··.•. · wife, through their hard-earned shalom .· ·• ; ~~x~s·~f Pm1"~1l 1>µ9ce~~;•; ·.· bayis, can merit the zechus of having the i~dividll~latte~tion . · ...... Shechina dwell in their home. Like any other zechus, it takes work. Like any in sfllall, e~i:ti,~7classes ••••• other zechus, it cannot be taken for Your daugliter deserves the best. · ···· granted. Shalom bayis takes work, con­ 1 tinued work. It takes work throughout '.~~~~~:;.~~Ji: ;·... ·; tt J.;· · our lifetime. And where effort alone does DOD •. ·.·· ·•. .!! ...·.· .. ;tr~:i not seem to bear fruit, one should seek •·• DOD •· ·.... .' 1 help. . . opg ....•...... ••.•. ·.'.·.··.. ·· .. ••.•• .•...•.....•..•.•.•. •;.· r . When I was a bachur in Lakewood, a ;npn story circulated which we all flippantly .rnJ:it, r'~~··+ ...·.• J~',. repeated but could not really appreciate at that stage of our lives. · . Tikvan "··· A Yungertnan had shown Reb Schneur lllOH·.SCHOOL .Fo1101!\is Kotler 7.. llt a beautiful esrog for which he had paid a small fortune. The Rosh Yeshi­ va commented, "You would have done bet­ ""''"""'on-campus comm11n/#of~de~t~,amluJnilJkiKoltesi.'/~~~··Y·'· ter to have bought your wife something spe­ \i J.!W!lfJ minutes from New Yorfc.,f!Jity..mtli~ ~en.ter ofl'feJI' E1avenJewi$hfife. cial for Yorn Tov." A friend's esrog can be borrowed, a ArPLlCATIONS NOW ;~J:o(57s~(tii!ls-J999i ·CAl>i:lnc l!:A;.. friend's shalom bayis cannot. •

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HUMBLE BEGINNINGS one Dvar Mussar, and an inter­ view or report focusing on some ong the many skills taught aspect of Orthodox Jewish life in m the General Studies Europe before World War II. At Department of our yeshiv- least five sources are required for as, the language arts-specifically, the first two essays. verbal and written con1munication The talmidim prepare three -are an1ong the most important. drafts of each composition. Each Shouldn't our yeshiva graduates, draft is then edited by two mem· who have so much koowledge bers of the class for content and wisdom to share, learn how appropriateness, clarity of to do so effectively? thought, grammatical structure I certainly accept the truth of and use of vocabulary (special this observation, but it never editor's sheets were developed for touched me personally. I wasn't this purpose). In addition, each particularly interested in teaching writ­ ing their original thoughts on a chosen editor writes comments explaining his ing (composition skills) to the 11'" grade topic within a given theme? This idea marks and offering suggestions for class in Yeshivas Novominsk-Kol Yehu­ may have been tried before, but not being da, or anywhere else for that matter, but aware of any previous attempt to use as the , Mrs. Yehudis Perlow, not our model, we developed our own. only invited me to do so, she persisted. 1 So I ultimately accepted the position, but THE PROGRAM with a novel spin on the final instruc­ tional design. First, however, a few abbi Shlomo Spira, the secular words of introduction. studies principal, prepared the The acquisition of effective writing Rclass for the term project, clari­ skills is the product of conviction, fying any misconceptions that this was among other factors. If something is going to be a year-long vacation, that we meaningful, there is reason to write. If were not serious about publication. My there is no compelling reason to \Vrite) first few sessions with the class were one doesn't write (at least not willing· spent explaining the project and delin­ MIDWOOD SUITES ly). Additionally, clear writing is an eating my expectations. The boys expression of clear thinking. The abil­ wanted to know details of how the pro­ In the Heart of Flatbush, ity to write clearly and coherently is a ject would work and what the under­ Brooklyn, New York sign of subject mastery. We structured pinnings of its structure were. 1~he first Convenient Location. the course with this in mind. stirrings of life were at hand; the part· Near Shuts, Shopping, Bus& Subway Writing about summer vacation or nership was beginning. They acknowl­ minority quotas on the college campus edged that this was going to be an inter­ is not appropriate fare for budding active experiment, with each of us talmidei chachamim. Instead, why not dependent upon the other - a very have them write Divrei Torah, present- hopeful sign. The class is expected to complete Rabbi Kasnett is the principal of the Ocean Park­ \vay Develop1nental Center (an early childhood three original pieces of writing during and infant stimulation prograin) and Managing the course of the year: one Dvar Torah, Director of The Center For Research in Applied for Resetvatlons Theories of Education (a non-profit center for 1 I consult with Rebbetzin Perlow on educational •&. Rates Call: the development of curriculum and textbooks and 1nental health issues connected to r.1y\vork in 718-951-9569 Ext.261 reflecting traditional Jewish values for use in the special education, and she used the occasion of one falc 718-253-3269 yeshiva English Departn1ents). of our sessions to "suggest" I take the assign1nent.

The Jewish Observer, April 1998 23 improvement. The student must then A happy, playful, healthy incorporate the editor's suggestions seven year old boy with within the next draft, or defend why he feels they are not appropriate. A fourth Down Syndrome and final draft is then written and pre­ seeks a loving, intact, Orthodox pared for publication. Jewish family to care for him. a If you are interested for information on The Assignments (or /mow someone who may be) obtaining cemetery plots in PLEASE CAl.L: Eretz Hacha1m Beth Shemesh or the Divrei Torah, three topics (718) 692-5924 Har Menuchoth - Hor Hazeisim were offered: the Avos, the experi­ Information and inquiries will be kept strictly Fence in the Midbar, and Shabbos confidential, {New York State residents only) 011-972-2-641-1923 and Yam Tov. Within these themes the boys could chose almost any topic, pre­ senting it in question-answer, novel interpretation or expositional format. Interestingly, many of the bachurim Subscribe or give a gift of encountered initial difficulty with their transition fro1n the Divrei Torah to writ­ ing their Mussar piece. Creating Divrei The Jewish Obseroer Torah was not a new experience; only the format was novel, and to this they \Vere able to adjust. The Mussar piece, how­ and $ave! ever, represented uncharted territory requiring nluch more explanation WHY NOT GIVE OR GET A PRESENT regarding content, form and approach. THAT WILL LAST AN ENTIRE YEAR? The Divrei Torah is a product of the intel­ lect, but the Mussar piece must con1e Subscribe, or give a gift at these reduced prices from the heart, as well. This involves and The Jewish Observer- filled with the views confrontation with self. The sincerity of leading 1'orah thinkers on current issues- \Vill be and earnestness that characterized this delivered each month, directly to your door. stage of the project was touching, for it represented an aspect of personal growth The longer you subscribe fOr, the larger your savings. I had not anticipated - a real bonus. Of course, this ofler is unconditionally t,l1.la:ranteed; Besides the actual writing, I was witness you may cancel at any tin1e and receive a refund for to subtle signs of maturation. all undeliYered copies. One student, frustrated by his inability to break through the writing So order today, and the very next issue will be on barrier for the Mussar piece, drew a cir­ its \vay to you as soon as possible. cle on the white plastic tablecloth cov­ ering his table. In the circle he wrote J.0. SlJRSCRIPTION SAVINGS (;ERTl1''1CATE the word kina (envy) - his main cat­ 0 YES, I want to take adYantage of this 1noney saving offer! Enter lU)' order as follows: egory. Then he drew lines extending 0 NE\\/ SljBSCRIPTION U HENE\VAL 0 GIFI' Nanw•. ______outside the circle, writing words relat- \IS.\ •nti'JSlHE o-.:rr BA Addrrss. ______~ 0 8 years Cov<'r Price $105 Your cost $60 $96 City _____ 0 2 years Co\;t'l' Prief' S70 Your cost $44 $611 Zip _____ 0 I year Cnn·r Price $35 Your cost $24 $36 Stale~---- 1::1 ~<"ml gift t"ard from: ______

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24 The Jewish Observer, April 1998 ed to, or associated with, the midda of of 'vriting, editing, reviewing and rewrit­ ing 10>" HaShas that was recently kina - his sub-categories. Next, he list­ ing necessary to produce each ArtScroll celebrated by Orthodox Jews around the ed other words associated with each Gemora. The students asked questions, world. (See adjoining essay.) sub-category. By the time he finished, received answers, and learned that good he had graphically organized his essay. writing doesn't happen without work, CONCLUSION Excited, he cut out his outline and took 1nore work and then even more work. it with him. Besides exhibiting creative Likewise, he discussed the writing his writing program is not an thinking, he also displayed some excel­ process, from original idea to final approach that is suitable for lent study skills. form, as it pertained to the two English Tevery situation, and specific fac­ sefarim he authored on .J tors integral to its success must be taken OBSERVATIONS After completion of the first essay, into consideration (see footnote 2). Rabbi Nasson Scher1nan, General Editor However, there are many students who he actual details of the curricu­ of ArtScroll Publications, addressed the are \.Vasting many, many hours of time lum, as well as the writing envi­ group, stressing the necessity to com­ in their English studies, time when they Tronment and atmosphere, are municate Torah in the language of the could be attaining valuable accom­ variables that were well considered and medina, a labor of love by various Jew­ plishments for themselves and, perhaps, planned for, but too technical for inclu­ ish leaders throughout the ga/us. The Kial Yisroe/, while maturing and refin­ sion in this article.2 The Learning Curve, Me'am Loaz was cited as a prime exan1- ing themselves as Torah personalities. As ho\vever, is worth noting. The most ple. Further, the availability of quality the Rebbetzin saliently commented to exciting aspect of this experin1ent is the English language Torah literature is one Rabbi Scherman regarding his achieve­ interest shovvn by the talmidim in per­ of the main elements foeling the unprece­ ments (and the achievements of many fecting the writing process, and the dented desire for learning that we witness others), "All of this was accomplished intensity shown during the editing today, whether in the with high school English." B process. The students actively discussed Movement or within the ranks of the /rum appropriate punctuation and capital­ from birth. No greater testimony can be 3 A Future and A Hope and Ancient Jv[ountains, Ti1ncless Hills are both collected essays on Chu­ ization, run-on sentences, tense and brought than the elevating and electrify- nrnsh Bcreishis. number, clarity of expression, proper spelling of transliterations, and precision of language when translating fron1 Hebrew and (including context sensitive and appropriate literal and fig­ urative translations). Selecting expres­ sive synonyn1s became particularly in1portant. Even proper usage of colons and semi-colons was debated - all of it student generated. The students did come to me for clar­ ification and direction, however, and therein lies the beauty of the process. Conviction drives one to perform and to perform correctly. This spirit encon1- passed the entire writing process.

SWEETENERS

earning by example is important. To that end, l invited two guest lec­ Lturers to expound upon the cre­ ative writing process. The first was my older brother, Nesanel Kasnett, senior editor of the ArtScroll Gemora project, who discussed the multi-tiered process

2 A detailed report on the mechanics, and the scope and sequence of this project is available All Kosher for Passover products are under the supervision of the Onion of fro1n the author. Orthodox: Jewish Congregations of America and the Volover Rav, Rabbi Teitelbaum Shlita.

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\ TEACHING COMMUNICATION IN YESHIVA HIGH SCHOOL Rabbi Nasson Scherman The Mandate to Communicate Torah in the Vernacular Excerpts From a Presentation to an Eleventh Grade 1

hile visiting Rabbi Yaakov Kial Yisroel would be exiled into many than perfectly clean clothing is worthy Kamenetzky ?"oil one Chol lands, and that the Jewish people would of death. Why? Because to people who W Hamoed Succos, someone have to be ready to teach and transmit are not talmidei chachamim, this is a teasingly asked what would become of the Torah to succeeding generations, no Chillul Hashem. People judge Torah the English sefarim when Moshiach matter where they were and whatever through the people who represent comes. Some laughed, thinking the language they spoke. It was, in a way, a Torah. When people see those who rep­ quip to be cute, but not Reb Yaakov. sort of ma'aseh avos siman l'vanim - resent Torah in a negative light, they The Rosh Hayeshiva responded that just the acts of our ancestors foretelling think, "Who needs this!" as Ladino, in its time, became a lan­ future trends. No one in the midbar Right now we are in a struggle for the guage of Torah and Yiddish became a (wilderness) spoke Russian, so for that future spiritual well-being of Bretz Yis­ language of Torah, today English has generation it surely was not needed, but roel. The Reform and Conservative become a language of Torah. The test in our time, sacred texts written in Russ­ Jews are trying to wrest control of the is whether or not a sefer expresses Torah ian are undeniably essential. spiritual affairs in Bretz Yisroel away from properly. The Rosh Hayeshiva felt that the Orthodox by projecting a distorted there are English sefarim that pass the JUDGING THE MESSAGE BY THE image of our community to those test and when Moshiach comes these PRESENTER ... AND HIS PRESENTATION unlearned in Torah. If the Orthodox English sefarim will indeed be used by Jews are to stop them, it will only be if Kial Yisroel. icture, if you will, someone with we can clearly present our case to peo­ Many who left yeshiva, possibly never little or no Torah knowledge, ple who are not frum, to people who again to attempt the serious learning of Pspeaking in broken Hebrew or have never learned Torah. The battle for Torah, have returned in greater numbers Yiddish, attempting to present a Dvar public opinion rages here and in Bretz than imagined because of the availabil­ Torah. You can tell from his accent and Yisroel, and who is speaking for us? The ity of quality English language sefarim mistakes that this person has no Torah unaligned do not know what a ta/mid that present Torah in an authentic, pen­ background. What is your attitude? chacham is - they have no tools with etrating, and sophisticated manner. You'll be polite. You won't laugh because which to appreciate his Torah knowl­ The Chiddushei Harim comments on it isn't nice, but you might think it amus­ edge. But when they see someone who why Moshe Rabbeinu explained and ing, and you may mimic him later. Will stands with dignity and who speaks with wrote the Torah be' er heitev, in a clear you remark to your friends regarding the clarity, they are impressed. I have always elucidation in seventy languages. If mesirus nefesh this presentation been impressed by a carpenter who truly Moshe Rabbeinu wrote the Torah in all required? You probably would not. knows how to use the tools of his trade. the languages, then, axiomatically, this Now imagine bnei Torah speaking Where you and I might end up frus­ had to be necessary for the future of Kial before your average English-speaking trated, with sore thumbs, the carpenter Yisroel. Hashem revealed to Moshe that who know nothing of can create furniture, a house, a beauti­ Torah or bnei Torah. What will they ful Aron Kodesh. Rabbi Scherman, noted author and lecturer, is think? The Gemora states that a ta/mid Hashen1 gave us tools - intelligence, general editor of ArtScroll/Mesorah publications, chacham who presents himself with less wisdom, Torah. We must cultivate the edits Olomeinu (Torah U'Mesorah's magazine for ability to use these tools effectively, in children), and serves on the Editorial Board of 1. See previous article. The Jewish Observer. the language and manner that others can

The Jewish Observer, April 1998 27 understand and respect. This is how the NO EASY ROAD TO CLEAR Rabbi Yechezkel Abramsky was once battle for the spiritual dominance of COMMUNICATION asked to say a hadran fa,. a small group of Eretz Yisroel will be won. baalei batti1n in England, where he was f you want to be clear, it takes work. .. head of the Beis Din. In the ca,- on the way it takes a lot of work. \"/hen I was still to the siyum, Rabbi Abrarnsky H1as unusu­ I marking papers as a Rebbe in the ally quiet. When asked why, he responded classroom, I would deduct points if the that he was thinking about 1vhat lie 1vill say answer was not clear. The boys would at the hadran. "But H..ebbe," the driver said, protest, and I would respond, "Listen. "there are only twelve rnen in the group, and You're not the Gemora and I am not 111aybe only one or tlvo of then1 know hoiv Post Graduate Trai11i11g Program your Rashi. In the Gemora, I have to fig­ to read Rashi. Whatever the Rav says 1vill in Famity Therapy for Frum ure out pshat and look in Rashi to guide be good." Rabbi Abrarnsky became very Therapists Working with the 1ne. When you write an answer and it upset with this and responded emphatical­ Orthodox Jewish Commu11ity is not clear, I may know what you 111ean ly, "I will be saying Torah, and when one to say, but, in the end, you didn't say it. speaks words of Torah, every word rnust be For further information contact: I have to be able to understand your right, and 'right' means that every word The Family Institute of Westchester answer:' In the beginning of the year, the n1ust be clear." Orthodox Training Program in Marital and Family Thern.py talmidim considered 1ne very mean, but 7-11 South Broadway, Suite 400 by the end of the year they understood CISTERNS, WELLS AND SPRINGS While Plains, NY 10601 that Torah has to be right - it is 914-684-1313 •fax: 914-684-1311 Hashem's Torah and it must be right. ( (Drink water from your own cisterns and flowing water from your own well. [Then] your springs will spread out­ ward, streams of water in the thor­ oughfares" (Mishlei 4,15-16). The Vilna Gaon teaches that three different levels of learning are presented \Vithin these two pesukim. The first level is when one learns from a Rebbe, represented by the cistern. A cistern is supplied v.rith water fron1 an outside source (rain v..1ater, etc.). Similarly, when one learns from a Rebbe, his learning is derived from an outside source. 1'he next level is when one learns on his own, drawing forth the waters of Torah from within him­ self. This is represented by the well, for a well has its own source of water that can continually be drawn upon. The final stage of learning is when one Shirts Plus has been the An exclusive collection of: teaches others, represented by one's

trendsetter in superior Shirts. Ties. Sportswear springs spreading outward and into the thoroughfares. quality men's accessones for Wallets. Leather. Sweaters The Gaon comments that everyone close to two decades. \Ve've Belts. Cuffhnks. Smoking is obligated to teach Torah - whether earned a well deserved Jackets. Robes. Accessories to the talmidim in shiur, or the mem­ reputation for personal ser- Worlds Fint"st Designers: bers of his family. "7o learn and to vice, vast selection, and top designers-all at Gianni Versace. Gianfranco Ferre. Perry Ellis. teach ... ,'' this is the Torah's charge - reasonable prices. Give yourseU the look you Calvin Klein. Kenneth Cole. Giorgio Armani. even if only to your children. Yet, no matter whom you teach, your Torah want and truly deserve-the Shirts Plus look! Mondo di Marco. Many, many more ... must be correct. One cannot fulfill the command to teach others is they don't SHIRTS PLUS MEN'S BOUTIQUE respect you. If you are not concise, if you 1374 CONEY 151.AND AVENUE • 718-252"4488 HOURS. DAILY, lO·t't •LATE NIGHT THURSDAY• WE ACCEPT MAJOR CREDIT CARDS• NATIONWJDE SHIPPING are not exact, if you don't kno\v the lan-

28 The Jewish Observer, April 1998 rectly, and pays off in more ways than ingful format that appealed to their I one can anticipate. Baalei teshuva and mature minds. Some have gone on to many who haven't learned since their give shiurim on their own! Why? eople judge Torah yeshiva days and began to learn again, Because someone put in the effort to through the people have done so because Torah was avail­ express the Torah - be'er heitev - P able to them in an attractive, mean- clearly, thoroughly and beautifully. • who represent Torah. I

guage and cannot formulate clear expla­ nations that can be heard and visualized) then how can you fulfill this dictum? Why should anyone want to listen to you, or be moved to appreciate Torah on your account? FOR The preface to the Teshuvos of Rabbi THE FINEST Akiva Eiger quotes a letter from the IN author to his son with instructions on how a sefer should be published. Eiger's whole life was a AND VIDEO study in humility, in self-effacement. He USA/ISRAEL said that he never called anyone his talmid because "Who knows who learned more fro1n whom?" This supreme anavinsisted that a sefermust be a study in beauty because it is Torah. It must evoke a sense of awe and appreciation from the person holding it and learning from it. The type should be clear, the paper should be of good quality, the binding should be strong and the page proofs should be reviewed over and over to re1nove any errors. •The Z'chus of Living, Breathing and Experiencing the Kedusha of fretz Yisrael • VVhy? Because it is Torah, and it 1nust The Torah Touring Experience of a Lifetime! •Daven by the Kosel Ha'Marovi •Climb Matsada • Inspiring Shiurim • Shabbos in Tzfas • Teveria • Meron • Amazing Workshops I be beautiful and correct. • Kevrei Tzadikim • • Amulcah • Experience Yerusholoyim in Depth •Delicious Hotel 1orah has to be pleasing, and when Style Meals• Swim in the Kinneref • Shobbos in Yerusholoyim •Kayak in the Yarden • 1 they listen to a ben Torah, they have to Rosh Hanikra •Fully Equipped Modern Gym • Underground Caves• Eilat •Glass Bottom Boot • Air Conditioned Dining Rooms • Banana Boating • Ein Gedi • Biblical loo • I say: "Fortunate is the father who taught Waterparks • Har Haziseim • Beautiful Campus & Dormitory • Snorkling • Paddle him Torah, fortunate is the mother who Boating• Campfire• Tour fhe Gali/ •Daven Va'sekin at Kosel• light & Sound Desert I taught him Torah, fortunate is the Experience• Golan Heights• Gomfa •Cable Cars• Be'er Sheva •Make Wonderful International Friends • Yael Vashem • Swim in Yam Hamelach • Bedouin Tents • I Rebbe who taught him Torah." Decoupage• Climb Incredible Mountains• Achdus • Tzipori •Arts & Crafts• Our Own Olympic Pool• Grape Picking• Shmiras Halashon Rally• Rabbi Zev Leff• Ancient Susya I THE PATH TO GOOD WRITING •Cairo Geniza Museum• Jeeping• Hotel Homerchazi in Tzefas •Hotel El Artzei in Eilat • Kanyan Ha'odom • Silk Screening• Meo Shearim • Rebbe's Tisch• Flower & Fruit I Decoration• Camel Rides• Color War• Kever Rachel• Kever Dovid Homelech • Meorot ow do you learn to write well? • Meorot Chozon • Nachal Amud Nature Trail • Climb Sand Dunes • Mearof I Hakemach • Degem Beis Hamikdash • Klei Hamishkan • Hay Rides • Banyas • Mock The only way to learn to write • Swim in Hotzbanei River• Sunset Kumzitz by the Ocean • Tzfas Candle I H is by writing. Some of the best Factory • Cave of the Chashmonoim •Orange Picking • and Much,. Much More/ writers in the Torah world perfected •Just Ask Am:: of our Wonderful Machane Bracha Campers! their skills by corresponding with me and others. Does anyone here write let­ ters, or do you simply pick up the I A Safe, Secawe, Warm Atmosphere In Magnificent Yad Blnyamln phone and call instead? It is well Under the Direction of Rabbi Sholom & Mrs. Chaya G/nzberg I worth the effort to write Torah cor- L _if!!'!.£.:!:.:!.~ -~!l.~"!.. ~.! .!.7W3.!!-:!~ - - •

The Jewish Observer, April 1998 29 TEACHING COMMUNICATION IN YESHIVA HIGH SCHOOLS A Letter with a Comment

LITERATURE AS A COMMUNICATOR OF subject matter. part of her answer. This is not a simple VALUES TO OUR CHILDREN Among the main objectives of a lit­ question of reading comprehension, but erature program (as expressed in a rather an opening to discuss social pres­ To the Editor: teacher's guide) are "to present the lit­ sures, gender stereotyping, etc. The There have been many articles and erary works as a model of human expe­ third question asks the student to dis­ discussions about the literature cours­ rience to develop the students' capaci­ cuss preferences in selecting recipients es in our yeshivos and schools. They ty to envisage alternatives in hun1an of tzeddaka, clearly a halacha issue. raised the obvious question whether the responses, in moral choices and in ways All of these questions fit right into the literature used has the type of language, of life." Also, "to increase their sensitiv­ Yahadus curriculum. What credentials plot, and author which the future par­ ity to the needs, feelings and thoughts and qualifications do our literature ents of Kial Yisroel should be exposed of others.'' In other word'), literature is teachers have that we should allow them to. I would like to raise another point a vehicle for philosophical and moral to offer evaluations with implications which may be even 1nore serious. Even discussion. regarding such important concepts? if the material has been properly select­ I" would like to help you visualize Using the writings of the secular world ed, there can be a problem with the way these objectives and methods by shar­ as a springboard for these discussions, the teacher analyzes and discusses the ing with you some actual discussion regardless of who the teacher may be, questions from a literature class in a Bais is certainly suspect. A secular or even Yaakov high school. These questions are observant teacher without Torah-based iln?-v ilNl!:ti? ??~ni17l 11n7? NJ direct quotations fron1 a written assign­ hashkafos (based on years of studying ,,,il 1}.l::J ment, so there should not be any ques­ the classical sources unimpeded by for­ i11.l?'\!> ?N11!>" D""n tion of misquotes or misunderstanding eign influences) cannot be entrusted ., ") .,,, i11"1!> 1:i of the intent. The students were told to with these issues, even if the reading O't:lW 'Dn1 1'1~'\V read a play by a secular author. After material is limited to ArtScroll and Feld­ reading the play, they were told to con­ heim works or similar publications. sider the following questions: Obviously, many will answer that CHEVRA OSEH CHESED 1. "After we mold someone into government credits will not be award­ OF AGUDATH ISRAEL something or someone different, are \Ve ed if this kind of course is not given. responsible for their future? Explain why Even if this is true, there are many boys BURIAL PLOTS or why not." and girls who are sent to school with­ IN ERETZ YISROEL 2. "What qualities and characteristics out the intention of their continuing in Interment in a Shomer Shabbos Beis make someone 'a lady'? Consider those a college-level program. There are many Olam near Reis Shemesh characteristics presented in the play as fine yeshivas and Bais Yaakovs that Please jJhonit or write to: part of your answer:' clearly state that their students are Chewa OsehCbe$ed of Agudalh Israel 3. "In the play, reference is made by guided to understand that colleges and 84 William Str-eet,New YOfll:, NY 10038 one of the characters to the 'deserving universities are not for Bnei and Bnos (212) 197-9000 poor' and the 'undeserving poor.' What Yisroel. For all these, there is no ques­ criteria do you think he uses to differ­ tion that the subject matter must be entiate between the two groups?" avoided. For the others, the question must be addressed: Is the course per­ ~ *** mitted under halacha? What kind of ,..\\" Invei ~ Let us analyze these questions and the teachers should teach this course? discussion they would generate. The first Should a Rebbetzin or Yahadus teacher cr~"c~(,..<(r Hage1en question refers to responsibility for be engaged to sit in and guide the dis­ one's actions. It clearly touches on the cussion? ~~l. ( The service cardinal beliefs of Judaism - free After reading this letter, ask your child r1..l for older singles choice, and reward and punishment, the to describe his or her English course and "'L A project of N'shei tenth and eleventh "Ani Maamin"prin­ see for yourself if the situation is the Agudath Israel with ciples. The second question addresses same - or different - in his or her Agudath Israel of America the root of Bais Yaakov-type qualities to school. I hope this letter will succeed in 66!9 !3th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY ll2!9 be admired in women. The question awakening the Kial to this problem. Tel. (718) 256-7525 •Fax (718) 256-7578 asks the student to use the play as only NAME WITHHELD BY REQUEST

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Sarah Herman Cohen ''Don't Hijack My Sarah Schenirer!'' A Plea to Jewish Feminists

The Late Blossoming ofJewish Feminism poster girl of the Jewish Feminists. After hundred years ago, Torah was all, didn't she stir up "a War of the Rab­ absolutely forbidden to the opposite sex;' t's an irony of our times that bis" (to use one memorable phrase) in contends one editorialist. This is, quite although American women have her pursuit of the noble goal of Torah simply, untrue. What is forbidden is to I come through the aggressive femi­ education for women? teach specific parts of Torah SheBaal Peh nism of the sixties and seventies into (i.e. Mishna and Gemora) to women. (See an essential post-feminist reality, Jewish A Spiritual Daughter of Frau Schenirer Mishna in Sota 20a; , Laws feminism has only recently come of age. of 1:13; Chafetz Chaim in Cliched concepts like "the inherent, long with thousands of other Likutei Halachos, Sota 20a.) Personally, heavy-handed patriarchalism of society;' girls, I grew up in the Bais that leaves me with enough in Torah She­ and hackneyed buzz-words like A Yaakov movement, and consid­ bichsav plus philosophical and narrative "empowerment" and "struggle" are er myself a spiritual daughter of Sarah parts of the Oral Tradition to fill sever­ coming to be invested with new mean­ Schenirer. I stand tall today as a proud, al lifetimes. l don't have to violate divrei ing as Jewish feminists create fresh bat­ educated Jewish woman, in no small Ghazal to prove that I have a brain. So tlegrounds in the arenas of public measure due to her courage and vision. let's not blur the lines. prayer, study of Talmud, and rabbinical I know, beyond the shadow of doubt, status. The inevitable claim is that that she would be horrified at the use War of the Rabbis? many long-standing Orthodox tradi­ to which her name is being put today. tions are denigrating to women and And so, I must stand up for her honor, hen there's that matter of Sarah actually trample on their rights. 1 Much and set the record straight. Schenirer's launching her own can - and probably will - be said in First of all, the facts: "Less than one Tlittle "War of the Rabbis" by pit­ explaining the truth, beauty and inher­ ting the Chofetz Chaim, the Belzer ent harmony of Orthodoxy's (read: the 1 An article is currently in preparation, explor­ Rebbe, and the Gerrer Rebbe"against the ing the latest trends of Feminism and their inter­ Torah's) assigned roles for men and section with Orthodoxy, with special note of the overwhelming majority of rabbis, women, and the way this inner truth is recent conference on Orthodoxy and Feminism. including the Satmar Rav, Rabbi Yoe! beautifully expressed in ritual and litur­ gy. The debate is multifaceted, and answers do exist for all questions. As for me, I would like to address one particular point in the discussion. The new wave of Jewish feminists is seeking legitimation for activities that stretch, if not snap, the threads of halacha and tra­ dition, such as formal study of Mishna and Gemora, and women's n1inyanim. In doing so, they have cast their nets as far is seeking to engage a afield, and executed a maneuver, the audacity of which leaves me breathless. Rav and Moreh Ho 'rooh as Manhig of the Keh ilia. The revered Sarah Schenirer is now the Duties include responsibility of the Talmud Torah. Sarah Herman Cohen is a graduate of Ba is Yaakov High School of Monsey and Bais Yaakov of All communications kept confidential. Yerushalayiln, and currently teaches in Shevach INFORMATION: High School for Girls in Flushing, NY. The writer wishes to thank Joe Bobker, editor and publish­ Tel: 612-9389-0441 er of the LA Jewish Times, for his permission to reprint parts of this article which had original­ Fax: 61 2-9389-0090 ly appeared in that paper,

The Jewish Observer, April 1998 33 Teitelbaun1." opposition until girls' formal education vision of these brave women, as it did "War of the Rabbis." Hmmm. A short became the norm. But the implied com­ Sarah Schenirer's. list of some of the many Torah giants parison, which goes something like And now for the historical facts: The who were solidly in her corner, in addi­ this, is invalid: Sarah Schenirer had to list of rabbis, headed by the Chafetz tion to those cited above: Rabbi Yosef circun1vent Jewish tradition for the sake Chaim, who backed Sarah Schenirer, Yitzchak Schneerson of Lubavitch, of a higher principle. Some rabbis may be short - as is the list of those Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzenski ofVilna, agreed with her, some did not; she per­ who lend their rabbinical imprimatur to Rabbi of Lutzk, severed, and has been vindicated by his­ the cause of women's prayer groups and Rabbi Ben Zion Halberstam of Bobov, tory. By the same token, today's women Talmud study groups. But very few Rabbi Moshe' nu Friedman - the Boy­ have to circumvent Jewish tradition/law among the Chofetz Chaim's opposers aner Rebbe of Cracow, and Rabbi for the higher cause of women's spiri­ could claim his stature and authority. of Baranovitch. tuality, derived fron1 women's ­ Without naming any names, it is laugh­ In spite of such illustrious support, im, et al; some rabbis concur, some rab­ able to put those rabbis who support the I do concede that she had to face much bis oppose; history will vindicate the feminist causes today on the same pedestal as he.

"More Than Law Demands"?

t the heart of the travesty is the pro-fen1inist contention that ABais Yaakov is history's proof that halacha can be changed to accommo­ date the Zeitgeist. When essential to Judaic survival, so the argument goes, n Jemsalem, an exceptional talmid chochom supported the Torah has an internal, self-correct­ his family with modest dignity. ing mechanism. "It is called lifnim A brilliant son suffered a breakdown. Then a daughter n1eshuras hadin, which means that whilst Jews are expected to obey the became ill. Another son. Both parents suffered heart attacks! basics of Torah, they are - subject to The head of the household - a sick and broken man - their time and place - encouraged to had to leave his job and take a less demanding one. He earns 'walk beyond the narrow line of law':' Again, there is confusion, this time 2000 shekalim a month and his monthly bills for medicine in terminology. The concept of lifnim alone are 1330 shekalim! meshuras hadin is not an invitation to Those are the bare unadorned facts. "walk beyond the narrow line of the law" to the extent of possibly leaving it; Now you can understand why a great Yerushalmi talmid rather, it implies a trip in the opposite chochom has been forced, for the first time in his life, to direction, in doing niore than is required, to demonstrate love of G-d. appeal for help. If I may play devil's advocate for a Please don't fail him! Open your heart to his plight and 1no1nent, the term that should have been help as generously as you can. Your contribution will literally save a noble fantily from destmction. Ahappy, handsome, sociable four year old boy with special needs seeks a loving, HaRav Yoseph Shalom Elyashiv HaRav Shmuel Auerbach intact, Orthodox Jewish family to care HaRav Avrohom Pam HaRav Abron Schechter for him and help him grow. HaRav Yaakov Schechter He has a winning smile, a great sense of humor, and would make a loving addition to any family. Please make out tax deductible checks to Gomlei Chesed If you are interested (or know someone who may be) PLEASE CALL; (718} 692-5924 Information and inquiries will be kepi strictly confidential, (New York State residents only)

34 The Jewish Observer, April 1998 used, which truly indicates the "inter­ that our prayer is no less precious for FULL SERVICE BROKER nal, self-correcting mechanism," is being whispered from behind the hora'as sha'a. The concept of hora'as ; our service of G-d no less valu­ ADAM Z. RICE sha'a allows breaking with Jewish tra­ able for being practiced in a venue that TRIPP & CO., INC. dition for a limited time, for the ultimate is more hidden and private than that of Specialists - Tax Free Bonds purpose of preservation of Torah. True our husbands and fathers. Established 1938 hara' as sha'a may take a longer, 1nore cir­ As we approach Pesach, it might be lvfember NASD & SIPC cuitous route; but it ahvays comes back worthwhile to remember that, in the to home base, within the spirit of G-d's words of the Sages, it was not "in the law, interpreted and passed down by merit of won1en's prayer groups," but "in 212-608-4710 those holy men known as Chazal- our the merit of righteous women," who 800-232-1013 40 Rector Street, New York 10006 Sages, of blessed memory. were outstanding in their courage, their Fax 212-608-9796 vision, and their tzenius, that "our fore­ A "Revolutionary," Lost in the Crowd fathers were redeemed from Egypt." •

t the ceremony marking the lay­ ing of the foundation stone of the Afirst official Bais Yaakov building, Thousands of scholars"'OJ in Cracow, thousands were in attendance to honor the occasion. The crowd was addressed by various notables, extolling can't live without Torah the virtues of the pioneering students. And "courageous, bold, audacious Sarah Schenirer,'' at the event that marked the fulfillment of her dreams, where was shel In the audience, among her stu­ dents, shunning the spotlight of the plat­ Or food. form. Frau Schenirer did what she knew she had to do to save Torah for future gen­ erations. But, in doing so, she never §"he learning of Torah poverty. So that an this Pesach for them, a expressed anything but the highest rev­ is the foundation orphaned child does not Pesach of freedom from erence for the rabbis of her ti1ne- even, upon which the Jewish suffer from his fate. want. .. freedom to contin­ I am certain, the great Rabbi Teitelbaum people live. And the Today, more than ue in their holy vocation. of Satmar, who later opposed her. To dedicated Talrnidei ever, Ezras Torah NEEDS Because many of our YOU TO HELP those scholars who can't live undermine any Torah authority would Chachomim ... those pre­ cious few who have cho­ v·:ho keep the study of without Torah, can't live be, ultimately, to undermine the impact sen to make the study of Torah alive. Please make without your help! of what she was trying to achieve. The Torah their lifes' devotion, image of this crusader at the foundation are the cornerstone of that stone ceremony, losing herself among foundation. EIGHTY-THIRD ANNIVERSARY the crowd at her own simcha, under­ Unfortunately, for EZAAS TOAAH scores a truth she embodied, which many hundreds of Torah THE HUMAN SIDE OF TORAH PHILANTHROPY seems to be lost on those who would families, day~to-day living is a constant struggle for demand identical obligations for Jewish .------, : I would lik~ !(J hdp Eu:i-< Tor~h'< needY. Endo-;ed i_1 m1· 1:1x deductihk rnmribunon for survival! I . . lt men and women. This woman, revolu­ EZRAS TORAH is i J 518 J 550 J 518() :i 5360 J 51.000 l tionary and innovative where she saw a dedicated to the cause of i :I 5.:Vi J 5100 J 5250 J 5500 JS \ ! - , I need, knew better than to equate visi­ keeping our needy Torah : I'll'~><: cnn:1ci 111<: regardmg esi:il'li~hmg an Ezras Tor:1h l-:11d01\nwnt Fund tor a : : :i Fr<:<: Lo:m Fund :::l ,\l<:dKal Fund : bility with substance. It was enough for scholars learning. For the I _ _ , I ! Plose send m<: an f'.zr:1s Torah l!ala,·h,_- Pocke1 Calendar & t_;u1de to Syn:1gogue : past 83 years we have her to see the fruition of her vision. Her : (uswm,, tor !1115 1·e:ir. 5-~8 (cht:ek<:d hdow. rnmributmn rndo-;<:dl : life's work was to continue that vision. been an anonymous J J Po,kt·Hi1.rd !khrew lu1rh J Prn:ket·,;zed Engihh Lua ch J \f.111-,i~d Hebre11- Lu:"h J source of sustenance so ' , She did not need public accolades to val­ i .\!:Ike check p:1yahk to '\:um: 1 that our scholars can cope : El.RA:iT

The Jewish Observer, April 1998 35 / & ~· ····-=n· •U =U Judaic Software DAGESH'"2VJ)'1 Version 2.1

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il',; el'' in Your Home: :If!' T~b B.~nefit Hosts Receive From fttviting 6-,t.rests for Shabbos and Yorn Tov

1.!nd [.iit;~~~~Avinu) pJa~!ed ~~aitth()s_e wh_o invite guests into their lives of your guests, your hospitality is an "sher in Be' er.. She:va''· homes, Chazalha:ve promised us peiros excellent, fully legitimate vehicle for meet - ,33l: ,1~§!r'ff.~·i (fruits or profits) of the reward in this ing new people and making new friends. world (Shabbos 127a). And next to health, few things in life are 1Alat Attll~!lm fuit' ~piniOns While that reward can come in unlim­ more valuable than sincere friendship. frq;;al; ited forms, at least some of the reward Hachnosas orchim not only provides t-wru;. an orchard. must be found in the mitzva itself, as we opportunities for developing new rela­ ·• thouse" (Som IOa). are taught, "S'char n1itzva mitzva, The tionships with peers, but it also affords "The word x .· . >is an acronym for reward for a mitzva is [inherent to} the unique opportunities to cultivate ties achila (eating); .sh~ytJ (drinking) and mitzva" (Pirkei Avos 4:2). with Rabbanim and other Torah per­ /evaya (escortillg gnests)" (Rashi on What follows is but a partial list of sonalities whom one might not have Kesubos Sb). the immediate, tangible bonuses for ful­ otherwise even met. It is quite well­ "These [three] letters [of this word] filling the mitzva of hachnosas orchim known, for example, that the warm, inti­ are the same [as those of] sha'al (asking), that flow from the mitzva itself. Hope­ mate relationship which Rabbi Paysach because Avraham Avinu would say to all fully, after reviewing this list, more peo­ Krohn enjoyed with Rabbi Shalom those who passed by, 'Ask for whatever ple will be enticed to plant an AiSHel Schwadron ~··lll for over thirty years, and you want.' Then he would give his guest in their own hon1es. which led to the now-classic, highly whatever was requested" (Rabbeinu acclaimed "Maggid Series," came about Bachyei on Bereishis 21,33). THE FRUITS through hachnosas orchim. The word Aishe/, therefore, has come 3. Adding spice to your Shabbos table. to represent the Jewish tradition of hos­ I. A deep feeling of satisfaction and ful­ Some families have so little to discuss pitality which was planted so deeply fillment. with each other that a typical Shabbos into the soul of our people by Avraham Anytime you extend yourself to help meal, zemiros and all, is concluded in less Avinu that it still continues to blossom a fellow Jew, you are immediately reward­ than forty- five minutes. By adding a forth today. ed with a deep feeling of satisfaction and guest or two, all sorts of new ideas, infor­ a profound sense of fulfillment. While mation, and points of view are intro­ INFREQUENT PRACTICE this is true for all acts of chessed, it is even duced, which can liven up the conver­ n1ore so for hachnosas orchim. sation around your table. nfortunately, there are so1ne For the minimal sacrifice of includ­ Jewish homes, even very frum ing a guest at your Shabbos table or in Uones, where the mitzva of your sukka, you may benefit your guest hachnosas orchim (hospitality) is only immeasurably. Your guest may have had practiced infrequently, if at all. These no where else to eat, may have had food people may have lost sight of the great but not the warmth of a family, or may rewards due to those who regularly prac­ have had both but not the Torah-true tice this mitzva. In addition to the boun­ atmosphere of Shabbos or Yam Tov. In tiful rewards in Olam Habba, which the latter case, your hospitality could Beautiful rooms, with kitchen facilities, in result in bringing your guest closer to the heart of Soro Park, by day or week. Dr. Meir Wilder, a psychotherapist and fumily COW1- Yiddishkeit, providing merit for you and Near Shuls, take out foods, etc. Profits to Mifal Torah Vodaas. selor in private practice, is a frequent contributor your family for generations to come. to these pages. This article was adapted by the author fron1 his book,AiSHeL: Contnnporary Stories ofJew­ 2. An opportunity to make new friends. Call (718) 851-2969 ish Hospitality (Feldheim Publishers, '94). Even if you have little impact on the No T.V:s

The Jewish Observer, April 1998 31 I recall, for example, one Shabbos meal at our home at which we had one HAT PLITS guest who was born and raised in South I I Africa and another who had lived for a year in India. The fascinating conver­ sation that ensued brought the exotic fla­ ~#I Stop. 7": vor of these faraway places into our din­ • BORSALINO ing room. 4. Opportunities to do other mitzvos. •CLASSIC Your associations with your guests •PINELLI will afford you countless opportunities to perform other mitzvos, which you •STETSON probably would not have otherwise had. The chessed of making shidduchim is one WE ALSO DRY CLEAN & RESHAPE HATS example. {All work done on premises) Hachnosas orchim also provides opportunities to perform the chessed of Please note our new address: helping people find roommates, apart­ 1368 Coney Island Avenue ments and even jobs, the latter of (718) 377-5050 which, according to the Rambam, con­ stitutes the highest form of tzeddaka. 5. Muting family tensions. To help harness the enormous spirit Family conflicts that lay dormant all reverberating throughout the Americas week can easily erupt during the extend­ in the wake of the historic Tenth Siyum ed interaction of a HaShas of the Dal Yomi, Agudath Israel Shabbos seuda. of America's Oaf Yomi Commission Whether harsh words are spoken reminds the public that. .. between parents, between siblings, or • If you require assistance in the forma­ between parent and child, the serenity tion of a new Oaf Yomi group and/or of Shabbos is shattered. are in need of a qualified maggid shiur, But when a guest is at the table, every­ the Oaf Yomi Commission can help. one at home is on his or her best behav­ • For a laminated book-mark with a 16- ior. "Can't you suggest anyone for me to month Oaf Yoml calendar, free of invite for Yorn Tov?!" a neighbor once charge, our office can be written or pleaded, desperately, with my wife. "We faxed. A 32-page seven-year calendar always make sure to have at least one is also available, for a handling charge guest at the table so my boys don't try of $2.00 each. to kill each other with their dirty looks • If you are aware of a new Oaf Yomi and comments. But the guest we were shiur, please contact us for a Shiur counting on just canceled!" Registration Form, so that it can be included in the new edition of the North 6. Learning from others. American Directory of Oaf Verni One of the greatest rewards you can Shiurim presently under preparation. receive in this world from practicing • In the meantime, copies of the 1996 hachnosas orchim is the opportunity it Directory - though it does not list the provides for you to learn from others, myriad new groups established since thereby improving yourself. the Siyum - are still available. The first thing you can learn from • You can also send for a free Directory your guests is how much you have to of Oaf Yomi Services, outlining the var­ be thankful for. When you see what ious programs and assistance avail­ your guests need, it can remind you of able to participants in /imud Oaf Yoml. what you have and sometimes take for granted. You can also learn Torah from your guests, regardless of their level of Torah knowledge. This guest shares a p'shat he read in a recently published anthology;

38 The Jewish Observer, April 1998 home, here are ten strategies to employ munity. Besides fulfilling the Mishna in • in locating guests: Pirkei Avos (4: 15), greeting newcomers we always make I. Borrow your neighbor's guests. is probably the most effective method JI Surely you can think of at least one to meet people who are looking for a sure to hove at neighbor who has earned a reputation Shabbos invitation. as a machnis orchim. Why not ask him 8. Give your guests an open invita­ least one guest at the table to suggest the names of any of his "reg­ tion. By giving your guests an open invi­ ulars" for you to invite? tation to return, you increase the so my boys don't try to kill 2. Ask your Rabbi. Your Rabbi comes chances that they will call you on their into contact each week with many own, without your having to call them. each other with their dirty more people who would appreciate a 9. Let your guests bring their friends. looks and comments. Shabbos invitation than he can possibly Some of our "best customers" original­ invite into his own home. He would wel­ ly came to our home as the companion come your request. of a returning guest. 3. Call a yeshiva or seminary. Almost 10. Form a hachnosas orchim com­ that one shares a vortshe• heard at a sheva all students in a dormitory come from mittee. Whether community-wide or berachos; and still another clarifies an out-of-town and therefore welcome only within your shul, an hachnosas often misconstrued halacha about Shabbos invitations each week. Just call orchim committee can serve as a which he just consulted a leading poseik. the yeshiva and have them put your "" service, pairing pro­ All three have taught you Torah and name on their hospitality list. spective hosts with those looking for enriched your life as a result. 4. Contact a kiruv organization. invitations. Finally, you can become inspired by Outreach professionals are constantly The committee need not be run by your guests to increase your own personal looking to expand their lists of poten­ a potential host. One very active com­ growth. In the words of Reb Yochanan, tial hosts where they can send new­ mittee in New York City, for example, "As a reward for [giving the directive to comers to Orthodoxy for a true taste of was managed for many years by a sin­ his daughters], 'Call him [into the house Torah living. gle woman who became quite skilled at so that] he shall eat bread,' [Yisro was so 5. Spread the word you're looking. finding homes for even some hard-to­ spiritually elevated by Moshe Rabbeinu Let your friends and neighbors know place guests. (She has since gotten mar­ that eventually Yisro's J children merited you're ('open for business." You cannot ried, perhaps her reward in this world that they sat in the Lishkas Hagazis [i.e. succeed in any business if you keep it a for her active involvement in hachnosas they were members of the J" secret. orchim.) • (Sanhedrin J04a). 6. Call a Jewish immigrant aid asso­ ciation. All immigrants are eager for WHERE TO FIND GUESTS social contact with local, established families. In many cases, your Shabbos fter reviewing the list of rich table may be their first opportunity in ~PECTACULAR EVENH! rewards in this world awaiting their lives to encounter Yiddishkeit. A those who practice hachnosas The thrill of having an adult at your Citicom! orchim, you may be wondering, "VVhere sederwho has never attended one in his ADVERTISING. EVENTS. can I find guests to invite for Shabbos life, for example, is indescribable. And and Yorn ToV?" the glow in your home will last long after So if you and your family are con­ the Pesach dishes have been stored away. sidering planting an AiSHeL in your 7. Approach strangers in your com- Ifyou are thinking qf movingJor Jewish Growth Opportunities ... Begin Thinking Milwaukee! Full Service Community Total rforah Conununity • Healthy Job Market Tlte Toral1 Conurumity ofRabbi Mic/tel Tiverski • • Affordable Housing Bais Yakov • • A Nurturing Community invites .rour interest Yeshiva Gedola • • Learning Opportunities Sherman Park Jewish Initiative Kolle! • • Co1nn1unity Activities 1 ·800-226-3129 •

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The Jewish Observer, April 1998 39 "V'YESH 0MRIM ... AND THERE ARE THOSE THAT SAY. .. " Bernard Fryshman Oh, What a Tangled Web!

orty years ago, one could still knowledge. There is virtually nothing detect in society at large those that has been printed in the English lan­ Felements of decency and guage that is not within easy access to shame that have always characterized a ten-year-old co1nputer operator. Nor a civilized people. Dress was mod­ is there any scene, process or discussion est, and even the most aggressive that is more than a few keystrokes away. non-conformists exhibited a n1od­ Torah too. Some people have been icu1n of decency. using the Internet to reach out to baalei The physics lab at a university was teshuva. Others have been publishing shi- as likely a place as any to encounter urirn (in English) for the immedi- trendsetters, and I can well recall the reaction of colleagues who I I I ' ~'fl4~>11... ate sheets, world. review, Daf Yomidiscussion study learned that a certain faculty ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~1 1 i ~ sheets, etc. are also available to member had openly displayed ..,...__anyone, free of charge. Might a certain pornographic maga­ : ...... ______.,,, this group not include women's zine. But he, too, retained an ele­ - study groups or non-Jews who ment of his upbringing: "I'm only admit, if are curious about the Talmud? reading it for the articles;' he argued. pressed, that earlier generations would The Internet provides an easy path to consider many of the ads and articles in every kind of filth, every corrosive BIRDS IN THE WILDERNETS our breakfast table New York Times to idea, every kind of idol worship that the be salacious? But, of course, "we must sick mind can conjure. his was in line with a noble tra­ keep up." dition, as people watched TV The advent of the computer presents WE HAVE BEEN WARNED T"only for the nev.,1s;, and - since a challenge of a new kind. Many peo­ then - use their VCR's "only for chas­ ple view the PC as an invaluable tool, hree years ago, Yoseph Herman suna n1ovies;' and read secular Jewish and in fact, some yeshivas readily com­ wrote about the "Landmines weeklies "because of the quality fea­ ply with State mandates requiring its TAlong the Information Highway" tures.') inclusion in the curriculum. Parents, in the February 1995 Jewish Observer, We chide each other gently even as particularly those who use the computer describing (and predicting) the devel­ we know that sometitnes there are at work, purchase home computers ("for opment of the Internet, its benefits for good reasons for permitting outside the kids"), little realizing that this the businessperson, and its dangers. influences to enter the Jewish home. device can expose the family to avoda The intervening years have proven Thus, I find myself discomfited on occa­ zara, gilui arayos and shefichas damim him correct, and it was only a matter sion by students who watch the Learn­ (idolatry, immorality and murder) with of time before our Gedolim would be ing Channel and know more about economy and effect. Tragically, the per­ heard from. recent scientific developments than I. I sonal computer has a special attraction On Wednesday, January 14, 1998, a have remained steadfast - perhaps to bright, creative and imaginative chil­ powerful statement by the Roshei Yeshiv­ because I am a senior professor with dren: the instant gratification of chal­ as sitting on the Rabbinical Board of tenure. What if I weren't? Wouldn't we lenges overcome is often enough to draw Torah Umesorah appeared in the Yated a young boy away from poring over his Neeman urging parents to keep the Dr. Bernard Fryshman, Professor of Physics at sefarim. Internet out of the home and where cir­ the New York Institute of Technology, and Even worse is the Internet, which has cumstances mandate that it be present, Executive Vice President of AARTS, is Internet­ challenged, but quite con1fortable with pen and beco1ne, in a very real sense) the repos­ extreme safeguards be taken. Otherwise, ink. itory of the sum total of all human the Internet should remain in one's place

40 The Jewish Observer, April 1998 of business. New World, he counselled: "The Creator IT WILL NOT BE AN EASY DECISION The question that arises, of course, who provides sustenance for all will pro­ is whether the corrosion that acco1n­ vide parnassa at home." s noted, it will mean weaning panies the Internet will lead our We are a noble, intellectual people. away Torah Jews from the real Gedolim to discourage or forbid the We have survived in spite of vvealth, not Aworld. The Internet is fast Internet in the office as well. because of it, and we are well practiced becoming essential for certain corre­ in the nisayon (challenge) of coping with spondence, communication, data INTERNET! decadent civilizations. The lessons of manipulation and storage. The Internet history point to the ghetto, not to the is often the first stop for people desperate oices will urge them not to do so. Gy1nnasiun1 as the means for survival of to learn about the latest treatments of Orthodox Jews are part of the Torah. "We are ready to make the sac­ a suddenly relevant disease 7"i. And the Voutside world which has decid­ rifice," some of us will announce." Par­ video-conferencing, which will be so ed it wants to communicate electroni­ nassa was not the only consideration for important a factor in easing the burden cally. Employers who want to reach our forebears, nor is it for us." of travel, will take place almost exclu- employees where and whenever will show little patience for those of us who cannot be reached through the Internet. Customers must be reached at the location of their choice, and the Inter­ net is burgeoning as an advertising vehi­ cle and as a 1nediurn of commerce at a rate that was inconceivable only a fe,v years ago. People who deal with government (like me) are crippled without regular access to certain sites. New regulations, SHAAREI conversations, early warnings, con1- plete texts and notices all appear on the Internet. People who live in Washington ORAH get some of this information first hand; people who live outside of the Beltway Classic Commentary get this from the websites. People with neither Internet nor Washington get on the Weekly Sidrah pitying glances. by HaRav Meir Tzvi Bergman INTERNYET! Translated into English by Yaakov Lavon

thers will point to an earlier age, T liese stimulating essays on the weekly when parnassa (livelihood) parsfiafi and the Yomim Tovim, by one 0 considerations centered around of Eretz Yisroe/' s most esteemed talmidei cho- survival, around food on the table, and ch omi m, fiave finally become available to shoes for almost barefoot children. the English speaking public Jews in such dire circumstances often left their Eastern European homes to seek Drawing upon Talmud, Midrasfi and a fiost of classical commentaries, Ha Rav a livelihood in America, with conse­ Bergman explores and develops a variety of topics and tfiemes. integral to daily quences that impelled the saintly Jewisli life and tfiouglit Chafetz Chaim 7"lll to write Nidchei Yis­ T liese illuminating commentaries resonate witfi insight and spiritual ricfies. roel. This sefer was intended to encour­ Let SHAAREI ORAH be your Shabbos Guide to discover a deeper and fuller age Jews to remain steadfast in their understanding of tfie weekly parshafi. commitment to Torah, but the Chafetz Chaim knew full well that many would Available at an Jewish bookstores or direct from A fail. The "true and proper way," he '" argued, was to avoid going to "these FELDHEIM . - PUBLISHERS lands." And to those individuals who had Torah Literature of Quality left and succeeded in making it in the Toll Free: 800-237-7149 • Ask for our NEW catalog.

The Jewish Observer, April 1998 41 sively here. Even now, telephone con­ concerns for the crushing poverty of the with the Internet, in the office and in versations graced by photos are enhanc­ Jewish people ("We must teach trades;' rare and special circumstances in the ing station-to-station communication. "We need secular subjects in the Jewish home. This, in turn, raises the question The exploding Distance Learning school"). I would venture to say that two of safeguards. Not just for our children, industry makes it unnecessary for sen­ hundred years ago when Torah homes but for us. sitive young people to physically attend were also offered a Com1nunication a college to obtain a degree. But it does Highway to the outside world, they ARE SAFEGUARDS POSSIBLE! require extensive presence on the Inter­ engaged in the same kind of discmsions net. And therefore, another deal with as we. Only we have the benefit of two e aren't alone in weighing the the Devil. centuries of experience: we see the assim­ benefits of the Internet But we, more than most, should real­ ilation process begun by Mendelssohn in W against the dangers. Decent ize that we cannot deal with the Devil, full effect to this very day. We, the rem­ people everywhere have forced legisla­ no matter how he is cloaked. In 1783, nants of the Jewish people, face the blan­ tors to pass laws aimed at controlling Mendelssohn published The dishments of the Devil once again. Some certain sites, and in response to parental Be'ur, a German translation of the of us will know how to respond. demand, software has been developed Tanach, thereby singlehandedly creating to control corrosive influences which the Haskalla. From the translated Bible, AND THE REST OF US? threaten children. "Jews learned the German language; It's not enough. Even as inappropri­ from it they imbibed culture; with it udging from the balanced and sen­ ate graphics and predictable keywords there was born a new desire for Ger1nan sitive language accompanying the are censored, innocuous words and nationality; as a result of its popularity Daas Torah that emerged from the phrases glide right through. As a result, was inaugurated a new system of Jew­ lorah Umesorah Rabbinical Board, a the Internet will continue to foster ish education."1 blanket issur may not soon be forth­ friendships, gather groups, modify And not just in Germany. Those who coming. Evidently, there is a recognition hashkafos and generate plots. A ten-year­ carried the poison of the "enlightenment" that many of us, as parents, as employ­ old child, who would never speak to a into and Russia clothed it with ees, and as citizens, will have to cope missionary on the street, thinks noth­ ing of bringing the missionary's message r.------~ into the home. Children love learning about the con­ ARE You MOVING? tribution of Jews to civilization. They aren't always aware that "You-know-who IS YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS PRINTED was a Jew, didn't you know?" signals an INCORRECTLY ON THE JO MAILING LABEL? attempt at Shmad 7··1. We need your help to ensure proper delivery of the Jewish Observer to your home. Young minds are easily manipulated, Please attach current mailing label in the space below, or print clearly your address and particularly one on one; "chat" group computer processing numbers that are printed above your name on the address label. leaders are acutely aware of this poten­ tial, and adept at its use. We may anticipate - and select against sites containing the word Affix old label here "homosexual." But will we know to pre­ vent children access to "Kabbala" sites, to "Moshiach" sites, to "Miracles"? Software which is only partially Name ______effective is doubly dangerous. Parental New Address ______fears are allayed, the PC is allowed to enter the home, and one sophisticated City, child later, the walls around the Torah State, ______Zip home have been breached.

Date Effective ______SHAMEWARE Send address changes to: Jhe Jewish Observer Change of Address 84 William Street, New York, NY 10038 oseph Herman described it well Please allowA~6 weeks for all changes to be reflected on your mailing label. We wlll not be when he spoke of the safeguard of responsible for back lssues missed unless you notify us 6 weeks prior to your moye. Y shame. There are no circum­ stances under which many of us will per- L----~--~-----~-----~ 42 The Jewish Observer, April 1998 mit the Internet into our time as there is further homes. But for those who direction from Gedolim, do, there is no means as there should be no lack of effective as shame to keep people anxious to help us one on the straight and (for a fee) take advantage narrow. of this tool without risk­ Coincidentally, about the ing our neshamos. time the Herman article appeared, I submitted a BROUGHT UP SHORT patent disclosure of a means to record what takes place on ometimes I wonder a computer screen. The idea what it would be was quite simple. At random Slike were a hacker to times, the computer would develop an undetectable be instructed to record virus which would direct everything on the screen the hard drives of Inter­ and store it in a location in net users to send random the hard drive. This snapshot snapshots of the screen to could also be printed or a central repository, with transmitted at some later accompanying name of time. user, for everyone to see! Thus a parent might permit a child how, the lines never got written. Maybe But we already have this, don't we? to use the Internet to research the it was for the best, I thought. Maybe the And so much more! All our tele­ topographies of the world's six largest availability of foolproof software would phone conversations and the radio mountains. Three hours later, the child encourage families to make the decision programs we hear ("only when driving") announces his homework is done. The for the PC in their absence. are being recorded as well. There exists following morning the father reviews a I have also suggested to experts that a vast repository, with complete record, special file on the drive and discovers six they extend the swimmer's "buddy" sys­ our names attached, awaiting us in the snapshots of the screen were recorded tem to the computer. The magic of net­ World to Come. • the evening before. Two relate to geol­ working can enable two friends to ogy, one is a screen with an unpleasant monitor what is taking place on each 1 Encyclopedia Britannica, l l th edition ( 1911). graphic, two screens with text from other's screens. Similarly, an employee 2 Net Snitch (781-395-8179) automatically logs unusual discussion groups, and one is who knows that his/her screen can all web activity in a special file, protected by pass­ word. This recently developed software is an a shot of a game. Clearly child and par­ appear at random in a corner of a super­ important step, but without an actual snapshot ent will discuss. visor's monitor will have a much more of the screen, it does not provide the level of con­ Some skilled young people will dis­ fulfilling day. I investigated hardware, as trol that users of the Internet need. able the software, but that too would sig­ well as software solutions, to no avail. nal that something was amiss. In fact, the A solution will be found,' but mean­ mere presence of such software on a while failure abounds. And with failure, NOTICE The following is lhe text of article VI of the machine would do wonders for the qual­ the use of the Internet by Torah Jews , Lakewood, N.J. by­ ity and value of the child's Internet inter­ must be discouraged wherever possible, laws, which are currently In full force and action. The same "Tattle Tale" controls in keeping with the dictate of our effect, and are carried out In practice. could be used to ensure that employees Gedolim. In my own professional activ­ ARTICLE VI are using their time wisely during the ities I will try to pay a (non-Jewish) stu­ Beth Medrash Govoha shall maintain a day, and not playing games, sending con­ dent to monitor crucial sites, and pos­ nondiscriminatory admissions policy and shall at all limes be in compliance with fidential information to a competitor, or sibly service bureaus will sprout to apf)lfcable federal, state and local regu­ otherwise abusing their position. enable us to have access to the resources lations In ntgard to admissions, accom~ There are those who will decry the on the Internet, without exposing our­ modatlons, educational oppQrtunlty, stu­ Big Brother aspect of all this, but I sus­ selves to the temptations that lurk. dent aid pQlicles and employment. Qualified men of !he Jewish faith are admit· pect very few will be from our own There are pangs of conscience to all led to Beth Medrasll Govoha and are uni· community. this, and words like "inconsistent" and formly accorded all rights, privileges I contacted many computer experts "hypocritical" swim in the background. ' · and benefit$, without regard to race, COior, in our community, seeking to bring this But we need not feel too guilty. The national or ethnic origin. Beth Medrash Govohashall malnlafn a pof. idea to fruition. "Not too hard," I was Orthodox Jewish community is proba­ icy of Equal Opportunity in Employment. told. "Just a few lines of code." But some- bly alone in its concern, and until such .

The Jewish Observer, April 1998 43 "V'YESH 0MRIM ... AND THERE ARE THOSE THAT SAY. •• " Dina Smith It All Started With a Gift ....

magnificent gift! An expensive, making a big deal over innocent ani­ fabulous gift! My uncle, who mated games that are simply part of the A always enjoys showering us with contemporary American scene." gifts, overdid himself this time. He pre­ I paused as I awaited the sage advice sented us with a brand new Windows 95 of my sister. She replied: "Dina, listen to computer fully loaded with dozens of your gut feeling. If you feel something programs (only educational, at my is wrong, it probably is below your stan­ request). My home went through a total dard and you should put a stop to it:' She transformation since that gift arrived. remembered hearing a similar idea on The once boisterous and disarrayed the topic of tzenius. If one is in doubt house became quiet and neat, as the chil­ about buying a dress because perhaps it's dren ran down to the basement each day not in perfect harmony with standards to experin1ent and enjoy this new won­ of tzenius, then let her stay away from it. der machine. Peace reigned. I happily In other words, follow your instincts. would complete my work and cooking "But;' I wailed, "what about my neat in a children-free kitchen. home and the quiet working time I One day as I went to the basement gained with the kids busy with the com­ to check on my little angels (I haven't puter?" called them that for three years), I felt My sister sounded surprised. "I don't an involuntary shiver go do\vn my back. realize my presence.) "Spell dance," think you'd accept that a-' an excuse to There they were - all five of them demanded the computer, and so they let the kids watch TV. When something crowded around the computer watch­ did. D-A-N-C-E. "Right on," compli­ is \Vrong, convenience never enters the ing the oldest play an educational mented the hidden voice behind the picture. Besides, throughout our histo­ game. The king on the computer looked speakers. Then, rewarding their efforts, ry, drawing on n1esiras nefesh in raising mad as he ground his teeth. My son had a ballerina (in a sleeveless, short tutu) children has only had beneficial results:' answered another math example cor­ performed a dance for them! Word and No more had to be said. I was con­ rectly, enabling him to walk off with one picture association, it's called, I remen1- vinced .... more of the king's treasures. "Boon1 bered. This is education in 1998! I'm sorry, though. If you thought I Boom)) went the sound, as my son was going to offer you my computer, it clicked the mouse at the tree, discover­ I SHOULD BE THRILLED, BUT... is not available. We are still using it, and ing yet another treasure. printing away. We create beautiful cards My little Ephraim stared in fascina­ couldn't watch anymore. I returned to cheer older relatives and to wish tion. His big blue eyes had shown sim­ to my quiet kitchen and dialed my friends happy birthday. The kids made ilar fascination when he looked at the I older sister (and advisor). "I should striking Chanuka posters to decorate a Aleph Beis and licked the honey in the be thrilled the kids are busy;' I lament­ party. As far as the standard programs, cheder at his a few weeks ear­ ed, "and yet something about these pro­ they might not be so terrible, but for my lier. I wondered to myself, will the Aleph grams disturb me. Until now, I built my kids I want only the best! Beis still hold the same magic for Yossie? home exclusively with kedusha, not Or will they have to compete for his permitting anything alien to seep into PostScript interest over the colorful animation of my mishkan me'at, my miniature sanc­ the computer? tuary. Is this any different? Are the he day after I had spoken to my I stayed on ... I watched more. Dif­ designers of educational programs sen­ sister, I told my five year old that ferent programs were put on. I observed sitive to offensive gestures, dress or man­ TI don't want him to play a par­ silently how they spelled words correctly. nerism that their cartoon figures are ticular program anymore. "VVhy not?" (My children were probably too feeding into the minds of my pure, he asked. engrossed in the computer program to young kinderlach? Do I want them to say "Because I don't like it," I answered. 'right on' or to wiggle like the cartoon To this he innocently replied, "So Mrs. Smith is on the faculty of Machon Bais figures, or to experience the violence of don't look!" Yaakov Hilda Birn High School of Brooklyn. This taking someone's treasure or shooting Maybe that was the problem till now. is her first appearance in these pages. down objects? Perhaps I'm overdoing it, I wasn't looking. •

44 The Jewish Observer, April 1998 Rabbi Shimon Finkelman

Fifteen Years of Averting Tragedy in Kial Yisroel

SUCCESS: DISCOVERING 's achievments have INCOMPATIBILITY not gone unnoticed in the medical com1nunity. Its director has been invit­ or years, the children's ward for ed to lecture at the National Insititute of genetic diseases at Kingsbrook Health, as well as many schools of FJewish Medical Center would medicine, including New York Univer­ house as many as sixteen Tays-Sachs vic­ stity and Harvard. In 1996, the organi­ tims, and often, there \Vas a waiting list zation was the recipient of the Robert for beds. In 1996, the ward had not one Wood Johnson Community Health Tay-Sachs patient. This good tiding is KEY TO SUCCESS Leadership Award. surely indicative of the achievments of the Dor Yeshorim organization and of he key to Dor Yeshorim's phe­ DIRECTION AND GUIDELINES the great siyata diShmaya with which its non1enal success has been its sys­ work has been blessed since its found­ Ttem of confidentiality, which is or Yeshorim follows a set of ing in 1983. the cornerstone of its program. This has guidelines formulated by gedolei Over the last decade-and-a-half, it served a three-fold purpose: it has D Yisroel, who continue to guide has become routine for yeshiva students made genetic testing in our communi­ the organization in every step of its and Bais Yaakov girls to have their blood ty a routine matter without stigma; it has work.' In fact, the late Manchester tested for possible carrier status, saved carriers of genetic diseases from Rabbi Yehuda Zev Segal was through Dor Yeshorim's anonymous unfounded fears regarding their status; the driving force behind Dor Yeshorim's testing program, and to check the and it has educated the Torah commu­ adding cystic fibrosis to its testing pro­ compatibility of a shidduch when it has nity in understanding that healthy sib­ gram. When the organization's director been suggested.' Since its founding, Dor lings of stricken children are at absolute­ told the Rosh Yeshiva that he lacked the Yeshorim has found some two hundred ly no risk of producing such children of financial resources for such an under­ prospective matches incompatible. As their own, provided that they make use taking, Rabbi Segal responded, "Do it anyone familiar with the history of a of the pre-shidduch screening so that and I will help you." True to his word, baby stricken with Tay-Sachs (or other they will marry non-carriers. the Rosh Yeshiva, in the last weeks of his genetic disease) can testify, the suffer­ Close to ten thousand proposed shid­ life, penned a letter urging support of ing of such children and their families duchim are checked annually by Dor this project. is indescribable, '>"i. Even if only one Yeshorim without anyone knowing his Experience has caused the organiza­ incompatible match had been avoided, or her actual carrier status, and thus, tion's rabbinic leadership to institute a it would have been well worth the without any reason for concern - as long strict set of rules for responding to callers founding of Dor Yeshorim for that as the proposed match is compatible.' who wish to check compatbility. alone. On the other hand, those who For example, Dor Yeshorim responds 1 It cannot be stressed enough that testing and have married after having ascertained checking for co1npatibility should not be post­ to such requests only if the yonng man that they are genetically compatible, poned until engage1nent is seriously being con­ or woman, or their parents, call. This is have the peace of mind of knowing that sidered. In any event, it should be understood that done to protect individuals from the diseases for which they have been exchanging Dor Yeshorim i.d. nu1nbers to check con1patibility is not a commitment towards tested will not afflict their children. 3 In a letter dated Septen1ber, 1997, the renowned engagement; it is simply the wise thing to do. Rosh Yeshiva and poseik Rabbi Chain1 Pinchus 2 Upon being tested, the person is given an i.d. Scheinberg of wrote, "I wish to Rabbi Finkelman, a rebbe in Yeshiva Darchei Torah, number, which is recorded along with his or her strengthen the hands of those involved in a n1itz­ Far Rockaway, NY, is a frequent contributor to birthdate; when checking compatibility, the i.d. va, nan1ely tb.e directors of the Dor Yeshorim these pages, including "Windows of Heaven," in nun1ber along with day of month (not year) of organization, that they should continue to per­ Mar. '98. He is the author of several biographies birth are subn1itted; onlr one of the parties need form their testing in total confidentiality, where­ published by ArtScrol! Mesorah Publications, as be a non-carrier for the match to be deemed by those being tested are not told the actual results well as the recent More Shabbos Stories. "compatible." (of the individual's test). This is the correct way."

The Jewish Observer, April 1998 45 unscruplous outsiders who A TIMELESS LESSON with nothing but three small challos for 1nay have their own reasons sustenance. With no immediate family for wanting to know the hen I think of Dor in America to care for him, young compatibility of a given Yeshorim, I think Yaakov Yosef had been boarding with a shidduch.• Additionally, W of Rabbi Yaakov family who had grossly mistreated him. before this policy was insti­ Yosef Herman, legendary He had left their house late Friday after­ tuted, there was a case where pioneer of Torah life in noon, never to return. There on the park a shadchan called to check America. bench he promised himself that when on the compatibility of two In All for the Boss,; he would get married and have a home matches. One was found to Ruchoma Shain's stirring of his own, he would see to it that oth­ be compatible, the other biography of her father, Reb ers would not suffer the loneliness that was not, and the shadchan Yaakov Yosef, she describes he was experiencing at that moment. His mixed up the results. Thankfully, the how at age twelve, he spent Shabbos house would be open to all; there mistake was caught in time. alone on a park bench in Manhattan, would always be room for another guest. And so it was. The home of Reb Yaakov Yosef and his devoted wife was open to all, every day of the year. On Shabbos, more than twenty guests would gather around their table for each meal. "Business is booming!" Reb Yaakov Yosef would exclaim in delight. This was a man who felt tremendous personal pain and was determined to do everything possible so that no other Jew NOW IN ITS SEVENTH YE should experience similar pain. And that is how Dor Yeshorim came MORESHES welcomes a national student body seeking a sui>eriior i into being. The organization's founder chinuch in the Torah seviva of Lakewood. and director suffered the loss of a number of Tay-Sachs children, ';>··1. 0 He MORESHES intensive seminary program maintains ex,cef>tio,nallly has made it his life's mission to do every­ high academic standards, while at the same time developing thing in his power to help ensure that kochos and midas of each student through the personal hiJ,rJroch~ others shonld not suffer as he and his of its warm and dynamic staff. family did. May Hashem bless him for '"ORESHES continues its outstanding teacher-training on>orarh,'',•••• his efforts, and may the concern and self­ which has enabled alumane to serve effectively in more th37 grandchildren. He reports that his fortunes took a decided turn for the better fro1n the tin1e that he decided to dedicate hin1self to serving the Kial.

46 The Jewish Observer, April 1998 D. M. Ernest

s Mendel said. "My dreams were heavenly, The following are reviews of two recent works of Rabbi J. Twerski, M.D. and when I awoke to the midnight prayers, An ordained rabbi, Dr. Twerski is Assistant I felt the holiness ofthe inspiring me." Professor of Psychiatry at the University of ... Rabbi Mendel had thus sensed the love Pittsburgh School ofMedicine, and founder and devotion that Hirsh had infused into and medical director of Gateway Rehabil· his bed, and told the shammas that Hirsch itation Center in Pittsburgh. He is the out the inn to which his father had referred. was to make his bed every day. author of many popular Jewish books. When Rabbi Elazar tasted the soup, he But don't be misled into thinking that experienced a spiritual delight, as though all stories are about prayer; they cover Not Just Stories by Rabbi Abraham he were eating of the offerings of the Altar the complete scope of Jewish thought, Twerski (Shaar Press, 370 pages, h.c. in the . He asked the from concern for others to holiday $22.99, s.c. $19.99) hostess, "Please, tell me, what ingredients do observance. The following story, for you use for this soup?" example, illustrates the importance of The woman began crying. "I am so sorry integrity, from Chapter 49, "Rigorous IMPELLED TO that it is so meager. I do not have any Honesty": INTROSPECT spices ta put in. All I did was A young man reported to the Chafetz cook the beans with water and Chaim how thrilled he was that he was able abbi Twerski's then I prayed to G-d: Master of to prornre tefi!lin ofexceptional quality [for Not Just Stories the Universe! You have provid­ 18 rubles, which was at that time a huge R s a collection ed me with the mitzva ofprepar- sum, whereupon he replied] ... "And were of Chassidic stories ing a meal for a great tzaddik. If you equally diligent that all precautions were that are not just sto· only I had meat, vegetables and taken that these 18 rubles were as perfect ries; they have spices, I would prepare a meal for as the ? How was the money earned? lessons of life that hiln, but I have nothing. But You, If money was borrowed and not repaid he brings out Master of the Universe, have every­ promptly an the specified date, that consti­ and expounds thing. You have Gan Eden, tvhere there tutes wrongful possession of another's prop­ upon with his all the finest scents and flavors. Please erty. It certainly is praiseworthy to have per­ profound Torah knowl­ put son1e of these in the soup, so that my fect tefillin, but they must be bought with edge. Unlike most of his other holy guest can enjoy his food." perfectly honest money." books, this one preaches Torah in Torah Rabbi Elazar said, "Now I know why In fact, by the time you finish Not Just terms (as opposed to psychological my father longed for this soup. ThlS pious Stories - and you might finish it very terms and concepts). These teshuva­ woman's sincere prayers were answered, and quickly because it is absolutely riveting rousing, awe-inspiring, heart-rending, the soup did indeed have the taste of Gan - you will have been exposed to and and tear-jerking stories are collected and Eden." inspired in every topic of . Even arranged by theme, accompanied by lit· A similar idea is expressed in Chap· if you are a baa[ hashkafa, the freshness tie vertlach enhancing the stories, hope· ter 27, "A Self.Made Man," the story of and the condensed nature of having a fully raising the reader's sensitivity to a the tzaddik Rabbi Hirsh Meshores. The lifetime of hashkafa lessons in one particular aspect of Torah hashkafa. For following is an extract from that story: powerful book will revitalize your drive. example, Chapter 54, "The Secret lngre· ... One day the shammas (sexton) took I, in fact, have read and re-read the book client;' contains the following story: ill, and had no choice but to ask Hirsh to numerous times over the past year, Toward the end of his life, Rabbi Elim· make... [the renowned tzaddik Rabbi drawing inspiration anew with each elech ofLizhensk ate very little .... [He once] Mendels ofFristik'sj bed, cautioning him to reading, and giving chizuk to others with said, "I wish I could eat, but my body rejects do it exactly as he had seen hirn do it. Hirsh these stories and lessons when they are all things physical. Ah! One time, during my thanked Hashem for this privilege, and as in need. years of wandering in exile, I lodged at an he carefully arranged the straw, recited the Many people that I have encountered inn near a certain village and there I ate a Psalms with great devotion, praying to G-d unfortunately don't know, have forgot· delicious soup. If that were available, I could that his efforts succeed in giving the tzad­ ten, or simply don't apply much eat it. But that is so far away!" dik his tnuch-needed rest. hashkafa in their routine lives; their Many years later, [his son] Rabbi Elazar The following day, Rabbi Mendel asked actions are not energized by the beau· happened to be in that village, and sought his shammas who had prepared his bed the ty and encouragement of the Torah out­ night before. The shammas began excusing look on daily life and mitzva perfor­ D.M. Ernest learns in Torah Vodaas and himself, explaining that he had taken sick. mance. For many, mitzvos are teaches High School English. "I never slept so peacefully before," Rabbi perfunctory, berachos are by rote, and life

The Jewish Observer, April 1998 47 0 ·.·.···.··..·.·.· ..·."·.·.· ..·.·.·.··· ..·.··.· ..• ··.··. -·.·..·.· ··.·····.·.····.·.···...··.·.· ...·.1. ------!!l'l1$f:l~-) <<<( -<- /"(''--:;,;:'--_ i;;_);,:/J;\~ is robotic. Chazal teach that when it Each section of the commentary "MY MUSSAR SEDER WITH REB comes to ruchniyus (spirituality), if a builds upon the novel information and YISROEL MEIR" person isn't going up, then he is going interpretation presented earlier, enrich­ n Rabbi Yechiel Perr's article about his down: He would be advised to pick up ing the whole text with a freshness that sessions with "Reh Yisroel Meir" (Feb. Rabbi Twerski's Not Just Stories and get is very satisfying, particularly for the per­ '98), the author describes his profound headed in the right direction. son who is already familiar with the I appreciation for the way he discovered the original. His commentary is designed to subject's deeper levels of personal tzidkus Lights Along the Way by Rabbi Abraham bring out important lessons for today (piety is a poor translation), well hidden Twerski (ArtScroll, 328 pages, from Ramchafs work which can often beneath layers of"conventional" tzidkus. h.c $21.99, s.c. $18.99) be too enigmatic for the average In keeping with Reb Yisroel Meir's status reader to directly as a baa! mussar, it was deemed appro­ apply to his own priate to omit his family name. In MESILLAS YESHARIM life because of its response to a number of inquiries, how­ REVISITED brevity. (The Vilna ever, it seemed preferable that we inform Gaon commented our readers that the subject was Rabbi Yis­ or many of us, Mesil­ that he had not roel Meir Heiman ':nn. las Yesharim (Path of encountered one Fthe Just), by Rabbi superfluous word in Moshe Chaim Luzzato the first eight chap­ (Ramcha[), is a seferthat ters.) But, with Lights causes us much anxiety. Along the Way, even the Some give up hope hesitant reader will be before they even read guided through the text, it, thinking: "Its prin­ inspired to improve hi1n­ ciples are only applicable to a per- self, and motivated with son who can divorce himself completely practical applications for from gashmius (involvement in the today's living. material and physical pleasures):' Oth­ While some comn1entaries of this ers, although they have read it many genre use the text as a springboard for times, are overwhelmed by its lofry prin­ their own indirectly related drasha, ciples, finding it difficult to apply them Rabbi Twerski's commentary usually to their everyday lives. Of course, there flows naturally out of the text in a very talmid ofYeshivas Ner Israel in Bal­ are also those who simply are not readable, lucid English. The writer's style timore, he had an exceptionally interested in mussar (ethical in1prove­ is so clear that inany deep concepts are close relationship with the late ment) at all, as well as those who learn well-explained in very few words. This A Mashgiach, Rabbi Dovid Kronglas 7"lll (see it regularly, sincerely applying its teach­ economy of words is a major contrib­ JO March '75). He lived in Far Rockaway ings. utor to the fact that this commentary, for the last 30 years, where he had a pro­ Regardless of which type you are which ranges from painfully serious to found impact on others, served as a pri­ the first, second, third, or even fourth humorous, from deeply esoteric Kabba/a mary grade Rebbe in the Hebrew Acade­ - reading Rabbi Abraham Twerski's to more accessible p'shat, is - at all my of Long Beach, and is survived by his Lights Along the Way is a fascinating way times - captivating and enjoyable. widow Rebbetzin Sarah Heiman, princi­ to learn some important lessons of This book is especially suitable for the pal in Torah Academy for Girls (Far Rock­ Mesillas Yesharim. In it, Rabbi Twerski English-speaking layman (and woman), away) and five children. reproduces important paragraphs in because of its content - ranging as it vowelized Hebrew and English transla­ does from advice to hashkafa, to secu­ Yehi zichro baruch! tion, and then expounds on them, lar knowledge, on subjects ranging CORRECTIONS bringing quotes from the whole gamut from the purpose of creation to suffer­ of classical Jewish texts, from Chumash ing in this world, to psychology, and In the article on Louis). Septimus rrv to halacha sources interwoven with his­ more. For that same reason, I would sug­ (Mar. '98), the photograph on p.30 shows torical insights, illustrative anecdotes, gest that it is also excellent for rebbe'im Mr. Septimus with a , hold­ principles of clinical psychology, and (for example, as a tool to make their ing an unidentified child; he was his other areas of secular and scientific lessons in Mesillas Yesharim more rele­ grandson Yakov Septimus. The audio tape knowledge. With these, he makes the vant to today's yeshiva bachur). Anyone, attached to his alarm clock (p.34) had original text meaningful and applicable and everyone, can get a boost from a recording of his own voice singing to the reader, each on his own level. Lights Along the Way. • "Avinu Malkeinu."

48 The Jewish Observer, April 1998 obligated to protest not only "to let off domain and there's no stopping them. steam and express n1oral outrage," but Unless we seclude ourselves behind the also "to protect the rest of us from four walls of our homes we are forced encountering the same bar (spiritual to observe them. Now that is a bar pothole) in a reshus harabbim (public bireshus harabbim. As opposed to our domain)." entering their territory, their places of To my surprise, I found myself sid­ entertainment or education. If there is ing with his position. I would agree, for fear of immoral exposure, perhaps there example, that were it to be within my is no justification of being there in the power to enact some sort of agreement first place (as the author himself agrees PROTEST MAY PAY, BUT IS IT with the bus system not to post immod­ in his concluding paragraph). Certain­ WARRANTED? est advertisements on the buses that enter ly their say-so does not kasher it for us. our community, that it would be my I'm not advocating total isolation To the Editor: duty to do so. There is, however, a basic from the society around us. I don't think In reference to "Protest Pays" (Jan. difference. The buses are entering our that's possible; and even if it were, it '98): upon viewing an educational film in a museun1 with his children, the author was shocked to find that it con­ tained scenes that were "objectionable by Torah standards, but apparently not by educational standards." He had expected "at least a \varning ... i,.vhich •·Great Savfngs y.,rould have warranted a P.G. rating in • Fast Service ['ffL'iei"'i•res· ~· a regular theater." g.i.o-~ It is unclear to me where the author's • Convenience BAu.scH & LoM.e@ initial assun1ption that all was spiritu­ IsAlwa s 6uaranten'l !!! m'J~jes,ert ~ ally safe was coining from. He i,.vrites that the film "was billed as an educational BUY one" and that the n1useurn staff issued NOW no warning. So what? I submit that at the tin1e the author entered the inuse­ AND um, he should have been fully aware that there was a risk of vievving inappropri­ ate exhibits. Such is the society we are living in today. Ever since the early l 900's, we have been in a progressively permissive era, in a society where every opportunity to desensitize the public to BCC IS EVERY GIRL'S DREAM••• immodesty is pounced upon. The Best Summer in Israel camping/touring program Furthern1ore) by secular standards, it for frum girls ages 10-17 is quite possible that the above-men­ • 6 weeks of over 22 Exciting Thurs. Daily Shiurim, f<,~~ tioned scenes were perfectly acceptable, Hiking, Climbing, Drama, Music, Dance, Arts & Crafts r. ~'<,~ ~· /• <} and this even fron1 a Torah point of and the "Rua ch" H1iich is the Hallmark of the AMAZ· ·-~r-6 ING BCC Prograni . ~ view. I'n1 no scholar, but to 1ny knowl­ • On Camous: if!O/etpark, Large Pools, Water Slides, <~ ~ SPl~$'1< edge gentiles are not obligated to refrain '11'' Midreshes L'Mitzvos Hatluyos Baretz, Fann, Zoo, Sports ~ from hirhuror even histaklus (avoiding Fields & So ftfuch fl.fore! ~ <} prurient scenes or thoughts). Did the • Join the Jlundreds of Girls who have enjoyed touring ~ museu1n claim to have had rabbinical Eretz Yisroel, with the Zelman Family since 1986. ~q,.. :u~ supervision? CALL FOR INFORMATION AND APPLICATION f\ c::i The author was then further incensed by the seeming indifference of the other religious viewers ( so1ne of them bearded, although I fail to recog­ nize the significance of that), and their passive attitude. He felt that they were (718) 282-6350 I 941-5500 • (800) 442-2295 '------· DirectedbyZishe &D'vora Zelman. ------"

The Jewish Observer, April 1998 49 wouldn't be my place to say so. However, Does this constitute "rabbinical their views while religious Jews must I don't believe that this called for supervision"? Certainly not. And as I remain silent? expressing "moral outrage:' In other asserted at the end of the article, "a Furthermore, just as I "fell in" and words, my conclusion would not have museu1n is never a guaranteed spiritu­ mistakenly entered that theater, been "How dare they!" but rather: "My ally-safe venue for a Chol Hamo'ed out­ undoubtedly and unfortunately, other mistake, this wasn't for me." In fact, I ing." religious Jews will follow. If the pro­ believe that the bearded man's response In all fairness, however, I was not ducers of the movie keep their word, "to was correct. We are in galus. It's not our exactly reckless in my choice of Chol recut the movie and remove the scenes place to tell them how to run their places Hamo'ed entertainment. Nor was I that offended [me];' and as a result, even of entertainment. Nor must their insti­ alone. The man I quoted, for example, one fellow Jew is spared from watching tutions of education conform with our was not only wearing a beard, but also prohibited scenes, will that not be ben­ Torah needs. Let us rather focus on our a black suit and hat. He was not a busi­ eficial? forms of entertainment, and see to it that nessman but a Yungerman. A high Finally, Mr. Wiener may have writ­ they stand up to Torah-true measures. percentage of the audience was similarly ten his letter before he saw the letter-to­ MENDY WIENER attired, which combined to lull me into the-editor from Paulette Sora Yaged Lakewood, NJ erroneously assuming that I was not out (Mar. '98). I am not endorsing her hav­ of bounds. ing watched the movie that was "shown Author~ Response: True, "Alie essen du" doesn't make it in the jurors' waiting room which fea­ kosher. But it can explain why someone tured vile and sadistic violence." But her Mr. Wiener raises some valid ques­ might drop his guard, somewhat. success story illustrated how much tions. I welcome the opportunity to fill Now, for the record: yes, it was a mistake. good can be accomplished for Jew and in some relevant details which I omit­ Bnt once I fell in, I do believe that it non-Jew alike by just voicing a com­ ted from my original article. was my place to express my opinion. plaint. On what basis, he asks, did I assume Democracies are not only for liberals. Surely Mr. Wiener would not prefer that the museum was "spiritually safe"? Why should my voice calling for greater that Ms. Yaged had kept quiet, telling her­ First, this was not a museum of natur­ decency be silenced? Should only those self that it was not her place to express al history, cinema or art. This was a mar­ who want more violence and immoral­ disapproval. Had she taken the "This is itime museum which contained a small ity speak up? galus" approach, that same "vile and aquarium and other exhibits on marine No, non-Jews have no prohibition sadistic" movie might still be playing. life - hardly a venue one might suspect against hirhur and histaklus. But are we Had that been the case, I do not believe as being spiritually hazardous. prohibited from stating that all would anyone of us would have been better off. Second, the film was described as be better off without watching such ELIYAHU MAYER "aerial views of the Grand Canyon:' No scenes? Years ago, the American Med­ New York, N. Y. mention was made of any human ical Association came out against tele­ actors whatsoever. vision. Why are they allowed to express THE MESHICHISTIC THRUST VS. THE TRUE LUBAVITCH LEGACY

Software for Checking To the Editor: Kudos to Rabbi for SIFRE/ - TORA, his timely article ("G-d-Centered or Rebbe!Messiah Centered: Which is Nor­ 1l!E(]/LL4H, TEFILIN & 1l!EZUZOT mative Judaism?" Mar. '98) in which he Scans and analyzes parchments for clearly points out the problems with the extra, omissions and exchanged letters. Meshichisticphilosophy and movement. Their massive proofs from the Zahar The program has the written approval of Harav N. KARELITZ and elsewhere that seek to support their shlita - Rosh Kolle! Hazon Ish, and Harav M. SHTERNBUCH shlita Meshichistic views simply demonstrate - Eda Hacharedis, Jerusalem how dangerous it is for the unlearned Compatible with: PC 586, Windows 95 & Scanner to study Zahar and other Kabbalistic works, and how easily one can miscon­ For further information, please contact: strue and misinterpret their meaning. The Rambam (in his Pirush Hamish­ ~... Software Ltd. nayosto Sanhedrin, Chalek) discusses this 1 Hazon lsh St. Bnei Brak 51502 ISRAEL problem at length. He clearly describes V: 972-3-5798090 Fax No.: 972-3-6185914 the "second Kat (category)" that explains

50 The Jewish Observer, April 1998 Agaddata in a literal fashion, and calls up and realize they have been duped into "Bring Moshiach Now," there must be them misguided fools. This is why even believing a fairy tale no different than true peace, love and harmony among all the Baal Shem Tov warned against dab­ Santa Claus. A religion based on fantasies Jews and not just catchy slogans and bling in Kabbala. (See Tzemach Tzeddek and illusions puts the entire belief of empty misleading propaganda! in his Sefer Hamitzvos, Shoresh Mitzvos Mattan Torah into jeopardy! It is extremely encouraging to see that HaTefilla, Perek 2). When the feeble­ They have brought untold damage to there are finally Rabbanim within the minded interpret Kabbala simplistical­ the Rebbe's great legacy, as well as to the movement itself who are condemning ly, there are no limits to where it will lead countless thousands of admirers who these Meshichistic beliefs; if only they - including kefira (heresy). continue to follow in his ways. They had done so earlier. Perhaps they It began with the innocent claim that malign the very name of Lubavitch and thought that these aberrations and dis­ the Rebbe may be the Moshiach and con­ turn it into a laughing stock and mock­ tortions would die down on their own, tinued with the preposterous claim ery of all the Rebbe stood for. The vul­ and did not realize where they would that the Rebbe is definitely Moshiach. garities and demonizations against lead. After his passing, some continued on those who don't dance to their out­ Yet the Meshichistic movement threat­ with the senseless claim that he will landish "Yechi!" beat is deafening. To ens to bring his sacred edifice crashing come back as the resurrected Moshiach, while another lunatic fringe group claimed that he still lives on physically and is only in hiding. The lunacy pro­ Yeshivas Ateres Tzvi, Baltimore,·MD gressed with some now referring to him A Post-High School Yeshiva as "Boreinu," omniscient, omnipotent, etc.- outright kefira- a natural out­ Our prog_ram features:: growth of this insanity. Once one veers uccess in life is measured in Smany ways, but perhaps none II High faculty to studenttatio off the trodden path, one never knows so significant as the education of our If' Close superViSi9ri an~: where it may lead! sons. At Yeshivas Ateres Tzvi, ~ve monit()t!ng of an: b~cliridm The hatred they have generated, and feature an innovative program with 11 Unparalleled supporti!l.aH the division and broken hearts that they added structure and discipline to help our students succeed. __ Our high p~ograin phases have caused among their own families faculty to student ra~io'artd-innovative 111 campus style residence plogiam is beyond description. They have brain­ support system assu,res that your Ill Renowned filculty and staff washed young children with ideologies son will be able to grow to his full II EXCep:ti_Onal location and facilities that have caused them to rebel against potential. Call for our program their own parents, and they have turned guide to see why We say, "A lifetime fc>t<(llo:r:e- information please call of learning starts here." fo1Ffr\BBI HILLEL MANDEL, Dean RABBI NACHMAN ZAK ON, Administrator RABBI CHAIM ROBERTS NY (718) 805-1191 Jerusalem 02-651-9739 England 161-740-3465

The Jewish Observer, April 1998 51 down in shambles) as its adherents "from the mainstream of Torah the scrap heap of movements that did bring ridicule and scorn upon all that he thought;' and in direct opposition to "the not survive their leader. devotedly built for half a century. clarity and purity of Torah" as expressed RABBI ELI TEITELBAUM, DIRECTOR, It is time to openly and strongly by the Rebbe himself. This must be done TORAH COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK protest these flagrant and outrageous before the awesome accomplishments of Brooklyn, NY views and statements, which are far the Rebbe are chas v'shalom consigned to CALL ME ...

To the Editor: May I share the following with your readers? A number of Years ago someone gave me a ride, and as we talked, the subject of baalei teshuva came up. A cousin of his had come for Shabbos, and he brought along a friend who was a baa[ teshuva. "And you'd never even know he was a baa[ teshuva." I asked what he meant, and he said, "Oh, you know, things like, well, he talks during davening." I didn't say so, but I was surprised that not talking during davening was a sign of being a baa! teshuva. I always thought that talking during davening was forbidden by halacha. For everyone. Not so long ago I had a conversation with a friend, and somehow the subject of baalei teshuva came up. He 1nen­ tioned son1eone \Ve both kno\v, and when he said, "And you'd never know he was a baa{ teshuva;' he explained the basis for the false assumption: "Well, he talks during davening." If two people who don't even know each other could say the same thing about the same subject fifteen years

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-----·~·~· ------·--·~-·------52 The Jewish Observer, April 1998 apart, it must be a commonly held thought. But why? 1-lrpresents I don't know the answer, but if that's the case, then call me a baa/ teshuva. A JEWISH SAM LEVI Brooklyn, NY HERITAGE TOUR to Central Europe MR. SEPTIMUS' INSPIRATION TO LEAD THE TEFILLOS personally led by Rabbi Isaac Oelbaum To the Editor: Highlights Include: RAV, CONGREGATION NACHLAS YITZCHOK It was with a great deal of interest that R. SA.~1SOi'i ll.\PHAEL HIRSCH'S COM- I read the March '98 issue of The Jew­ MDNl1Y • RASHl'S SHll • ish Observer. I was particularly drawn to THE ·'PRECJOl'S LEGACY" EXHIBITS IN the article concerning Louis J. Septimus. l'RAGL'E • THE REMA SY'.-IAGOGL"E • JUNE 28 ·JULY 9, 1998 I knew Mr. Septimus when we were both AUSCH\'i·'ITZ & ,\lAJDANEK • THE W'.,1,,R­ very young, and he was always, even in SA\Yi' GHETIO MEMOR!AL • YESHJW, AT Germany, Czech Republic & Poland GIACHMEI LUBUN • THE ROTHSCHILD his youth, a role model. PAUCES • BEIS MEDRASH OF • FRANKFURT, WORMS, MAINZ, PRAGUE, I was not surprised to learn from this MORE. CRACOW, WARSAW, GER, LUBLIN, MORE. article that Louis officiated at the high holiday services in a synagogue. I would CATERING BY TIJREE DELICIOUS GL~TI KOSHER MEALS DAILY like to clarify where Louis got his inspi­ Tbe Gr11nd Deli ration and his know-how of chanting the TRAVEL BY lde11l Tours DEWXE HOTELS AND LUXURY MOTORCOACHES prayers in the proper, accepted manner. In the l 920's, my father ""31 was the FOR INFORMATION J-H TOURS TOLLrm{888) 551-6877 OR (973) 365-2424 year-round baal tefilla in a synagogue. & RESERVATIONS: IDEAL TOURS (212) 764-8000 EXT. 301, 309 OR 318 He was requested by the officers of the synagogue to prepare a small choir of 5 or 6 voices to accompany him. Louis Septimus was one of those few, as were my brother and I. He was at that time very talented in rendering the services, 11JHIE YESHIVA. OJF NE\V HAVEN and it was from that time on that he had is now accepting applications for Elul 5758. acquired the inspiration to lead the con­ gregation in prayer. In fact, if my mem­ • Shiurim with the ory serves me, I believe that one of Rosh HaYeshiva Louis's younger brothers was also a member of the choir. • Warm atmosphere RABBI AVRAHAM CHILL • Excellent Rebbeim Jerusalem • Solid high school curriculum • Attractive, spacious dormitories

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The Jewish Observer, April 1998 53 l'

ll over 2700 nine-to thirteen-year­ ceded the Siyutn. old Jewish boys converged on Lake­ The massive Saturday night cele­ Rabbi Yeruchi111 Olshin (Rosh Yeshiva, lleth Medmsh Gov­ vood, Ne'vv Jersey, on Motza'ci S'hab­ bration \Vas held at the Bais Faiga Hall, a spa­ W oha) greeting attendee ji·om Philaddp/1ia, with A1enac!1em bos, March 7, for the 35th annual Pirchei Agudath cious site that was nevertheless quickly filled Mendel Pam (coordinator of Pircl1ei Agudath Israel Israel Siyu111 Mishnayos (A1ish11a-con1pletion) to overflow, forcing the acti- Philadelphia), !~ab/Ji Bonich B. Borchardt stands at lejl. celebration - the first tin1e the n1uch-antici­ vation of a contingency Rabbi Kalman Krohn pated event \Vas held in Nevv Jersey. plan that utilized auxiliary (addressing t/1c gathering) Over a thousand boys- from throughout roo1ns and halhvays and Rab/Ji Nosson \Vachl­ fogcl (Mashgiach, Beth the tri-state area and Jewish co1nmunities in equipped \Vith audio-visu­ Mctlrash (;ovolw) cities as far a\vay as Atlanta and Providence­ al monitors. arrived in ti1ne to experience the annual Pirchei A hush fell over the Agudath Israel "Interbranch Shabbos" that pre- thousands of boys as the

Rabbi A1alkiel Kotler (Rosh Yeshiva, Beth Aledras/1 Govolw) addrcssi11g the gathering, with Rabbi Shimon Grama and Rabbi Shmuel Bloom (to the right) and top winners in A1ishna mastery.

Part of tlte crowd at the Siyum evening's two main speakers - Rabbi Aryeh , Rosh Ha Yeshiva, Beth Medrash Govoha, and Rabbi Mattisyohu Solomon, A1ashgiach, Beth Medrash To qualify for participation in the Siyun1, Govoha - addressed them. each of the boys in attendance had to master And thousands of eyes turned as one when at least two chapters of Mishna or memorize Rabbi Shimon Grama, Pirchei Agudath Israel's one. During the progra1n, special certificates national director, announced the arrival of were awarded boys who had n1astered or mem­ Rabbi Nosson Wachtfogel, the revered Mash­ orized large amounts of Mishna. giach emeritus of Beth Medrash Govoha, and After the Siyu1n, Rabbi Grama expressed his inforn1ed the boys that the presence of such deep gratitude to the entire Lakewood com~ Rabbi Yehuda Pirutinsky ( menahel, Lakewood Ched­ outstanding Torah luminaries was born of munity for opening its homes, and er ), Rabbi Yoe! 1-'alk (menahel, Tashbar in Lakewood), honor for the 10rah they had studied. As the study halls to the visiting boys - and for giv­ Rabbi , Mashgiach of Beth Mashgiach slov.:ly advanced to the dais, all pre­ ing the guests a Shabbos and a Siyum that few Medrash Govoha, addressing the Siyum gathering. sent rose and began to sing and dance. of them will likely ever forget.

54 The Jewish Observer, April 1998