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THE JEWISH OBSERVER (ISSN) 0021-6615 is published monthly except July and August by the Agudath Israel of America, 84 William Street, New York, N.Y. 10038. Second class 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. 6 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The A Crisis in the Family of Jews Jewish Observer, 84 William Street, N.Y., N.Y. 10038. Tel: 212-797-9000, Fax: 212-269-2843. The Novominsker Rebbe, Rabbi Yaakov Perlow, ~·""7e> Printed in the U.S.A. 13

RABBI NISSON WOLPIN, EDITOR A Time to Weep Nissan Wolpin EDITORIAL BOARD DR. ERNST L. BODENHEIMER Chalrm•n 17 RABBI JOSEPH ELIAS Hellenism, Narcissism, Mesirus Nefesh and Pirsumei Nesa JOSEPH FRIEDENSON Sholom &heinberg RABBI NOSSON SCHERMAN 21 MANAGEMENT BOARD AVIFISHOF Accepting Reproof With Grace: A Fonnula For Growth NAFTOLI HIRSCH Rabbi Noach Ortowek ISAAC KIRZNER RABBI SHLOMO LESIN ARTHUR MARX SECOND LooKS NACHUM STEIN RABBI VOSEF C. GOLDING 28 Hillel House's Battle Bt.1sln'88 MimagM For Continuity in Jerusalem Published by Daniel Winston Agudath Israel of America RABBI MOSHE SHERER 31 In the Footsteps of the Chashmona'im PRESIOE:NT Dovid Goldblum 34 SOLE U.S. ffiADE llfSTRIBUTIIR EUROPEAN REPRESENTATIVE feldheim Publfshers M.T.Blbetman BOOK IN REv!EW 200 Airport Exocutive Park Grosvenor Works Spring Valley, N.Y.10977 Mount Pleasant Hill On Judaism, reviewed by Yisroel Y. Pollack London ES 9NE, ENGLAND ISRAELI DISTRIBUTOR AUSTRALIAN DISTRIBUTOR 36 Nechemla Rosenberri Gold's Bo&:* & Gitt Co. KtryatTelshe Stone, 108A 36 William Street POETRY O.N. Harei Yeliuda. ISRAEL Balaclava 3183, Vic .. AUSTRALIA Blessings Unfold Bracha Dross Goetz THE JEWISH OBSERVER does not What's in a Name? assume responsibility for the Kashrus of any product, publication, or service Tsivia Yanofsky advertised in its pages 38 @Copyright 1995 LETTERS TO TIJE EDITOR DECEMBER 1995 VOLUME XXVlll / NO. 9 • • • PISIS ID e ews The ''Family ofJews" is a truly urgent subject An analysis of the recent events in Eretz Yisroel that rocked the that deserves to be world, based on an address by the Novominsker Rebbe, Rabbi treated comprehen­ Yaakov PerlowN''\:"7'!1, amemberof theMoetzes Gedoki HaTorah sively. But the events in (Council of Torah Sages) of Agudath Israel of America, delivered at Eretz Yisroel have been the recent national Convention of Agudath Israel. so overwhelming, so oppressive on our minds "AMONGST MY PEOPLE" secure. The zechus harabbim-the -A SOURCE OF COMFORT, communal merit-becomes a protec­ and hearts, that one can A SOURCE OF ANGUISH tive shield 'ml>rni~:ivin:ifNl>':Jrli'P­ .,,...,.,,,,:i. Hashem Yisborach views the discuss little else at this e relationship of a yachid (an overall metaphysical peoplehood of mdividual) to a tzibbur is con­ Knesses Yisroel as being without time. VVhen the entire Tieyed in a simple statement blemish or stain. The more deeply one quoted in Tanach: When the Navi identifies with, and attaches himself Elisha wished to express his grati­ to, the kedusha of Kial YisroeL the family ofJews receives tude to the Isha Hashunamis (the more one's behavior draws from the Shunamite woman) for her generous inner wellspring of Yisroel Am such a crushing blow hospitality, he asked her, "What can Kedoshim-or simply put, the more one do for you? Can one intercede for one feels himself part of the tzibbur, from an individual, or a you with the king or commander? in touch with the needs of the tzibbur The Shunamis replied, >:>iN>r.))l"J11U, (as the Rambam writes: "He performs group ofindividuals, the l'tW1' "I dwell amongst my people." mitzvos in their midst, shares their The Zohar Hakadosh takes this to crises, fasts on their days of fasting"), moral foundations of mean that being singled out as an in­ the more one seeks to uplift and be dividual before higher judgment in­ uplifted by the tzibbur, the more he our family are shaken. vites scrutiny and an assessment fulfills, "I dwell amongst my people," that is fraught with risk. There are al­ the more is he living with Kial Y1Sroel The entire tzibbur (com­ ways faults to be found when gazing and the more assured is he of his own down at a single Jew. The Shunamis spiritual security and inner peace. munity) has been vio­ therefore preferred to be counted There are times, however, when a among the many, >r.))l "(ITTJ, "amongst cloud hangs over the entire Jewish lated, and it calls for my people." People, when inner peace is missing When taken as part of a tzibbur, a from our soul as a nation, when the thought and a response. community, an individual feels more very foundations ofJewry as a sacred

6 The Jewish Observer. December 1995 tzibburare shaken and under attack. Yisroel by the State oflsrael as a nec­ In examining ourselves as a family of In examining ourselves essary step to the Ge'ula hashleima Jews, we all feel-we all shouldfeel­ Tiiis philosophy views the results of a great deal of stress and pain. I, for as a family of Jews, we the Six-Day War as a Heavenly step one, have no inner peace these days. in the Tahalich haGe'ula (course of Somehow, the words "I dwell amongst all feel-we all should the Redemption) that cannot be re­ my people" are at the same time both versed. They view the very State itself comforting and frightening. It has feel-a great deal of as As'chaltadeGe'ula, and thus Eretz been a long time since the community Yisroel tachas memsheles Yisroelas a of religious Jews and Klal Yisroel it­ stress and pain. Divine symbol of progress on the con­ self has had such a pall of anguish tinuum towards the Ge'ula. From hanging over it. I am, ofcourse, refer­ Somehow, the words "I this perspective, any land accommo­ ring to the tragedy that occurred in dwell amongst my dation with the Palestinian Arabs is Eretz Yisroel in early November, the a fatal sin against the Hashgacha act of retzicha (murder) and chillul people" are at the same Elyona (Divine Providence). And thus Hashem of cosmic proportions, and no obstacle is to be allowed that will the subsequent wave of defamation time both comforting stand in the way of this Tahalich, of and hatred towards religious Jews this perceived process of redemption. and Toraseinu hakedosha-All this and frightening. It has In the context of this thinking, the has erupted 'l:Jl> 1111~. within my Prtme Minister who signed the Oslo people, the People of the Book-not of been a long time since Accords is a traitor to his people, a the sword-in the land that cannot bogefd in Divine Hashgacha and the tolerate or absorb bloodshed. the community of those mortal enemy of the Jews who did We read in Parshas Maaset You settle the newly acquired shetachim shall not pollute the land with the loyal to Torah and in Eretz YisroeL The consequences of spilling of blood. You shall not defile this thinking in its most radical form its atmosphere (Bamidbar 35,33). mitzvos and Kial Yisroe/ were bound to happen. Tragically, The bitter irony of this recent mur­ they did happen. And they may con­ der is that the very sanctity of the itself has had such a pall tinue to happen (may Hashem pro­ land, in the cause of which this blood tect us!). was spilled, has itself been brutally of anguish hanging over This entire philosophy, its idealis­ violated by the purveyors of a false tic underpinnings and faithful believ­ ideology that has reached ugly and its head. ers notwithstanding, is not the view­ dangerous proportions. point of the great majority of the All this was carried out by a reli­ Charefdi population in Eretz Yisroelor gious Jew, a lomeid Torah ve'shomeir done bloodshed, is utter nonsense. without. inAgudath Israel or without. mitzvos. It makes little difference Rather than save the presumed Tiiis is not the occasion to analyze the whether he came from Gush Emunim nirdaf (intended victim) and protect faults of this highly controversial and or from Me'aShe'arim. He is perceived the settlers, this murder has left them highly speculative doctrtne. What by the entire world as an Orthodox in a state more precarious than ever. needs to be said, however, to those Jew who killed his fellow Jew, and How, then, can serious people, zealous and militant Jews who have then proceeded to justify the murder amongst them talmidei chachamim. placed Eretz Yisroel Hashleima at the by a religious dictum, as having been entertain such ludicrous ideas and top of Judaism's prtortties is the fol­ directed by G-d. lrnt'>ve>r.W10W bring calamity upon the Klal Yisroel? lowing: I believe the answer is found in a Klal YlSroel has sunrived through­ THE ROOT CAUSE: pasukin Chumash that reads: mw.i>:> out history with its emuna in Thir­ teen IkreiHadas (Principals of Faith). O'i""r.l '1.:l"T 'PP~ c=n 'l'V 11V' . A brtbe AN IDEOLOGICAL BIAS You have placed a fourteenth 11car in must blind the thinking of the wise: it the theology of our faith. Look where e need not dwell at length on Will invariably corrupt the words of this has led you. the devastating aspects of the righteous. A brtbe not only refers The Tahalich HaGe'ula is un­ W:this Churban, this destruc­ to money. A shita stubbornly held, a known to us. and resenred to Hashem tive act among our people. Instead, doctrtne that overpowers the mind. Himself, in the context of "hanistoros can also become a bribe that leads to la'Hashem Elokeinu, the hidden we should explore, clarify for our­ [which) should be left to Hashem." selves, and seek to identify the origin false judgment and tragic results. Our own role in being mekarev the of the disease that culminated in this There exists today in Eretz Yisroel Ge'ula is the path of Torah and tragedy. The halachic comparison to within a certain circle of religious mitzvos, as the pasuk continues, rodeif, or mosur (which has the Jews, led by Rabbanim loyal to the "v'haniglos lanu u'levaneinu ad halachic status of rodeij) that has philosophy of yishuv ha'Aretz and olam la'asos es kol divrei haTorah been applied by certain people to con- shleimus ha '.Aretz, a body of thought hazos." that sees the occupation of all of Eretz Do notendangeryourlives and the

The Jewish Observer. December 1995 7 lives of others by taking up arms to misnachalim, the Settlers on the still bent on driving the Jews into the defend a debatable doctrine. This can West Bank. In Eretz Yisroel today, and sea. And the ensuing Palestinian set the stage for chalila a milchemes throughout the Jewish world, there is state that will emerge as a result of the achim, a war between brothers and a great division of opinion regarding Oslo agreement will increase, rather acts like that of Yigal Amir. One trag­ the peace process, and this applies to than decrease, the mortal danger to edy is enough. Rethink your ways, the chafshim (irreligious Jews). the the entire Israeli population. and educate your youth with the Kol Datiim, and even the Chareidim. With respect to the settlers. these kol Yaakov. the voice of Jacob, not There are those who feel that some 140,000 Jews moved to Eretz Yisroet with the Yeda'im yedei Eisav, the settlement with the Arabs, even a out of a sense of idealism and ahavas hands ofEisav. painful one, is necessary so as to haAretz, which entailed hardship and Furthermore, and I think this is minimize the risk of future wars. And mesirus nefesh. Moreover, they were crucial, our understanding, the if this means surrendering land, so be encouraged to do so for many years by proper understanding of the calamity it, for the sake of hatzolas nefashos each succeeding government. Now that occurred, should in no way be in­ (saving lives) on a larger scale. they feel abandoned and betrayed. fluenced by one's own personal feel­ Others feel, on the contrary, you Especially in view of the fact that so ings about the peace process or by cannot trust the PLO and the Arabs' many of them are shomrei Torah one's genuine sympathy for the leadership for a moment. They are umitzvos with temimus and dedica­ tion, whatever their political persua­ sion, this evokes in all of us a sense of being nosei be'ol, identifying with their pain and anxiety. We should all SUBSCRIBE NOW TO be in a constant state of tefilla veTachanunim for this family of THEIEWISH Jews, and beseech the Shomer Yisroel: ~ 11'l1NW -now in whatever way He will decide to steer the course OBSERVER of history. HOW ONE RELINQUISHES LAND

AND$AVE hould it come to pass that Jews will have to pack their Become a monthly subscriber to the Jewish Observer and save up bags and withdraw from land to 43% off the single copy price (a savings of $45.). The longery<>u S in Eretz YisroeL our hearts, as well as subscribe for, the more you save. theirs, should bleed for every inch And this introductory offer is fully guaranteed. You have but to surrendered by Bnei Avraham, ask and you will receive a prompt refund on any undelivered issues Yltzchak and Yaakov to the children should you decide to cancel at any time, for any reason. ofYlshmael. Eretz YisroeL muchzekes Each month, the Jewish Obseiver will be delivered directly to lanu la'avoseinu--it is meant to be in y<>ur door, filled with the views of leading Torah thinkers on current our possession, as a legacy from our issues ... cornments on the strengths and foibles within the Jewish Avos. We are not authorized to give community. .. analysis of contempoffil)' Jewish events ... inside away even daled amos in Eretz reporting, interpretive commentary, inspiring biographies, YisroeL No government is endowed infuriating letters and illuminating responses - all within the covers with the power of ownership to resign of one magazine, The Jewish Observer. our historic claim and our Divine ~ don l delay. Check the money-saving terms below and send in right to the Land of our fathers. Only your order right away. We'll try to get your order filled in time for in the sense of being forced out by an our very next issue. intruder, a bandit. who makes life im­ possible for you in your own home, and for reasons of security, well-be­ ing and pikuach nefesh, are you Name (Please print) ------sometimes compelled to evacuate Address------your place of dwelling. Jews may only Suite 1200 • 84 William Street, New York, N.Y. 10038 ~------Cicy, ______vacate land in Eretz Yisroel if under mortal pressure, with the hope of 0 YES! Please enter my subscription for: State------Zip ----- USA •Qlrrs!DE averting future war and loss of thou­ ONO' USA =------"'"'--'~- 0 Enclosed:$ ------sands of lives. This is the perspective 0 3 years- at 43% off the cover price $60 $96 - 0 Charge my. 0 MasterCard 0 VISA of Ma'aminim bnei Ma'aminim. who 0 2 years - at .~7% off the cover price $44 $68 0 lyear-at31%offthecoverprice $24 $36 Acct.No,------cherish the Land and hope to witness the joys of its restoration. •Price reflects $12 extra per year to defray air shipping costs. Expiration date: (11Wnlh/year) ------foreign payment must be made in U.S. dollars, either by check Unfortunately, this is not the atti­ drawn on a hank tn the U.S.A. or by Visa or MasterCard. Signature ------tude of the Leftists in Eretz Yisroel to­ The Jewish Observer is published nwntbly except July and August. Please allow 4 - 6 weeks for delivery. day. 'They see the Arabs as equally

8 'The Jewish Observer. December 1995 entitled to the Land. Their national­ system, and promoting a spirit of hos­ OPPOSmoN TOA NON-TORAH ism. devoid of Torah principles, has tility and ridicule toward our sacred NATIONAUSM its limits. They can very well do with heritage; and at the very same time a reduced State, happily co-mingling attempting to secure and protect the et us return to our subject and with an Arab society and Middle­ Jewish state. Except for speaking the recall the ideological battles the Eastern culture, since their philo­ Hebrew language, what will be Jew­ L overwhelming majority of sophical basis of statehood has any­ ish about this state in the coming Gedolei Yisroel waged against politi­ way been "Let us be like all nations, years. if the present awful trend con­ cal Zionism in the earlier part of this House of Israel." The boundaries of tinues! century-before the establishment of Eretz Yisroel are thus not that impor­ Look at the appalling outrage that the Medinaand before the Holocaust. tant, for to them, land has little sanc­ has been occurring these last few What was at the heart of that battle? tity. Kever Rochel and Me'oras days. With no sensitivity towards the What concern outweighed all else in Hamachpeila are merely old vestiges remains of our ancestors of 2000 their rejection of the Zionist ideal to that are without contemporary sig­ years ago, archeologists and road­ liberate and settle Palestine and nificance. Security, democracy, and builders have disturbed, dumped, make it a homeland for the oppressed the freedom to live as you please are the only criteria for the modem Jew­ ish state in the eyes of secular Jews. Should it come to pass that Jews will have to pack THE "TRIUMPH" OF ZIONISM their bags and withdraw from land in Eretz Yisroel,

ome people call this the end of our hearts, as well as theirs, should bleed for every Zionism. Political Zionism has S failed. Its idealism is gone. inch surrendered by Bnei Avraham, Yitzchak and I do not see it that way. In my view, Zionism is a huge success. Given its Yaakov to the children of Yishmael. own self-defined purpose and mis­ sion, its goals have been achieved. The State of Israel today is a country and carried away what everyone Jewish masses? Was not the rabbini­ of great economic, scientific, and mili­ agrees to be the bones of the families cal leadership of the time sensitive to tary power, a triumph and a vindica­ of the Chashmona 'im in the Modi'in Jewish suffering in Russia? Did they tion ofits early hopes and dreams. region. How far have we sunk! We have less love for the Land than Herzl The Torah, however, defines our knew previously that these people and Chaim Weizmann? nationhood in qllite different terms. have little respect for the human re­ The answers are well-known but It describes our validity as a people by mains of those who bear the G-dly need to be restated: The Zionist phi­ the words, "Mamleches Kohanim image. But Rtbbono Shel Olaml No re­ losophy sought to transform the Vegoy Kadosh-a Kingdom of Priests spect for the sacred past!? No respect meaning and purpose of Kial Y'isroeL and a Holy Nation," a singular nation for our nation's heroes of the spirit, It substituted a secular nationalism wilike any others. Or as Bilaarn said: the ancient pillars of our people!? and secular statehood for the Torah "Behold, a nation that dwells alone, Only the needs and the whims of the definition of our people as an Am not to be reckoned among other na­ present seem to matter. The secular­ Hashem, an Am HaTorah-A Torah tions." If we are to be respected by the ist family of Jews apparently pays Nation. "Yisroef' is not defined by nations of the world, itis through our little heed to the age-old family of land, not even by the Land of Y'isroeL fidelity to Torah and derechHashem, Ylsroel Sabba. This should not come despite our eternal bond and longing adheringtothewayofG-d. 'You shall as a surprise. Since the ideals of the for Eretz Tzion ve Yerushalayim. safeguard and perform ... [the past mean little to them, so do the Rather "Yisroef' is defined by loyalty mitzvos], for it is your wisdom and people of the past mean very little. to Hashem and Taras Moshe. The discernment in the eyes of the What a shame for a Jewish state! great majority of the Gedo1ei Torah of peoples, who shall hear all these de­ The entire Orthodox community the time saw in political Zionism an crees and who shall say, 'Surely a must sound a vehement cry of an­ implacable foe to the hashkafas wise and discerning people is this guish and protest at this desecration, haYahadus-the Jewish world-view great nation!'" (Devarirn 4,6) and any desecration of graves. The as conveyed in the Torah. Further­ It is frightening to witness the Is­ society of present-day Israel craves a more, their belief was confumed be­ raeli government today trample upon sense of living in tranquility in these fore their eyes when they witnessed all the basic elements of our difficult times; it would do well to al­ the waves of tens of thousands of peoplehood, to the point of doing low also a sense of tranquility to our Jews in Russia and in Eretz Yisroel away with the halacha requirements departed. But you need a Jewish who completely forsook the derech of geirus (conversion), sanctioning hashkqfa to think this way, and this Hashem as they were caught up in hedonism, preaching outright kejira hashkafa is sadly missing from the the Zionist dream. (denial of basic beliefs) in its school present political leadership. Their opposition extended also to

The Jewish Observer. December 1995 9 of the State of Israel. and the emer­ 1\0 ID 'OnlD itl/~/t gence of a strong vibrant Orthodoxy n~1'tj'" nr"J11 in America have changed in many P"'l:l->J:i ways the battle lines of the previous confrontations. But the core issues - remain the same. The Kulturkamf that rages in Israel today is for the very soul of our people, for the very character of a society, the majority of "1»'11 !>·1~1 '('111:1 ,\))flit '~' J'W)11l 111<''1f> which still fasts on Yorn Kippur. still • )lltll 1n1J:i' mn X!>l!I :i~l)f1 i11<~ desists from chometz on Pesach. and still would like to cling in some mea­ U•!>V t1>1<:n ,n>w :111~11 l 0•"lll ''1 m1nn lU( 1l):lp ·uniM sure to JeWish tradition-while the O)I ,y n!>•:>v '''~' ,11n •!7:1 rrllll -rnN DM1 ,1<1'11. ln'''lll forces of the Left are conducting a concerted drive to erase these funda­ n~'~' •n '"'Oi·~>n ,~l'~, M18J3i·'•V n.n~pn >l)-1) rilnll~ n~l~ mental features which make up our W.,>l 11tlN1. ·1on~ t»l:irii nllbN ~,e i'I'~''' ,oi>to M, n":?.l'fiJ'J historic d'mus, our personality as a It ;!)M ;)!(\'.:) 1' !iVl .irm 71K ni>nn !{)\ l'l1~'fn l'l1'1ill Oll f"IY\ Nation of G-d. is a frightening pic­ ture, a battle oflight and darkness-­ \WV'li 111' N•n •inw ni•1111 oy '' l•'tl:>» 0''111V" "'':iv n11t1) depending on one's definition oflight . •~''''l.!rY/1 111~,,,, 711 n>•>v To us who believe that "mitzva is a ·lll.l!) 'Ill llll1 l1,U\1 i\l)>~ j»fl) lln>I< O>"IJ'> O>M );))\ lantern and Torah is light," it is a 111n> mvr.1 '''llXl .,n)1l!ln:1 1itn' 0!>1:>'1 !>!>~> .,,,,.,~ battle of Yaakov Avinu and the Sar of .. till~ Eisav for the very neshama of KlaI Yisroel

THUS IS THE TRAGEDY COMPOUNDED

S compounds the tragedy of the murder all the more. This A public letterjromRabbiElazar Man SchachH~ TI the bitter shame the Torah the RoshHaYeshiVaofPonevezh. BneiBrak world has to bear today. Yes. we may think it is them not us; it is the wear­ 8 Kislev 5756 ers of ldpot serugot not the wearers A heartfelt <:all .to our brethren in the Land.{of Israel} and in Chutz ofblack hats. 1bis distinction is true; LaAretzm light of the situation that is unparalleled in recent times: and there are also distinctions We received the Torah and all its. 613 mitztJos. And now (people] are amongst the society of the kipot villfyirtg us With libelous claims. Should one individual act Without intel­ serugot with Yigal Amir representing ligence, they will cast asperSions upon the entire People of the Torah. but a tiny fringe. But you cannot ex­ The Torah. whichwas given directly from Hashem through Moshe pect the secular, anti-Torah world to Rabbeinu. is the word of G-d, fashioned by G-d, not by man. !tis replete make these distinctions. You cannot with faith, Wisdom, lovingkind.!less, truth, righteousness, andjustice, with expect The New York Times to make the Ten Commandments, and it does not permit bloodshed. Thus the such distinctions, given its attitude­ heart aches to witness the libel that [others] are casting on the Torah Na­ past and present--0f anti-Orthodox tion, similar to the libels of the Dreyfus and. Beilus Cases. bias. To the Chiloni'im in Israel. and Therefore, dear brothers, let us strengthen ourselves in Torah study. their counterparts here in America, andrecogniZe the extent to which'We must entreat {the Almighty] that all always ready to bash the Torah way of them return in teshuva. and that even the Left return. of life-to them, we are all lumped to­ WritlngWith an aching heart, gether. To them, the Torah breeds Elazar Man Schach killers and deadly parasites. Yeshivas train misfits and bigots. Rabbis advo­ cate terrorism and murder. The black Mizrachi and religious Zionism. The Rabbonim, was a watered-down plague is here again. GedoUm saw that tWinning of religion lifestyle of Yuidishkeit and a chinuch Rather than projecting the noble and nationalism as a losing invest­ system that proved to be a failure. character of a Torah Jew, the hot­ ment. The Torah becoming the Many years have passed since heads have succeeded in besmirch­ handmaiden of secularism, and the those days. KlaI Yisroel has under­ ing his image. Many years ago. in this early history of Mizrachi in Eretz gone drastic changes. The Churban of country, the Torah leadership of the YisroeL as bemoaned by its own European Jewry, the establishment previous generation warned against

10 TheJewishObserver, December 1995 Land, Hashem yeracheim. We must nicating in somefonn with the Chiloni The bitter irony of this also remember that here. in this world? Is there some effort being country, there was a great deal of made, in a public way, to address Is­ recent murder is that the loose. irresponsible talk and shame­ raeli society, and our sworn adversar­ ful reckless journalism that contrib­ ies, to address them as brothers and very sanctity of the land, uted to the atmosphere of calumny sisters, as Rav Schach did at the and hate surrounding the peace pro­ Knessia Gedolah,fifteen years ago, in in the cause of which !his cess. Perhaps these strident, sense­ afashion that might at least help re­ less voices will now learn the lesson duce the hatred that prevails in virtu­ blood was spilled, has that, contrary to their misguided be­ aliy all circles? liefs, the Torah forbids violence and The Rosh Yeshiva gave a krechtz­ itself been brutally vilification. The Torah is not to be he heaved a sigh-and shook his used as a stick to whip up frenzy and head. This is a serious problem, be­ violated by the screaming headlines. cause except for the heroic efforts of the Kiruv movement and other out- purveyors of a false THE AGENDA FOR reach efforts to inspire others to ideology that has HEALING THE BREACH teshuva, there is no relating in any way between us and them, except for reached ugly and at is now left for us to do? verbal stone-throwing at one another. What role do we as indi­ There is only a state of war. hot or dangerous proportions. W viduals, as brothers in the cold, a total breakdown of communi­ family of Jews, now have in the wake cation. Even in the atmosphere of of this crisis? hostility and attacks upon religion First, I suggest, a point is in order that we experience, our responses the dangerous and false ways of Meir about our fellow Chareidim in Eretz Kahane and his followers. The seeds cannot be limited only to ideological YtSroeL About a halfyear ago, I asked of that poison, in the name of halacha warfare. There are also additional a prominent Rosh Yeshiva from and Eretz Yisroel Hashleima, have ways. Especially at this time, when Yerushalayim a question: In the grown to full bloom in the climate that emotions are beginning to subside present climate, is there anyone in our and the country is returning to some produced a "Dati" murder in the Holy camp speaking in some way, commu- degree of normalcy, may I humbly

The Jewish Observer. December 1995 11 move and open minds and that are at hearts present warped by preju- A STATEMENT BY THE dice. There is no doubt that such a cOUNCIL OF TORAH SAGES OF AGUDATH ISRAEL OF AMERICA sense of "the right-hand near" will have a bringing In the aftermath of the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzchak resounding effect. This is not a naive dream; it Rabin, a great deal of confusion has been generated about Orthodox has not seriously been tried. It Jews and their beliefs. We feel it our duty to set forth certain basic points would cer- tainly be a Kiddush Shem Shamauim to dispel the confusion: and at the very least bring a fresh The assassination was an act of murder, a grievous sin that calls for spirit and voice healing to an atmo- so in unequivocal condemnation. sphere desperately need of cure The enormity of the sin is For the Sake of Truth: AN AGENDA FOR compounded by the assassin's THE UNITED STATES shocking claim that his act was The Orthodox Jewish based on Halacha (Jewish law). hat Position on the about us, you and We declare, I, categorically, here in the United States? this claim is erroneous Assassination of W Rabbeirnu Yona writes in indeed, a total disto rtion of Shaarei Teshuwa that the only way to fundamental Jewish values. Prime Minister Rabin Chillul repair Hashem is by engaging in Kiddush as Physical violence is abhorrent to Torah-observant Jews, and is an Hashem, the Sages said to who entirely inappropriate means of religious or political expression. Hurdas, had killed mern wise in Torah: "You have extin- The assassination should remind all Jews no matter what their guished the lamp of the world. Go and views on the Middle East peace process or any of the other policies engage in kindling the light of the of the current Israeli government- that inflammatory rhetoric and world." A light that has been extin- hateful invective often toxify the atmosphere. guished must be rekindled. We must We are dismayed that this crime is being used in certain circles to all join to rekindle the Ner of k'vod generate a false impression of Orthodox Jews, thereby creating a Shamayim that has been terribly dimmed in these weeks. We must climate of antipathy and even outright hostility toward Orthodoxy. turn to the of Kiddush Stereotyping and casting aspersions on an entire community for way Hashem to atone for and the the conduct of a misguided individual or individuals is deplorable replenish k'vod Shamayin that has been violated. and inexcusable. This is something we can all do, each Now, as always, the Jewish people desperately need to turn their in his own way. Paramount in our ob- collective heart toward Avinu Shebashamayim, the One Above. "G-d ligations is now the commands of shall give strength to His nation, G-d shall bless His nation with peace." "May the Name of Hashem become beloved through you," to exemplify npNa NTer nTaN "Ynmnnansvm the beauty of living nobly in the To- rah way. The bnei Torah in the Beis cOUNCIL OF TORAH SAGES OF AGUDATH ISRAEL OF AMERICA Hamidrash, the Rabbonin in their commurnities, the baalei battim (the laymen) in their workplaces-all of Agudath srael of America is a broad-based Orthodox Jewish coalition movement. The movement is led by the Councilof Torah Sages (Moetzes Gedolei Ha Torah), a distinguished rabbinic policy-making body whose us, including our wives and children members, including deans (Roshei Yeshiva) of major talmudical seminaries, are senior Torah scholars of at home-should re-conmit our- international renown. selves to project the character of a The publication of this statement has been made possible through the generosity of a group of concerned individuals. Torah Jew in the highest sense. Through kindness and truth is sin AGUDATH ISRAEL OF AMERICA 84 William Street, New York, NY 10038 212-797-9000 forgiven." Especially through Gemilas chassadim (charitable acts) and the The above statement was publ ished as a paid advertisement practice of truth-simple truth, Torah on the Op-Bd page of The New York Times on Nov. 24, 95. truth, sanctified by pure middos and behavior-can we to til suggest that the leaders of Chareidi dignitied hope it applies to the entire society: to the challal (void) and the chillul (des Jewry consider ways and means, ei- reach out to the entire family of Jewss ecration). and thus our ther by the spoken or the written in the spirit of "We are all the children rejuvenate collective soul. word, to speak to the people, to en- of one man." We are still, after all the This is our challenge today. The gage them in serious dialogue, to con fighting. one brotherhood of people. opportunities are endless, the re vey ourmessage, our vision, the mes We must the words that express will1 wards boundless. sage and vision of Torah thought, as serve to dispel the hatred, that wil

12 The Jewish Observer, December 199 Nisson Wolpin

mAS L. PRIEDMAN adical How About You

Oof OrtihodorOrtnOaOr cOmnuun Mow Orthodox NormL, e wake 1Snaton.Fringe of the WASHINGT Jewish Is btn Ihere murderler af of YIz. Sguse his cocIa e toeare to dismiss hie ADG 8Ys, wrih dismiss hit leaders israeis on 0utxieASTASNMn ARS meny ppe the i vet 8i mus D thee must face the tna Atd to caitp con omed tcesrs f aeód Are wrTn hose im. changet nme VRbodeax the have to could hsvee and to Hd to do oth eey e bwes totd brt yu Ne ebres nf YIZhR ta secassin te tor takingtime sios for unity This la ying Netonyvatu Lan o torndetine wha te lanei nn about hox Jewi w9S T whorn he s84 he a8s2sta reyie ereted Is He w Nonr unde ma To ue w v ofa hisi ented w Yigal A men f9ni o 8NIINiBns proeg9 Stop an tect. o peopies1sseHP SP5O h es that he ao aies thers e ts dr antG t what M mo enDMe, b Orthodcr hm 0 M. hxe Amir sh Thee re ve Durposss, y s0n elipious nont. the rellgious that communtty, tor al rtght coemo abin Orthodox withi the Are of Major onferenc n har ja the (oa, ihhe roa Jewtsh (ro het practcal hHS communlt ure, fast visit ambeste elAd oi nunity is s the e wa3here, n s was is nd t tecause ** lrei is Benjamn e8ders Ameri in' 1. be A}or and o take d rot hay De queation Ws ar 3Taelt po . Dut nox arere t ep OCess Mr áivided.h rked he jant ever. CCe WanR The e. (0 ave Do bur th uson There israelsQuietAnger T jews, een fauid tzhax 4y 1T94 s0, RA Kil gunnan

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So Many Causesfor Tears set humanity above beasts. Instead, | the West Bank, proclaims: "We are all we are witness to how time to weep," says Kohelles inflammatory Yigal Amir." That banner may speak speech has enlarged man's capacity to for some of the citizens of Maale "and a time No A (3.4), to laugh." act in a bestial fashion. Amos. But it does not speak for the question about it, this is a We weep for the posture of Klal vast majority of Orthodox Jews. Just time for all good Jews to weep. Yisroel, which in dissent should about every acknowledged Torah We weep for the cutting down of maintain dignity and civility, even leader has expressed outrage at itzchak Rabin by the bullet of a Jew- when expressing these differences. In Amir's act of murder, and does not ish assassin. contrast, we are being rended, split countenance any measure of violence We weep that the assassin wasa into warring campsS. to secure the West Bank. Read Ze'ev religious Jew, who was somehow And we weep that Jews who pro- Chafets's OpEd piece in The New York convinced that he was acting on the fess to care about unity, civility, and Times (Nov. 7, '95). however, and directive of G-d. decency are hacking away at all three you'd never know it. And it makes one We weep for the calumny heaped with reckless abandon. weep all the more. on the Torah's sacred teachings- which are meant to be the source ofa Beginning With The Times Bring on the Fundamentalists Jew's every thought and on, and which are recognized to be the well- hese past few weeks have seen hafets (editor of the anti-dati springs for the ethics and value sys a blitzkrieg of incendiary re- journal, Jerusalem Report) tem that inform Western civilization. marks, letters, and columns first describes Amir's act of We weep that these teachings should deriding OrthodoxJews and their be- murder as "inspired by thefunda De so twisted, so distorted, so violated liefs, endowing them with a toxic halo mentalist ideology." Get the definitive that one could attribute to them that radiating from the deranged acts of article. (He makes it clear that by which they expressly proscribe. Yigal Amir. We begin by noting several "fundamentalists," he means Ortho- We weep for the violence of lan- items in The New York Times, the dox Jews, but never explains howa ghage that profanes man's exaltinggift newspaper of record. group identified by their belief that communication, which is meant to Granted, a sign in Maale Amos, on Torah must be understood in the

ine Jewish Observer, December 1995 13 light of the Oral Law can be labeled We Are Not All YigalAmir "fundamentallst," which would mean We weep that Jews who that they only accept the literal mean­ e are not all Yigal Amir. We ing of the text.) There is one such fun­ profess to care about are people of the Torah. We damentallstideology, he implies, and W may be extreme in our de­ claims that it "is shared by thou­ unity, civility, and votion to Torah and its teachings. We sands, perhaps tens of thousands. of do love the land and its people. But Israelis. including a number of the decency are hacking we also revere life, we speak temper­ country's most prominent Orthodox ately, and we do not make habit of rabbis." Not all Orthodox Israelis, but away at all three with tagging our fellow Jews with the "trai­ perhaps tens of thousands of them. tor" label. We are thus not at either of Now watch the unholy halo spread. reckless abandon. the two poles that Chafets perceives. The fundamentallsts are "unpopu­ Nor do we fit the comer staked out lar with the Israeli mainstream," for us by Thomas L. Frtedman in his Chafets claims, but "both the Labor tiers' movement, and pointedly stayed New York Times OpEd column, "How and Likud parties have sought alli­ away from anti-"peace" street demon­ About You?" (Nov. 8): "Mr. Amir is not ances with mainstream Orthodox par­ strations. Would you know that from deranged. He is just your average reli­ ties, which are sympathetic to the fun­ Chafets's column? Would you know gious rtght-wing hard-liner."-That's damentalists." Now the Amir halo em­ that a large proportion of the fervently Frtedman's choice charactertzation of braces the National Religious Party, Orthodox-who, I suppose. in the religious "Iight wing." He also al­ Shas, Agudath Israel and Degel Chafets's view are as "fundamentalist" lows that there are some "moderate" Hatorah. This includes the yeshiva as you can get-are "soft" on the prtn­ Orthodox Jews, who accommodate world and the Chassidic communities, ciple of terrttortal compromise? In his Sinai to conform to contemporary val­ most of which have been disen­ view, "the Likud has actively courted ues. But not us fundamentalists. chanted with the direction of the peace the fundamentalists (-thefundamen­ Frtedman totally misses the mark. negotiations, and yet have long ago talists-], seeing them as political We are a third pole, somewhere on distanced themselves from the ex­ shock troops in the fight for the West some other continuum. And we nei­ cesses of the extreme-rtght-wing set- Bank" .... the fundamentallsts? ther throw epithets nor shoot bullets. Yet, after all his years as the head of The Times bureau in Israel, and now in Washingion D.C .• he cannot or will The Perfect Review for Oaf Yomi not differentiate between right-wing Orthodox and some Orthodox ex­ tremist rtght-wingers. And we suffer as a result. How ironic that in the past, we non­ Zionist Orthodox Jews were painted out of the pale with the broad brush of ~ ~~,~~~~!~~ Neturei Karta-State-haters: and now ~ just 20 minutes! Each Daf is read, translated, that the erstwhile heroic settlers have explained, slowly, & clearly in 20 minutes or less. fallen into disfavor, it is the brush of Each tape consists of approximately 5 Blatt in their entirety rtght-wing religious extremism that is extended to paint us black. for only $3.00! (plus S&H) "Nonnative"-as per M E S l C H l ! S N 0 \V J\ \I A J L A B L I : Henry Siegman (25) ~'::il:I N:l:l (23) m:im:i (6) n'lVn n 'The New York Times letters col­ (26) Nin:i ND (11) im (8) i1'7>ll:I umn, as well as in a widely circu­ I lated opinion piece, Henry (25) 'J'1ii1lP (IO) i11'1P (6) l1'j7 il'll:I Siegman, senior fellow at the Council (5) m:ir.i (I9) l'P'l (5) iil'ln of Foreign Relations and former ex­ ecutive director of the Amertcan Jew­ (10) nw1:iv (18) l"elli'j7 (25) nll:l:l' ish Congress. pontificates: 'Tue in­ tense religiously defined nationalism ( 16) nit n;i:iv (24) Nl:lj7 N:l:l (13) t:J'1il that fueled the fury ofYlgal Amir, the confessed assassin, is nonnative in Subscribe now to receive new tapes in time for Daf Yomi! today's Orthodox community." We re­ 1-800-213-6626 •In Israel, 03-579-4067 peat: " ... normative in today's Ortho­ dox community"!

14 'The Jewish Observer. December 1995 You couldn't sell that incendiary em forms of Judaism they are pre­ port the large network of Orthodox fuel in Mir. Ponevezh. Belz or Gur. seIVing the authentic ·religion .. Ask institutions, must finally wake up to And Siegman probably knows that. yourself this: Are you funding Yigal the consequences of that support. Amir's teachers and their interpreta­ But accuracy does not seem to be on "In Israel. successive governments tion of Judaism or are you funding an have bought the political support of Siegman's agenda, not when he can interpretation that embraces moder­ Orthodox parties by funding their discredit all of Orthodoxy with one nity and coexistence?" schools and institutions. The combi­ knowledgeable tap on his word-pro­ Siegman ends his column with a nation of extreme nationalism and re­ cessor keyboard. similar call to deprive Torah institu­ ligious fundamentalism is a lethal One might wonder, then. why the tions of financial support: one-no less lethal when expressed invective is so strong, so sweeping. "There is a naive assumption that in Jewish idiom." Most likely, the engines of Orthodox whatever goes on in the most funda- bashing are driven both by a left-wing TuLaughorTuWeep? program of discrediting the opposi­ tion to the Peace Plan, as well as the Shall we laugh at its folly parently. willingness to be­ hope to marginalize the religious fea­ eve the worst of the hareidi tures of the State-to win backing for or weep for our ommunity-especially in its radical, anti-religious offensive. Brooklyn-can make even the most (See Rabbi Elias's 'The New Revolu­ damaged credibility? astute organs ofjournalism victim of tion in lsrael"-"10, Oct. '95.) a sham. The New York Times ran a story about a former yeshiva student, mentalist yeshivas in Brooklyn and Formula For Survival: "Moshe Gross," who claims to be rais­ Jerusalem cannot be as bad as mod­ ing funds for a defense fund for Dethroning the Rabbis em society. Wrong. It can be worse. If 10, left alone it will destroy Israel. Rabin's assassin (Nov. '95). t the close of his column, "The leaders of the larger Ameri­ "Mr. Gross said the hot line, put in Chafets comes through with can Jewish community-overwhelm­ place on Wednesday, was being 'del­ A his prescription for healing the ingly non-orthodox-whose senti­ uged with calls.' He said there were trauma besetting Israel, with the ace mentality and nostalgia for a tradi­ 60 to 70 calls an hour being handled tional Jewish life they no longer per­ by roughly 20 volunteers," and he up his sleeve: 'To survive, democratic sonally observe have led them to sup- Israel must knock the fundamentalist claims that $100,000 were already rabbis off their pedestals .... This means cutting off public funds to schools and youth organizations that indoctrinate children in anti-demo­ cratic ideals." His design, in short, is to use financial strangulation to kill the religious elementary schools, choke the Torah high schools. elimi­ nate the Beth Jacob system, and stamp out the advanced Talmudical academies-the traditional hot houses of piety and human concern, Judais1n - such a huge subject to where Divine service is twinned with understand! interpersonal accountability. Why? Is there any system that can help explain Because they are the "pedestals of the how the whole structure works? Is there any thread that winds its way through its titne!ess fundamentalist rabbis." labyrinth of com1nand-ments, rltua!s and Chafets's comrade-in-poison-pen­ concepts? manship. Thomas Friedman, echoes SELF BEYOND SELF presents a succinct this call in a subsequent column in and practical threefold key that organizes and clarifies n1any of Judaisin's major principles The New York Times (Nov. 20, '95): and traditions: the three signs of a Jew, the "The point for American Jews is three vital responsibilities of Jewish won1en, this: If you are giving money to Israel, the three pillars of the world, the three are you giving it to institutions that pi!grirnage Festivals, the three Heavenly are building an Israel you would want presents, and tnuch rnore. your own children to live in? Too of­ Regardless of how rnuch or little one has ten secular American Jews get caught !earned, SELF BEYOND SELF offers al! readers a valuable, new appreciation of Judaisin's up in this 'Fiddler on the Roof senti­ HC $18 95 PB $14 95 mentalism where they think that by giving money to fundamentalist or­ thodox yeshivas they are somehow FELDHEIM If] PUBLISHERS saving their own grandchildren, and TOrah Literature of Qual1f)1 that by preseIVing the most anti-mod- Toll Free: 800-237-7149 • E·mai! 73672 273@compuserve com 200 Airport E~ecut1ve Park Nanuet NV 10954 Tel (914) 356-2282 •Send for our NEW catalog

The Jewish Obseroer, December 1995 15 raised. So many calls? So much right-wing Orthodox world, bought money? From whom? into this hoax. The Jewish Week (Nov. 17) was Shall we laugh at its folly or weep duly skeptical of the story and inter­ for our damaged credibility? BIG viewed "Gross" on the telephone. He APPLE admitted that he is not using his real Put the Blame on Brooklyn (:.OW & PRINTING name. And he'd rather not reveal the CENTER name of the yeshiva he had attended. hile we weep for the con­ "Is the $100, 000 an accurate figure?" demnation that our broth­ 87 NASSAU sr: he was asked. It's a projection of ers in Eretz YISroel suffer, NEWyOR\(, NY 10038 W . (212) 962.4282 sorts, he replied. we cringe when the same brush of in­ (212) 267-9478 In other words, the entire story is discriminate denunciation sweeps apparently cut out of whole cloth, but across the seas to paint us with cen­ it seems that The Times, in its open­ sure, as well. Somehow, Borough ness to any negative portrayal of the Park has become the symbol of crazed, extreme nationalism in the lexicon of left-wing publications and J()lrflilmldirfl.ft0ii('At1anr~ Bj1(t1(1io~•Cll1~ago,·.·c1elietan<1, Denver, media analysts. Collette Avita!, ·· Defi'.O:lt, /(lffl~ g1fJ'·•·l.OJl.··Antbt~,Me1JtPhls,· Miami, ·.·Mltwauk~, Israel's Counsul General to New York, . Mm:n~apo~il;, Moptre~I; •• .Great!f.' N~'f'.·.•.· Yprk CUy,,. San .... Diego, referred to Borough Park as a prime ···~uth Blif'ld•. $f;.f.ouis·.Jind roronf(J.a,~.a·.Yeshiva.High···sch!>OI source ofextremism, as did the Asso­ Y!Jli~l'I fl'r~e~cellence, llJdlVidualachlevement,and. the.· total ciate Press: 1 "WhilemanyoftheoriginalKahane ~e10:11~rit.<>ft~!·•in ~;> ··· ·· .... ·.. · ···• . · · ··· ...•. followers in Borough Park have moved to Israel or abandoned the far right, the neighborhood remains a hotbed of re· THE YESHIVA GEDOLAH ligious and political extremism. It is filled with kosher butcher shops and AND MESIVTA OF MILWAUKEE restaurants, stores selling Jewish (The Wisconsin Institute for Torah Study - WITS) books and memorabilia, bundled-up Hasidic women walking their babies, and men with side curls, skullcaps and The Yeshiva High School, in its second decade, offers: black coats." How quaint How threatening. And • an intensive, comprehensive learning experience with shiurim in lyun and how vicious. Bekiyus And, then-need we go on? Let us • special emphasis on mussar, midas and character development cite one more quote, this time from • special rapport between Rabbeim and Talmidim Robert I. Friedman's article on the • fully accredited General Studies Program, maintaining standards of topic in New York Magazine (Nov. 20): ''The hate that felled Rabin can be educational excellence traced back to the streets of Brooklyn. • close relationship with Yeshiva Gedo/ah students, including night seder Here, in the cloistered Jewish en~ learning bechavrusa claves of Borough Park... , Orthodox • fully supervised dormitory yeshivas piously pronounce that the sanctity of the Holy Land is more im~ • a strong Yeshiva atmosphere portant than the sanctity of a Jew. It • a selj~contained six acre campus affording the ideal physical setting is a lesson well learned." • appropriate extra-curricular recreational activities Is there one yeshiva in Borough • a caring, nurturing environment promoting the development of each talmid Park that spouts this twisted ideology? • class size limited to insure individual success. nfortunately, we are accus­ Registration open only for entering ninth grade. To insure proper tomed to being misunder­ consideration for your son. please submit your application by U stood, even vilified. But the January. disrespect this latest camprugn ofcal­ umny brings to Torah, the threat it means to inflict on the yeshivas' sol­ .. ,.·Fo~.ap!)li~atl~n and·tuJ'ttiiarinfor'!'ationcontaet: >•···.··•••· vency. the erosion it hopes to wreak on the religious status quo in Israel. , < 'fh7 Wisc:ellsin 111stltfJ17 for ;rorah Study •.·. < and the splintering it inflicts on the 3288 N.Lilke Drive ,Mnwauke;a,WI 53211.!(414) 963•9317 Jewish people during this time that calls for healing-all of these are "" ~fflllate of the Yeshl~a#~~~~;d~alrn ()f Forest Hills ... > enough to make us bitterly weep. •

16 The Jewish Observer. December 1995 Sholom &heinberg

HEilENISM, NARCISSISM, AfFsIRUS NlEFFSH AND IPIRSUMEI NFSA

THE MYTH: A MIRROR means a pathological fascination with ity, supermen-ordinary men with OF GREEK REALITY the self: an excessive turning inward. extraordinary physical powers. They, Its prevalence in contemporary like Narcissus' reflection in the pool. arcissus, in Greek mythology, American society has been widely dis­ mirrored how the Greeks viewed was an exceedingly handsome cussed in the media and in popular themselves, with the full range of hu­ N young man. Echo, the nymph, and scholarly literature. man faults, weaknesses and limita­ fell in love with Narcissus, but her love Mesiros nefesh is the antithesis of tions. It would be absurd to speak of was unrequited, because Narcissus narcissism. The person who is moseir being moseir nefeshfor their sake. was too much in love with himselfto be nefesh recognizes that there is a The Greeks, foremost among the able to love another. Echo pined away higher Reality, to whom he is subser­ ancients, fashioned their gods in their until only her voice remained. The Greek vient, and for whose sake he must, if own, human image.2 This was, per­ "gods" punished Narcissus by causing necessary, be prepared to sacrifice haps, the ultimate narcissism. him to fall in love with his own image, himself. The Torah Jew, of course, knows rejlected in a pooL The Maccabees exemplified that Hashem is perfect and unique in This myth sheds light upon Hel­ mesirus nefesh 1 They risked their His perfection, and that His Torah is lenic culture, which, at its core, was lives to challenge the might of the Hel­ perfect; he knows that Hashem's narcissistic in the deepest philosophi­ lenistic Seleucid Empire, forthe sake transcendence is absolute, awesome cal sense. The ancient Greeks believed of Hashem and His Torah. Their very and unknowable. The following cor­ that the human body and the human act of raising the banner of revolt, ollaries, among others, flow from the mind were temples; that man, i.e., the therefore, in and of itself, constituted above: Man is not a temple, possess­ human intellect, was the measure of an eloquent and compelling intellec­ ing a purpose, existence and validity all things; and that the intellect could tual response to Greek culture, which independent of Hashem and his To­ find its ultimate fulfillment and justi­ did not recognize the validity of rah. The Torah demands that we look fication independent of any relation­ mesiros nefesh beyond ourselves and our egos, and ship with a higher Being. There could realize that we find our ultimate pur­ be no concept of mesirus nefesh; INHERENT IN pose, fulfillment and justification only mesiros nefeshcomprehends self-sac­ THE MACCABEE NAME insofar as we enter into a relationship IiJlce for a higher purpose; the Greeks with the One ultimate Reality. 3 saw no purpose higher than Man. he clash of cultures and of Man, who was the pinnacle of exist­ world-views is encapsulated 2. KLiberated by local independence, the religious ence, could not, by definition, sacrifice T by the very name >:or.>--an ac­ imagination of Greece produced a luxuriant my­ himself for the sake of something ronym of "71o>'m:l11W >o-Who is like thology and a populous pantheon. Every object or higher than himself. Man, turning in­ You among the gods, Hashem" 111is force of earth or sky, evezy blessing and eveiy ter­ ror, every quality-even the vl~ m

71ie Jewish Observer, December 1995 17 Man is deemed to be truly human. tefilla. Man turns outwards-to and therefore to be worthy of the Hashem and his fellow man-and name mN (Adam) only to tbe extent recogruzes tbat Hashem is tbe one that Man strives to resemble true Ideal. Man makes it his life-goal Hashem The very word Adam derives to resemble Hashem-to be Imitatio from "Adameh l'Elyon"-"I shall strive Del Man strives to fashion himself in to resemble the One above." 1bis ar­ the image of G-d-man does not fash­ ticulates the fact that our very iden­ ion gods in his image. tity as bneiAdamis contingent upon The imperative of mesirus nefeshis our striving to resemble Hashem, to another corollary of the uniqueness the extent that this is humanly pos­ and absolute transcendence of sible. Resembling Hashem is Hashem In the Shema, tbe phrase achieved through Torah study, striv­ "Shema Yisroel Hashem Elokeinu ing for perfection of one's middos Hashem Echod''-which enunciates (character). milzvaperformance, and Hashem's oneness, uniqueness and transcendence-is immediately fol­ lowed by "Ve'ahavta ... bechol levavacha, u'vechol nafshecha u'vechol met'odechti'-whlch speaks of the imperative of mesirus nefesh. It makes no sense to obligate a person to be moseir nejesh for a reality that is less tban perfect, transcendent and absolute. The divergent Jewish and ... One of the best Greek viewpoints on mesirus nefesh Asti wines tasted in a are direct consequences of their radi­ Jong while...,,.,,..,...,., cally different views on the nature of NlW YOllK DAILY NEWS tbe Divinity-a dichotomy that is en­ . •. By far the best w:1s capsulated in the phrase nc+.>!Oin>'l:l . Bartenura Asti Spumante ... Jn fact, CONTEMPORARY ORTHODOXY: it reteived the highest rating of any wine ... MESlRUS NEFESHAND Stt11ttq A. &lkr NARCISSISM THE WASHINGTON POST ... Outstanding from Italy is Bartenura's ere is much mesirus nefeshin Asti Spumante, in a ur contemporary Orthodox delicate yet hill· world-but there is also much flavored mode ... Ti Nlllh1JDCltrom1111 narcissism. We have n":i, Kolle! LOS ANGELES TIMES YW19eleitwho make tremendous sac­ . , . Bartenura Asti rifices for the sake of Torah. We have Spumante is among members of the yeshiva population the best Asti Wines on the market. who volunteer to participate in SEED Rohm M. hlker, /r. programs, in Partners in Torah, and THE WlNE ADVOCATE who found KoUelimin far-flung com­ munities such as Dallas, Cincinnati, Savannah and Atlanta. We are not, however, immune to tbe narcissism that pervades con­ temporary American society. Elabo­ rate chasunas and expensive, hlgh­ fashion clothing are but two mani­ festations of this phenomenon, which has been dealt with in many Torah publications, and which will not be elaborated upon here. This narcissism has ancient roots in Western civilization-and no origins or validity in Torah culture. What is the antidote to narcissism in tbe contemporary Jewish world?

18 The Jewish Observer, December 1995 of pirsumei nesa acquires a new di­ only the miracle of Chanuka, but all mension when viewed in the context the miracles, great and small, hidden Mesirus nefesh is the of this contemporary challenge-that and revealed. that together comprise of kiruv. We must celebrate the ongo­ the one, great, ongoing miracle of the antithesis of narcissism. ing miracle of the survival of the Jew­ eternity of the Jewish people. The person who is ish people, and the particular histori­ Kiruv, like pirsumei nesa, is a cal miracle of the triumph of Torah reaching outward-as reflected by moseir nefesh over Hellenism in the time of the the English word for kiruu: outreach. Maccabees. by endeavoring, all year Kiruv, like pirsumei nesa, openly recognizes that there is a long. to contribute to the continuity and publicly declares our dedication of the Jewish people by engaging in to Hashem and His Torah. higher Reality, to whom kiruv as a response to the challenge Kiruv, like the miracle that of contemporary Western culture. By pirsumei nesa publicizes, calls into he is subservient, and for engaging in kiruv, we publicize, and play the spirit of mesirus nefesh. indeed, become a participant in. not Those who engage in kiruv. whether whose sake he must, if necessary, be prepared to sacrifice himself.

Perhaps it is the concepts inherent in pirswnei nesa. Narcissism is a patho- 1ogical turning inward-pirsumei nesa, a reaching outward. Narcis­ sism results when one recogniZes no ideal other than oneself; pirsumei nesais the ringing. public declaration that we are beneficiaries of the miracles performed by the One ulti­ mate Ideal, Perfection and Reality. In '"AlHanissim."wesay'"Bayamim haheimbiz'manhazeh,"whichliterally means: "In those days, at this time." The nes of Chanuka that we are pro­ claiming is not limited to the miracle that occurred at the time of Judah Maccabee. but includes the ongoing miracle of the survival of the Jewish people as a Torah nation which is con­ tinutng to occur biz'man hazeh--at this time.4 It is this miracle, too, that we celebrate and publicize. RABBI DoVID GoLDWA.SSER PUBLICIZING THE MJRACLE .. .AND KIRUV

e have survived the trauma of the Holocaust, but we are W now confronted by a spiri­ tual Holocaust of assimilation into the broader Western culture and so­ ciety. This challenge parallels the challenge of Hellenization that the Maccabees confronted. The concept

4.SeeArt:Scroll ChanukaFirstEct 1981; Commen­ tary, p. 125. et. seq. for a discussion of the propo­ sition that the phrase tir.nr.in: can be gtven its lit­ eral meaning- ~at this time.~

The Jewish Observer, December 1995 19 as part-time volunteers, or as full- timeprofessionals, are moseirnefesh. The Partners in Torah volunteer in Yeshivas Ner Israel At the very minimum, they sacrifice I b I d I h h k th their time and give of themselves. earning y ong- istance le ep one 00 up wi a Jew in Many make far greater sacrifices. San Antonio, the yo. ung Kollel couple engaging in Mesirus nefesh, as discussed above, is the antithesis of Narcissism. The outreach in Dallas, the Frum Ci very act of engaging in kiruv, then, in A . and of itself constitutes an eloquent family opening its home to the Y ~=~;,:i~t~:;;.~cissism of con- non-observant in New York When viewect from the above per- City-these are all points of spective, it becomes evident that the Chanukalightsarenotlimitedtothose light. Like the Chanuka lights. on our menoras, and that pirswnet~~·_.'...~~~~~~~~~~~~~~:"'"·

nesa is not limited to our menoras' public display. There are, indeed, I thousands of points of light spread SH.ALHEVES PRESENTS across the length and breadth of this continent. illuminating our Chanuka celebration, publicizing the miracle of Chanuka, and contributing to the on­ .REJUVENATION going miracle of the eternity ofthe Jew­ A WEEKEND RETREAT ish people. The Partners in Torah vol­ unteer in Yeshivas Ner Israel learning by long-distance telephone hookup GflLJGffTS with a Jew in San Antonio, the young " .•.: FINOING HAPPINESS IN EVERYDAY LIFE KoUel couple engaging in outreach in Dallas, the jrum family opening its ..II\ MARRIAGE: THE TOR~A~~~ GROWTH Jll; ADVERSITY: A DOOR home to thenon-obselvantin New York CREATION AND ITS PURPOSE City-these are all points oflighl And, .$; THE BEAUTY OF SHABBOS like the Chanuka lights, which accord­ ·&~ UE EFFECT Of T'FILLAH ing to the ha1acha, must increase in ~ THE TR OURSELVES .$> M!DOS: BETTER~~TIONS & ANSWERS number from night to night, these .$S OPEN PANEL· QI points oflight are progressively increas­ ing with time, as Orthodoxy gains sPEAKERS strength, and as more frum Jews be­ ·Ali~ RASS\ EZR\EL T A,us;n~d lntemalional Speaker Founder of shalheves, cno come involved in Kiruv. .$S RABBI SHIMSHON PINCHUS Tilis Chanuka. may we rededicate Ravo/ ofaliim. Israel ourselves to the rejection of the Olym­ SROEL ROKOWSKY .~ RASSI :1 Yeshiva Ohr somayach, Monsey. NY pic flame, and to the celebration, pub­ Rosh Yesri1va, NOMEN lication and continuation of the true, GUEST SPEAKER FOR I -lri SPEC~ALR bbetzin Gittel Moskowitz pure, holy flame of Torah. • Fea1uring e 5. An intriguing tnsight into a possible relationship among Chanuka. Kiruv, theongoingmiracleofJew­ THE NEWARK HILTON tsh survtval and the Messianic Redemption may be contained in the ~ Maoz Tuur". "Maoz Thur" speaks FRIDAY - SUNDAY of triumphs over many threats to Jewish survival (including that celebrated by Chanuka). The final JAN LIA.RY 1. 2 " I 4 I 9. 9 6 stanza, which speaks of the Messianic Redemption. containsthewords~w:nv. "Hasten the Mes­ V l lll l1 l1 Hl lll l1 lll 1 !l l1 ::i lll sianic Redemption." :rip and :mp share the same f

20 The Jewish Observer, December 1995 Rabbi Noach Orlowek

Accepting Reproof With Grace: A Formula For Growth

Jew is obligated to give con­ The ability to accept criticism is were a generation that could still, to a degree. ac­ tructive criticism, as ex­ one of the cornerstones of a meaning­ cept the criticisms of the prophets. rihis was chang­ ing and hence the gift of prophecy was to go lost. as ressed in the mitzva to re­ ful relationship. for if my friends. chil­ any gift which is unused or misused goes lost.) They buke a fellow Jew who is committing dren, or wife are afraid to give me had prophets and these prophets were quite clear a sin (Vayikra 19,17). There maybe a criticism, then they can never feel as to the reasons for the impending Destruction. As times, however, when we need to be that the relationship is open and se­ I was prtvileged to hear from RabbiYrtzchok Hutner, on the receiVing end of that rebuke. If cure, and the entire relationship is .,".:n, (explaining the Vllna Gaon's statement that the end of prophecy was linked to Greek culture and llie the mitzva of giving rebuke is a diffi­ existence of prophecy during the First Temple era cult one to master, perhaps the abil­ was due to the fact that the salient sin during that ity to accept rebuke is even more dif­ Humility, which lies at the era was idolatry) that the prime sin of the First ficult. 'This subject can be addressed Temple period, idolatry, was, in effect {to use his root of the ability to words), a VV?n>rb:tp, the accepting upon oneself in two parts: one, why it is so impor­ the yoke of something false. As long as one still pos­ tant to learn to accept rebuke grace­ sessed the capacity to accept a yoke upon oneself, fully; and, once motivated, to learn accept reproof, is a sign there was still someone to talk to about accepting some of the ideas and attitudes that the Yoke of Heaven: hence prophecy persisted will help us profit from the crttical in­ of intrinsic greatness, for throughout the First Temple era. At the time of the Second Destruction {circa 70C.E.), however.people sights of others into our actions or there is no fear that my were into Greek philo.sophy, which was (again to use character. Rabbi Hutner's words) an act ofl'v.lN?wym, where So let us begin by enumerating accepting your reproof people were casting off the yoke oftruth. People were some of the benefits that accrue to negative to the whole idea of having a yoke upon themselves; they 'Wished to be the final arbiters of someone who learns to accept criti­ will in some way right and wrong. There was no one to talk to about cism. accepting Heaven's yoke, and therefore prophecy diminish my stature. ended. There were no longer prophets to tell us THE REWARDS OF where we had erred and therefore we stood far less RECEIVING REPROOF of a chance at rectifying the underlying cause. 2. Rabbeinu Yona of Gerona (1200~ 1263), author likely to suffer. Indeed, Rabbeinu of the famed Shaarei Tesluwa. Here he is quoted Yona2 tells us that one of the func­ from his Commentary to Aoos. 1. Happiness and tions of a friend is to offer reproof. To 3. Rashi. Bereishi.s, tells us that ~to lmowH is a term MeaningfiLI Relationships ofendearment. for the word daas in Hebrew always the degree that I understand you, I can refers to some sort of connectedness {see Alei Shur. love you. It therefore follows that if I , vol. 1 page 138). in this case the connectedness y life has a better chance of cannot let you know me, then the love between Hashem and Avraham. You can only love being a happy one if I'm will be stifled. 3 someone to the degree that you know him or her, open to correction, for then The Mesillas Yesharim (Path of the for otherwise, you do not even know what you are M ~loving.H people are going to be more willlng to 1bis seems to be why the study ofTorah Jusd .4 which is known for its concise is directly related to Love of Hashem-and is rep­ point out my mistakes and shortcom­ style, is quite emphatic about howvi­ resentative of Hashem's love for us-for when a ings, offering me a better chance to tal it is to be able to accept advice, person studies Torah, he is in effect engaged in rectify them. 1 even if it implies crtticism. He writes: finding out what is important to Hashem, knowing Him. When we study for its own sake, we are say~ Above all, one should constantly ing, in effect: ~Hash.em. what's important to You is Rabbi Orlowek seives as Mashgtach in several reflect upon the weakness of human yeshivas in Yerushalayim. A published author­ important to me. I am therefore making an effort My Disciple, My Child and My Child. My Disciple to find out what's important to You, how You look 1. See Yoma 9a where the Gemora !l"lates that the {Feldheim Publishers)-several of his essays have at the world.~ generation that experienced the First Destruction {of been featured in these pages, most recently, MStriv­ 4. Written by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto {1707- the Temple in Jerusalem, circa 420 B.C.E.) knew the ing to Forgive. Learning to ForgetM {JO Sept. '94.) 1746), It is considered one of the greatest works on reasons for the Destruction, and hence were able to Tilis articleisbased on a chapter in a forthcoming character and ethics ever\VTitten. merit to rectify them and return to Jerusalem. They book by the author.

The Jewish Observer. December 1995 21 intelligence and the many errors and deceits to which it is subject, for it is PINCHAS MANDEL always closer to error than to true un­ Over 40 Years Experience In Kvura In Eretz Ylsrael derstanding. He should constantly be in fear, then, of this danger and seek Personal Responsibility Throughout Service-NO AFFILIATES to learn from all men; he should give ORIGINATOR OF THE PRESENT METHOD ear to advice lest he go astray. As our Highly Recommended by Gedolai Hadar - Here and in Eretz Yisrael Sages of blessed memory said (Avos 1569-47th Street, Brooklyn, N. Y. 11219 4:1), .. Who is wise? One who learns from all men." (emphases mine) Day & Night Phone: (718) 851-8925 Such a reiteration of emphasis on TYO'l:)NiDl:)Np l.'l"v - pi:> iNl nil:)lll.' 'il!:l the part of the Mesillas Yesharim. considering his generally terse style. 5 Chesed Shel EMES with Mesiras Nefesh . .. as understood and practiced by is nothing short of a shout. one active in the industry for more than half a century. - Taharas Hanlftar Should Never Be Commercialized - 2. Becoming a Candidate for Divine Mercy and Bounty

ivine Mercy is that trait of Hashem that looks into the EQUAt HOUSING The bank that LENDER D future and gives the person time to rectify his deeds and perfect MEMBER FDIC his character. A person who can ac­ cept reproof has a future. which puts YOUR makes him a candidate for Divine Mercy. The more a person is willing and eager to learn of his/her short­ interest first. comings. the more likely it is that someone will indeed be willing to of­ fer that criticism. 6 •Private Banking The Sfas Emes tells us that Moshe blessed the Jewish People af­ •Business & ter giving them reproof. because it is Personal Accounts the ability to accept reproof that •Deposit Accounts: makes one a candidate for bounty. I Checking suggest that these two points are in­ NOlV terrelated. Just as an ability to ac­ lffon~v 1Harket cept reproof improves my future po­ Savings tential, making me a candidate for Certificates ofDeposit Divine Mercy, in the same vein the •Credit Products: ability to accept reproof makes it Business Loans easier for me to receive bounty, for Letters

6. Written by the Gerrer Rebbe. Rabbi Yehuda Aryeh Leib Alter (184 7-1905), the !?fas Emes is an :e awe-inspiring work of immense scope and depth. 1HE BERKSHIRE BANK We quote here from the Sfas Emes, Devarim. p. 10 srdmb (Devartm 1, 11) 1276 50TH STREEf AT 13THAVE., BRO<)KLYN. NY 11219 /TEL (718) 437-5678 ;i·,. 600 MADISON AVENUE, NY, l\1Y 10022 /TEL. (212) 593-9600 7. The Gemora (Chulin 89a} maintains that this trait-whereby bounty and success cause in-

22 The Jewish Observer. December 1995 3. Becoming a Candidate True Humility-True Greatness of intrinsic greatness. for there is no for Leadership fear that my accepting your reproof e Mahara112 tells that this is will in some way diminish my stature. e Vtlna Gaon, in his commen­ what our Sages meant when Humility. in its truest sense. is the truy on the pasuk "And the one T:they said '3 • "Wherever you will awareness of my strengths-and the Tiwho hears will always speak," find the Greatness of Hashem (men­ subsequent realization that these tells us: tioned in the Scrtptures). you will find gifts are from Hashem and make me One who hears and accepts upon (mentioned in the same place) His feel responsible to use them. rather himself reproof, will. as reward, merit Humility." because His Humility is His than arrogant. As Rabbi Leib 8 to lead everyone. pre-eminent Greatness. w Chasman'5 tells us: One might explain that this is so Humility. which lies at the root of because a true leader is someone who the ability to accept reproof, is a sign stresslng that in every place that you will find men­ does not depend on honors from tion of Hashem's Greatness will you find mention 12. 1512-1609. thefamedMaharalofPrague. of HiS Humility, why iS it necessary to note this those whom he leads, and is willing 13.Megtlla31a point in every place. to do what is correct without think­ 14. BeginningofChapterOne,NesiuHaAnava. The 15. The Mashgiach of the yeshioos in Telshe and ing of any consequential loss of Maharal is commenting on why the Sages were Chevron {1869-1935). honor.9 A leader is someone who is giving leadership and direction, with­ out thought for his own honor. 10 He can therefore eagerly accept crtticism. for what matters is only what is right and good. with no thought as to his own image. People sense this and eventually he will emerge as a true leader. The Telsher Rav. Rabbi Yosef Leib Bloch, 7"lll (1850-1929) gives us a graphic illustration, of what typifies a genuine leader: During a meeting, when someone enters the room, who will arise from his chair to give it to the newly-anived guest? The most distinguished, sen­ sitive soul, who feels that the new guest is in a quandary when entering and finds no chairs available.... But the simpler man willnotget up, for he Driven by instinct and adrena­ fears that his honor will be lessened line. Chaya Malka Abramson ran if he surrenders his place to the newly-arrived person. 11 through the walls of flame that were rapidly devouring her apartment. to creased hwnility. rather than an ever-larger ego-­ ts the special aspect of the Jew:ish People that save the Jives of her children and evokes Hashem's special love for His People. grandmother. But beyond the details 8. Mishlei2I.B of this harrowing experience, WHO 9. This seems to be analagous to the famous ex­ BY FIKE is the remarkable story of planation of Rabbi Ylsroel Salantar {mentioned in Shiurei Daas, Rabbi Yosef Leib Bloch, 7"'.llt, Chaya Mall

The Jewish Obseroer. December 1995 23 It is obvious that a humble person 1 accept the fact that they have been (according to some) Nechemia is not someone who is not aware of his wrong about something, even if it is HaAmsunl, whohadtaughtthatwher- essence and abilities. Such a person is a fool and not humble. Who is a cherished, long-held belief. ever the word "n<" appears in Scrip- humble? One who has a total recogni­ •Firstly, when Yitzchak Avinu tures, itsigniliesthatsomematterbe- tion that all that he has is not his, but learned, suddenly and poignantly, yond the simple message of the pasuk aresultofthemercyofHashemonHis that he had erred about ,his children: is to be included in the pasuk's teach- creatures-Who wished to bestow Yaakov was meant to be the father of ings. At one point the students posed upon him kindliness. and gave him the Chosen Nation. not Eisav, as thequestionastowhatcanbeincluded what He gave him! The more a person Yitzchak had thought. Yitzchak's in the honor of Hashem, for it is wrtt- realizes this, the more humble he is. 16 All greatness is intrinsic-for turnabout, as painful as it was, was ten "N1!11']'in?N71n<."WhenShimon (or nothing is truly mine if it is merely instantaneous, without any attempt Nechemia) demurred, the students relative. for then it is only a reflection to rationalize. Yitzchak declared, asked, 'What will be with all the times of your weakness or inferiority, not firmly and dramatically, "And (In- that you taught n< as an inclusive deed) he (Yaakov) shall be blessed!"" word?'' (If in even one place the rule of my strength or ability. 17 It is there­ fore not a threat to me to be shown •The second occurred many centu- would not hold true, then the entire rtes later. when the Tanna Shimon, or principle's veracity was threatened.) that I may be in error. If! have intrin­ sic worth, then my worth is not di­ 17. This is why the Maham! says that the MiShna The immortal reply was, "Just as I re- minished by having been wrong (Avos 4, 1) stresses that wealth. strength and wis- ceived reward for teaching, so too will I about any particular matter. Two dam are of an intrtnsic nature and not measured 1n receive reward for desisting from teach- tenns offinancial asseis, musclepowernnnfonna- ing'' (even though all of his lessons will dramatic incidents in Jewish history tlon gleaned, for these are relative, depending on now face possible rtjection). 19 portray the ability of great men to where one lives to det:emline whether this ts really a huge sum of money. 0 , troly physical strength. °' Rabbi Z.elig Pliskin tells of one of his 16. OhrYohail. vol. 2. parshas Shemini. indeed in possession of a wealth of information. most memorable moments during the ~------·-·------1----- years that he had studied in Telshe Yeshiva in Wickl!ffe, eome VwJ aHd. See rJwi ~ 11~ o/ Ohio. Oneofthedeansofthe Yeshiva was delivering the weekly shiur to the senior ~EHORAHS & WICKS student body. In the middle oftheshiur, a student asked a question. The dean said, as if to himself, "if so, then such-and-such will follow, which would mean such and such will be true. ifso, I have been rejllted." He then prcr ceeded to step down, with­ out making any attempt to defend his position, which without a doubt he could have done. The great leaders of the Jewish people merited KITTLE KLEARANCE' their leadership because ·18. Our Sages tell us that when Must get rid of Kittles in '. l!.'isav entered and Yitz.chak discov~ stock to make room .for ered his mistake. he saw Gehinom new & exclusive designs open up before him. See Rashi. reg. $130 to $160 Beref.shis 27 ,33. 19. Pesachim22a. Now Only $89.95

24 they were eager to accept reproof. and tered around physicality are more likely But not only can a look to the fu­ this was indicative oftheirwisdom, as to show signs of unhappiness, of a ture help us bear the difficulties of it says. "Reprove the wise man and he sense of being in a world no longer hearing criticism, it can actually will love you."20 theirs. The faces of those who lead a make it a rewarding experience. spiritual-centered life, however, are The Vilna Gaon. in his Commen­ 4. Clarity ofLife Direction more likely (in the absence ofpainfal dis­ truy to Mishlei (9,8), gives a striking ease) to reflect a sense ofcontinued pur­ parable for this idea-the mirror that erhaps the major benefit to be pose wtd usefidness. a woman uses so as to ferret out any gleaned from an ability to ac­ It is the use of the sense of sight in traces of grime that could ruin her P cept criticism is that you are the present that helps us act today to complexion: more likely to have a clearer idea of affect our future. Tilis may be because For it is the way of the righteous the correct path to take in life. The a wise person, when "seeing" the fu­ that reproof for them is like the mir­ Vtlna Gaon says so explicitly: ture, is in reality "pulling" that picture rors of those women who congregated Because ofhis listening to criticism, into his present and thereby arousing at the entrance to the Mishkan ...A hewillknowwhat(life) path to take." his emotions so as to act on it. mirror that enlarges any trace of dirt SOME PRAGMATIC APPROACHES

There are several attitudes which a person can assume to help him learn to desire criticism.

1. Focusing on the End Result

ne of the functions of the in­ tellect is to enable a person to O look into the future and to act on his insight as ifit were the present. This is what our Sages meant when they said22 that a wise man sees the future. For it is the sense of sight that acts upon the emotion, and it is emo­ tion that causes us to act. 23 King Solomon said it, as well: "The wise man (has) his eyes in his head."24 In Jewish tradition, a wise man acts on what he knows; he is not content merely to know it. This means that a person can de­ velop the ability to undergo certain discomfort now, because he or she is A:s.pedalin'..d fa# sta~tcarriing.FxperttiiCt :fo Jsraet, .('.omhined .with hre~t~faki hg already able to feel that the benefits touringt1nilexdting spilrtS/gearcd w.the Ycshkfah l3ochur.:aged JJ,lS who wmitll to of a certain future act will outweigh .e7Parui hl$ T~roh.hori:ons' White ~hwrhing.the moSt inspitlng sights'tihd sOunds Drthe.ho1y place~ -;:whidtonl.1.f,.e.tZ Ynrt•=I offets. The program .is under th~ full time personal supcrvisi.on ®dHashg.:rla of. the present discomfort. R4bbi Chidm Zetr Levitan" nn,cl his st.iff, tenowntdfor their (~xpertisll in the field ofChinw::h & c(lmp:\ng In yeshiva. I give the students the amf u~d~i. clwginerafdli¢ction of Rabbi EU 'tel:tdbau\'ll,- woo·~e 2'? )'el!f :repurarion tor exc·enence following exercise: & profeSiiona!isrii (Ji)rhc Israeli scene i~oOeqJate~. When on a bus, a person can occa­ sionally seek out the faces ofold peopl.e, wid identify those who Uved a secular. materialistic Ufe wid those who lived a Ufe guided by spiritual values. The con­ trast is stark. People who lived a life cen-

2D. Mishlei9.8. 21. Mishlei 15,33. 22. Tamid32a 23. The Vilna Gaon says that emoUon is related more to sight than to heartng. and it was for tl1is reason that Moshe was more affected when he saw the Golden Calf. even though flashem Himself had already informed him of the Calfs existence. 24. Kohelles2,15

The Jewish Obseroer. December 1995 25 is to be preferred, for she wants to re­ 2. The Result, Not the Intention move it. .. and then she will be cleaner The ability to accept and purer. So too do the righteous de­ ne of the differences between sire and love someone who will exag­ intellect and emotion is that gerate (emphasis mine) the sin that criticism is one of the while emotion is basically ex­ they may have done, even if in truth it 0 is small, for they will thereby become periential. and rooted in the present. cornerstones of a pure and clean. the intellect is capable, as stated, of It is with a sense of triumph and joy reaching into the future and concret­ meaningful relationship, that each imperfection is discovered, izing it to the degree that it becomes for it is that discoveiy which will en­ part of one's present.25 for if my friends, able my future to be better and purer. Often. people criticize us for the This leads us to a second attitude wrong reasons. Instead ofbeing a way children, or wife are that will enable us to endure the pain of expressing love or fiiendship. it is of correct criticism. a vehicle by which they vent their afraid to give me criticism, they can never feel that the relationship is open and secure, and the entire relationship is likely to suffer.

frustrations upon us. Either they feel the need to put us down, to ease their own feelings oflow self-worth. or they enjoy poking fun at someone or some­ thing. Sometimes their motivations are more sinister, for they wish to de­ ter us from accomplishing something worthwhile and wish to belittle us or our project. We often understandably balk at accepting such criticism. feeling in­ stead the sting of the reproof. NC> CtlARQf.fol'•eliglble•hpplicC1nti in co~l~ndidn WithJTPA . It is at this point that we must bear in mind the words of Rabbi Chaim Shmuelevitz, 7"'.lnz•: 1r1t1vde~·CL6ng\Jagei6.·

26 The Jewish Observer. December 1995 actions. When I know this. I can bear When faced with the thought of having made a mistake or of being imperfect in my character CHEVRA OSEH CHESED criticism, we must learn make-up, knowing that as I strive to OF AGUDATH ISRAEL become better, Hashem's love for me is ever-present. Then I will be better BURIAL PLOTS IN to look at the benefit to able to hear from others where I have erred. as painful as it may be. and ERETZ YISROEL be accrued, with the thank them for helping me better my­ Interment in a Shomer Shabbos Beis self and draw closer to the Master of Olam near Beis Shemesh Perfection. Please phone or write to: improved quality of life May we. as the Sjas Emes notes. Chevra Oseh Chesed of Agudath Israel become eligible for Hashenis blessing 84 William Street, New York, NY 10038 that we will have when as a result of our ability to accept (212) 797-9000 ciiticism. • we learn to rectify the

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28. Yevamos 63a 29. SichosMussar, 5732, HakarasHaTov

The Jewish Observer. December 1995 27 Hillel House's Battle For Jewish Continuity in Jerusalem The Method: Hosting an Interfaith Seminar onAvoda Zara on the Campus of Hebrew University

THE CALL.. .AND THE Judaism more relevant and palatable RESPONSES Great faith was placed to the generations of post-Zionlsm. •Both the Federation and the Jew­ panicked clarion has recently in programming for ish Agency /Israeli Government are swept through the command still touting the Israel "Experience" as owers and inner sancta of the Jewish continuity, with the holy grail which will surely save North American Jewish Federation as American Jewry from fading into a well as the Israeli Ministry of Educa­ Federation bucks comfortably numb oblivion of apathy tion. Both systems have realized that and ignorance. (JO readers will surely the rampant ignorance and assimila­ targeted for summer note that Torah plays very little role tion in the worldwide Jewish commu­ in this vast and expensive array of nities is growing far apace of their youth camps, various lifesaving measures.) best efforts. There is an awareness that something has gone very wrong retreats, and campus­ SUFI, YOGA-AND YOU? with the progressive and Zimnst ap­ proaches to that great. mythical, and based organizations­ ith this introduction as a ailing entity called "'Jewish identity." notably, Bnai Brith's backdrop. how are we to The Federations' answer was to com­ W comprehend the following n1ission multin1illion dollar studies, ubiquitous Hillel Houses. news item from Jerusalem? On No­ which were to provide the last crown­ vember 8 & 9. 1995, the Bnai Brith ing bit of first-aid to an increasingly With this mapped out, Hillel House on the Hebrew Unlver­ uninterested generation. Great faith sity Mt. Scopus campus was the was placed in programn1ing for Jew­ the powers that be venue for a conference entitled "Ego"s ish continuity, with Federation bucks Death and Inner Peace in Spiritual targeted for summer youth camps, continue to assure each Tradition:" The program was co­ various retreats. and campus-based sponsored by the Rambana Institute organizations-notably, Bnai Brith"s other that the challenge for Self-Realization and the Interna­ ubiquitous Hillel Houses. With this tional Association of Spiritual Psy­ mapped out, the powers that be con­ of assimilation will soon chiatry. A survey of the program tinue to assure each other that the nnght give the impression that the challenge of assimilation will soon be be in the past. Hillel Foundation approves of A!Xlda in the past: Zara as an integral element of a "well­ Another cure for American Jewry's balanced" Jewish continuity drive. chronlc spiritual malaise is being put ing a nationwide network for Jewish The lectures em braced a broad forth by Leonard Fine. founding edi­ social action because young Jews are "spiritual" spectrum and included a tor of Tiklam magazine. who is creat- "... loolting for something more." Trappist monk. a Sufi preacher who •In Israel. students of all ages will studled Chassidism and Kabbala, a Daniel Winston lives in Jerusalem. This iS his first be exposed to the best of Reform and Christian priest who converted to Ju­ appearance in these pages. Masorti approaches in order to make daism and who lectures on pyran1ids

28 The Jewish Observer. December 1995 (an architecture of religious con­ sciousness), a master of Kriya Yoga, and, of course, the requi­ site two rabbis. (I should note .•. EGO'S DEATS: A1ID INNElll'EACE that both of them have indicated IN Sl'001'l!AL'tRADJ.tION that their involvement was in­ tended to serve as a "voice in the 'Jt!IUil'~~...,~ ... A COO~C'otga~ !Ir·~ spiritualistic cult. He added that /; <·.l\~...,.P~.~~~tion •· .·· Rambao• lnstlbite ~od #le he was very glad to have gotten • 'tl!l. 9n+!ll!4l8l2,.IU: r;i.4-984™J lntml•tional.AstCH:iaiiJlit out of their web. ol'Spiritual Ps)'ch;atey · ~~""""""'~< I ! "WHO IS TO SAY WHAT IS A CULT, ANYWAY?"

attempted to have the event can­ At the time, I did not receive a di­ he replied: "I would have to think celed by writing first to the inter­ rect response from the international aboutit." I national director of the Hillel director, although I did receive a quick This rabbi placed himself firmly in Foundation in Washington, D.C. I reply from a rabbi associated with the the camp of religious and moral rela­ also sent faxes to numerous other in­ Mt. Scopus Hillel House. He clarified tivism by saying: "Who is to say what dividuals involved in both Hillel and for me that Hillel was not sponsoring a cult is, anyway? You know, there Hebrew University. In one letter, I the program but was "merely" renting are some people who call Ohr concluded: "I urge you to cancel this out its premises. He added that had he Somayach a cult. What would you event immediately. There is no telling been approached, however, he would have us do, lock everyone up in Neve what damage might be caused in the have gladly co-sponsored. His main Yaakov and Me'a She'arim?" name of this brand of pluralism. Most defense of Hillel's involvement was The implication was that authen­ Jewish students, Israeli and Ameri­ that religious pluralism and academic tic Jewish kiruuwas on an equal foot­ can, are simply not well enough freedom were paramount values in his ing with Bhuddist missionizing and versed in their own tradition to be view. Furthermore, he said that that my response was non-pluralistic able to effectively counter the exotic Amert can kids see this sort of thing "all and even medieval. I still wonder appeal of these foreign mystical tra­ the time" on their college campuses what his response is to those repu­ ditions. Many have either come from and that: 'We are merely trying to put table professors of history who claim or see themselves as being on the way those things Into a Jewish context." that the Holocaust never happened. to such places as Nepal and India in When I asked him ifhe would allow the Is every position legitimate and wor­ search of their Guru. How ironic and International Association of Gay Rab­ thy of consideration merely because tragic it would be were even one of bis (a fictitious organization, I hope) to someone has verbalized it before a them to get a head start at Hillel." hold their annual convention at Hillel, democratic public?

The Jewish Observer. December 1995 29 After much argument, he crone to me that it would be unacceptable if Chairman of the Board: 'Tue Chair­ agree that ifhe found out that any of even one Jewish student were to end man wishes to convey his complete the program organizers or lecturers up in India after attending this con­ support of Beit Hillel's management were associated with a cult, then he ference. He added that he did not in this matter. All Beit Hillel pro­ might consider the possibly of cancel­ think that that would really happen. grams, including the one referred to ing that lecturer. I pointed out later "How do you know?" I asked. "It hap­ in your letter. are organized and of­ that it would prove very difficult to la­ pens all the time; and now it is being fered within the confines of our bel these traditions as cults if he were given an academic and Jewish University's set policies.· to use the modern, "pluralistic" con­ hechsherl" 1 have also since received a letter cept of cults, which includes the ob­ from the International Director of vious use of physical and mental ma­ PLURALISM, AS SCHEDULED Hillel in which he assured me that, nipulations. Is it therefore legitimate "our goal is the furtherance ofJewish Hillel activity to encourage on-cam­ nfortunately, the program values and the participation of a pus Avoda Zara classes as long as went on as scheduled. After­ maximum number of Jews in Jewish they aren't "real" cults? U wards I received a letter from life. We do so in an environment that This Hillel official also agreed with the office of the Hebrew University allows for a broad spectrum of Jew­ ish expression, confident that the more one confronts Yiddishkeit, the more serious one gets, the more Ju­ CONVENTION TAPES daism stands and shines." He adds, "... I do vouch for the judgment of my colleagues. 1 do know that we do not For a full set of 6 tapes highlighting use Hillel as a vehicle to attract Jew­ ish students to cults, and I do know the major sessions of the that Hillel at Hebrew University and elsewhere is in the midst of a tremen­ dous upswing in the number of stu­ 73rd National Convention of dents engaging in serious Jewish en­ counters." Agudath Israel of America As a former University student, it is clear to me that Hillel does some please send $45 (includes postage and handling) to: good work on crunpus. But the fact is that Hillel was used as a "vehicle" to AGUDAH CONVENTION TAPES create an on-campus forum for East­ 84 WILLIAM STREET • NEW YORK, NY 10038 ern religions and Avoda Zara-based sects. Even if this was an exception or call (272) 797-9000 for credit card orders. that hopefully proves the rule, can it not at least be recognized that a po­ tentially tragic error ofjudgment was r••••••••••••••••• made-if not worse? (As we were go­ !n;,-u ;unn 718 377.0222 ing to press I discovered that there 1 was a lecture scheduled for Novem­ 1 Just Imagine. ber 22 at the Mt. Scopus Hillel House entitled "The Spirit of Tibet: the I 'he Most Amazing Summer ofyour Life. I Unique Adaption of Bhuddism to Ti­ I Fantastic <.,amping & Touring of '1H11P• y'J/11 I betan Culture.") I in a Warm 'Haimishe' Secure Atmosphere! I It would seem that there is no longer any problem with intermar­ I Just ask these 9th -12th Grade lj7Jl7 n7J Girls! I riage or even Avoda Zara because, in I A'TE1N!THJT YAA«Olll MIS YM«Oll ASHDOO IBMS YAA«Oll IALTIMORE I the true pluralistic spirit of"prophetic Judaism," we can redefine these IMS YAA«Oll IOllO M'IU(! LOS AllGELES I IMS YAAKOll MONSE'f I r.r. I "challenges" and convert them into I r.r. MOll71lEAL 1 MIS YAAKOll 2.1:11. HltlBll I r.r. m111e VALLEY 1 an even safer semantic deep-freeze I r.r. TOllOlfTO I SAIS YAAKOll 'lf!llUSHALA'llM I IOIOll POS ZION called "interfaith dialogue.· '"'HO" r.r. I "'1S1WT PAIK POS LEAH I TOMAlf llEllOIMH I r.o.r. I The Jewish spiritual seeker need I I no longer search the mountains of the I I East for his guru. Hillel House will I Directed 1J: Rabbi Sholom G. Ginzber~ & Mrs. ChaT,a Ginzbers__ spare him the effort by bringing the 1 llli1Uf1l1J.·Jl#Z1!I1it·UatftZtt2Cii#itJ/lltt:ltl?Ji1' ... guru to Yerushalayim as part of its ongoing Jewish Continuity efforts. •

~------~30 The Jewish Observer, December 1995 ----1 sl881r ~------Do_v_id_Go_ldb_l__,u~ • Forty years ago, when archeological digs threatened the grave of the Rambam in Tiberias, the Brisker Rav was beside himself with agitation and vigorously protested the desecrations. ' ,. .< >... ',,'·,,.,,. __ --.<: __,": He was asked why such a commotion was being raised over this issue at. a time when the secularists were educat­ ing Jewish children to heresy. Surely that was more worihy of protest, since m~lilfthe leading afellow Jew to sin hanns him in the World-to-Come as well as in this >'> world, and is consequently even more >if;.;:~xr{61fttsi (Ii!/i{itn 1 serious than taking his life. The Brisker Rav replied somewhat brusquely that such a question was prompted by indif­ ·:~:,)·~~1,t1:··· ference. The questioner was someone who --.···>\\;._;:· had dedicated his entire life to the res­ \':/-< cue and education of children, and his question had been a genuine one, not an attempt to minimize the problem or the obligation to act. One ofthe BriskerRav's disciples ex­ The Urgent Call mournful. mood of the rally was un­ plained that if one is walking in the derscored towards its end, in the chill street and sees other Jews being at­ s Chanuka approaches, we of the approaching twilight, as the tacked. instinct impels one to rush over prepare ourselves to mark the entire assemblage sat down enmasse immediately and try to help. Nobody A victozy of the Chashmona'im on the roads and sidewalks, and read would dream of hesitating in order to over the Hellenists, and their subse­ the final chapter of Etcha in unison. deliberate over whether he should per­ quent cleansing of the sacred Bais The pasuk, "Hashiveinu Hashem haps engage in some other mitzva in­ Hamikdash from contamination. eilecho.. . Bring us back to You, stead. The kinship and reverencefelt by How ironic, how tragic, how painful Hashem, and we will return," was in­ the Brisker Rav for the Rambam was the that in the town ofModi'in, where the toned by voices heavy with emotion. source of the acute distress he sr.iffered valiant Chashmona'im had lived and In those moments, a silent prayer at the prospect of the latter's grave be­ eventually were laid to rest, a des­ seemed to fill everybody's heart, that ing desecrated ecration of our sacred tenets is tak­ we may soon witness the end of the Our ancestors undergo spiritual ing place, involving a violation of the rampant denial of the fundamentals suffering when their remains are des­ vezy bones of those whom we associ­ ofour faith of which the callous scat­ ecrated in this world. It is this which ate with the historic Chanuka victozy! tering of ancient Jewish bones is just causes us to cry out in pain. To place An urgent call was issued by a one, albeit the most symbolic, mani­ a question mark over these protests dozen or so of Eretz Yisroels leading festation. is therefore to betray a lack offeeling Roshei Yeshiva, poskim and for their distress. Chassidic leaders, calling Torah-loyal Why the Matter ofGraves Jews to gather together to protest the Bulldozing a Principle qfFaith most recent wave of grave desecra­ ndeed, with so many of the most tions. Their call was heeded when, on basic foundations of Yiddishkeit so implicit in our outcry is a 3 Kislev, an estimated 50.000 people I currently under fierce attack by rotest against the flagrant converged upon Jerusalem's Kikar the secular establishment in Eretz sregard for some of the most Hashabbos to listen to powerful Yisroe~ some may wonder why the basic fundamentals of our faith, words of encouragement. and to pray gedolim singled out this particular is­ namely the continued existence of the together that the current reckless de­ sue for mass protest, rather than say, soul after the demise of the physical struction of hundreds of Jewish the introduction of Reform teachings body, and the future resurrection of graves and the threat of thousands into the curriculum of State schools. the dead, when the souls of the de­ more suffering the same fate. be In response, Rabbi Dovid Schmidel, ceased in some way will be clothed brought to an end. The sombre, even the head ofAsra Kadisha, the organi­ once again in the physical form that zation that is involved with the world­ was theirs during their lifetime. Dovid Goldblum lives in Jerusalem, where he wide preservation of Jewish graves Indeed, this faith has traditionally studies in a Kollel, and writes occasional journal­ and cemetertes, related an anecdote been so embedded in the Jewish con­ istic pieces. Tilis is his first appearance in JO. concerning the late Brisker Rav. ~nn: sciousness, that many who are far

The Jewish Obseroer. December 1995 31 Out of Touch With Basics the freedom of action that they al­ ready have in fact usurped. day, with the ascent of a secu­ The current protests are centered ar generation that is either in­ over the Modi'in region, where three T:different to or unaware of its government controUed companies Jewish roots, this consensus of feel­ are currently involved in three sepa­ ing is being threatened. Tbe very fact rate projects that are underway that the heartfelt protests of the tens within close proximity of each other. of thousands are ignored and the Excavations are being carried out to wholesale desecration of remains that build the road leading to the new city they revere is continuing unabated, ofModi'in, to widen the road from Tel displays utter contempt for the living Aviv to Yerushalayim which passes as well as for the dead. In most coun­ Modi'in, and for the major new road tries, it would be almost unthinkable which is to run the entire lengih of the for such a thing to be perpetrated country and which is slated to pass upon an alien national minority, let right through areas that have long alone a group of the native popula­ been known to contain a number of tion. In fact, significant accommoda­ ancient Jewish burial grounds. tions in regard to preserving old Whereas the company working on the burial places have been made in nu­ latter project has hitherto displayed merous European countries-En­ goodwill towards many other claim­ from observance in their own lives, gland, Germany. Hungary, the ants who feel that they will be disad­ express their deep concern over their former Czechoslovakia, Poland, vantaged by the project, either by own burials and those of their loved among others-in response to the re­ changing the plans or by paying ones after death. In the past, Asra quests, diplomatic contacts*, and, compensation, their attitude towards Kadisha has received significant help when necessary, public protests. Yet Asra Kadisha's objections has been from public figures who, while irreli­ the Israeli government has been ig­ the opposite. gious, nevertheless recognized the noring all sorts of similar efforts. Although the archeologists have importance of their work. Tue only Tue archeologists also happen to already conceded that the excava­ difference between the religious and be breaking the existing Israeli law, tions hold little new interest for them, secular conununities over the issue which renders human remains the the desecration of the graves is being has been that the Chareidim protest sole responsibility of the Ministry of carried out under their auspices, the desecration of ancient graves of Religion. However, in recent weeks, rather than those of the construction ancestors whom they never knew, preliminary steps have been taken companies, for a very simple reason. whereas the feelings or the popula­ towards changing this law which By having the site declared an ar­ tion at large are roused by more con­ would legally grant the archeologists cheological area, they qualify for gen­ temporary remains, like the graves of • See Rabbi Chaskel Besser's ihe Reversal of a erous government subsidies, while fallen soldiers. TragedyinUpnik.~ in JO, Jan. '92. they can bring in cheap labor to do the least pleasant work of actually clearing the graves.

The Chanuka Connection

ork in the area made head­ lines recently when a burial W cave was discovered con­ taining sarcophagi that bear the names Shimon and Elazar (common names in the Chashmona'im dy­ nasty, although not necessarily un­ common in other families), as well as one upon which the letters Ches, Shin, Mem, Nun can just about be made out. Until now, the identifica­ • - AN STUDIOS. ZE~· c1AL1sts tion of the region as the site of the AUDIO VIS~:.EN.Y. 1121 B town where the Chashmona'im fam­ 623 Cortetyou Road, Bro ily lived was based on conjecture, rather than a definite tradition. Tue proximity of an Arab village (albeit a mere two hundred years old, but pos-

32 Tite Jewish Observer. December 1995 sibly having taken its name from some more ancient source) bearing the name Midia was put forward as one indication of this being the site of ancient Modi'in. Recently, however, the remains of seven towers. which Josephus men­ tions as having been built over the burial caves of the Chaslunona'im. were discovered. lending further cre­ dence to the supposition that this was Modi'in. This constituted sufficient evi­ dence for the region to become the site of the annual Chanuka commemora­ tion of the Maccabees by Israeli sports­ men(!). Now that further corrobating evidence, cited above. makes the Modi'in connection more plausible, Is there any other claims for the first site have now been abandonedinfavorofthenewlydiscov­ country on earth that ered caves. Is there any other country on earth that would bulldoze the final would bulldoze the final resting place of its national heroes. or resting place of its the graves of its saintly priests (the 4916 l:l

The Jewish Observer. December 1995 33 The literary device employed here is reminiscent of Rabbi Samson s Raphael Hirsch's Nineteen Letters The Service and Thrift Relocation Service (see the newly reissued edition, will reduce your moving cost at least 42% on Feldheim, 1995. wlthcommentaryby moves within the Continental U.S. For information Rabbi Joseph Elias, reviewed in the and a free estimate call Cindy, CORD northAmerican: Nov. JO), which, too, is fashioned as 1-800-873-2673 an imaginary interchange-albeit in northAmerican. the form of a written correspon­ <= VAN LIN1'S/AG

34 The Jewish Observer, December 1995 tefrlla and come away unaffected!) Its On Judaism's easy-to-follow, conversational lan­ Call 1-800-KIRUV-84 guage renders it accessible to the wid­ explanations of various est readership-without detracting (1-800-547-8884) from the sophisticated treatment of To contact Agudath Israel of America's areas of observance and the several topics featured in it. It ln1ormation Hot line truly goes a long way toward captur­ its reflections on how ing what. in the idiom of Rabbi Hirsch, is the "spiiit of the Torah." optimally such mitzva­ Rabbi Feldman's book will be espe­ cially useful for two groups of readers: AGemad;\ practice should be those seeking a guiding foundation undertaken are often so on which to build their own life of au­ thentic Torah-observance; and, Loan fund acute and penetrating as equally importantly, those whose life­ In the name of a departed occupation (or avocation) is centered to leave even the most on ministenng to the needs of mem­ loved one merits eternal. bers of the first group. The magnifi­ "pleasatttttess attb lisht erudite student of cence of the style and substance of to the sow! itt Gatt £bett" this volume will be lost on no one. (Olofotz Chaim) classical works of mussar by Yisroel YehudaPollack To establish a Fund in i"O:t deeply moved and ''MAZEL-TOV" Eretz Yisroel, contact Are you. or is someone you know; elevated-even physically handicapped and looking for a shidduch? OZER DAUM Our organization is strongly endorsed by Gedolim. 220 W. Nineteenth St + New York awestruck. fOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CALL: N. Y. 10011 + (212) 924-0023 718-437-0281 •10A.M.-10P.M.

upholdersoftheTorah, The Nineteen Letters itself incorporates a classifica­ tory account of the mitzvos as an in­ Ulpan Akiva Netanya tegral part of its approach. Both International Hebrew Study Center works (OnJudaisrnand The Nineteen Letters), then, share the common as­ sumption that the task of clarifying ~\,.\.. ISRAEL STUDY VACATION and imparting Judaism for the as­ i~~~ for Individuals and Families yet-uncommitted begins and ends 0 of all ages & backgrounds with the conveyance of a deeper ap­ ~ou~ preciation of the centrality ofmitzvos ma' asios in the life of a Jew-and of Hebrew at all levels (3--20 weeks) their effect upon him. Hebrew Brush-up & Correct Spelling (24 days) That On Judaism embraces the standpoint of its forerunner in this Spoken Arabic (5-17 days-tor Hebrew speakers) way does not in the least diminish its • Intensive study - small classes significance as a laudable publishing event. On the contrary, a reading of • Social & cultural activities this book offers invaluable insight • Residential program in country club surroundings and an engaging expeiience for the • Courses on al/ levels open every month long-time Torah-committed Jew and • For visitors from all over the world, Israelis & immigrants the beginner alike. Its explanations of • Well suited to university students various areas of observance and its • Accredited by several universities reflections on how optimally such rnitzva-practice should be under­ • Group rates available taken are often so acute and pen­ For a free brochure, contact: ULPAN AKIVA NETANYA etrating as to leave even the most eru­ POB 6086, 42160 Netanya Israel dite student of classical works of Tel: 972-9·35231213 (Sun-Thu 9-2) mussar deeply moved and elevated­ Fax: 972·9-652919 even awestruck. (I defy anyone to read the discussion of, for example,

The Jewish Observer. December 1995 35 HF ;.i.•:.:1 ..

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Aharon Shaul! she exclaimed with a melodious ring, That's surely a name fit for a king, In my mind's eye I saw a tall, strapping /ad, Leading our nation, sefer Torah in hand. Walking the streets of Yerushalayim, Gedolim at his side, And I as his mother simply aching with pride. . •' .• STATEr.IENt 0~01!1/lER sa1P, ••• MANAGEr.IENJ'!\!IQ.C)RCPW\lJO'N . I chided myself for this ridiculous game, -, (AcltifOttto~ 23. 1-9$l.-S&Ction4a_a~. .· J1tle,\9,Unfted~c.de)< Doesn't many a thief bear a similar name? 11(iifkl __-of Jiiib,liCa_t1o:n:,rfiii J!wish_--o~r The name has potential for greatness, I know, S:, ISS~~-21,"6~1_S __ --_- ': ,, ~i.:nateo,ttm~sept2§;-1995 ___ ------<'-'--- __ . But the seed must be nurtured, and then it will grow. 3,,: F~lleney-_Of !Ss11ed~o11thiy_ exte_~t,Juty_abd:A,lfO:UstsA: _: --,Notins1mesopub!il1_~e<1:an_ni1tt!!Yff,e_~;;a;_~11-~_~l~J1-~~J~t:- -- , • ?1~24.;0f>.········ <· .• >,.·•··· }•. ······>?;?,\. ,: 4, :;L-Otrat1o__ it-Of>k1row~- ()Jtfoe::~(g11,~11~!011f_;;_B4 ,,-y(JIJfalli ', Then an inner voice struggled to be heard, stleit, ""1\!'olk, N.Y, 11lQ3a · · Dream on, young lady-there's no harm incurred. Dream but make sure you don't fall asleep, And maybe that dream will be yours to keep, Mrs. Yanofsky. a mechaneches at Machon Bais Yaakov, lives in Brooklyn.

For your convenience we're open late every night and Molzoei Shabbos

The Jewish Observer. December 1995 37 secular public. I came across the following in a writer's magazine that lists vartous awards and grants: "A first prtze of Letters to $10,000 will be awarded for writing that presents the biblical (Chrtstian) position on issues affecting the world the Editor today. Must be published in a secu­ lar, non-religious publication." Ap­ parently, Chrtstian lay leaders also feel the need to reach out and influ­ gious stereotypes, etc.-is a tricky WHO, ME'? ence beyond their own religious com­ proposition. Most likely, readers munity. However, to accomplish this, would sense that the story was con­ they are willing to nurture their writ­ To the Editor: trived in order to make some kind of ers and provide the monetary incen­ Henya Meyer wonders why no religious point. Obviously, that would tive that is needed for such a venture. writer in the Torah community has be self-defeating. If such a novel can Why not consider investing in our heeded the call to write an "honestly be successfully written at all, the au­ own writers? .fiwn book." for the secular public, a thor must be artful enough to write RUCHAMA KlNG-FEUERMAN popular novel that would, as Rabbi an authentic work that stands unen­ Shuster points out, "reach more cumbered by the values it seeks to people than all the outreach pro­ teach. ClDNUCH HABANOS REVISITED: grams combined." Moreover, such a novel runs the MORE KNOWLEDGE DOES MAKE As a writer and a fiction workshop rtsk of being too religious for its in­ A DIFFERENCE leader for .fiwn women I'd like to sug­ tended public. No wonder that the tal­ gest some reasons: ented writers I meet hardly ever con­ To the Editor: To write a novel with an agenda­ sider writing religious matertal that This letter is regarding your ar­ outreach, combating negative reli- strives to be accessible to a larger ticles on chinuch habanos by Rabbi Bergstein and Mrs. Press. Both perspectives agree that Limud Torah for girls is not an end unto itself. Instead, it is a preparation

Rabbi Aryeh Schechter SOFER S"TAM

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38 TheJewishObserver, December 1995 for her main role of raising a family. DOR YESHORIM: ON THE JOB, graduate. Like most typical,jiwn par­ Neither perspective mentioned that BUT A LITTLE LATE ents, before I met anyone my parents an In-depth knowledge ofTanachis a "check out" the boy. From his necessity in raising children in a To­ yeshivas he attended since nursery to rah home. To the Editor: his family, midos and hasmada-ev­ We all know of many families I am a typical, single.Bais Yaakov erything is checked out. Except for where the father arrives home late In the evening. It is the mother who re­ views Chuma.sh and Rashi with the Create a Priceless Zebus children. Even though most Rabbeim send home sheets that explain what for yourself or a loved one. was taught in class, don't we encour­ age our children to analyze and ques­ tion what they are learning? When the child is excited by his question or an original thought, isn't it better to have a mother with the background to appreciate what her child is think­ ing and to properly guide him? Even if husbands do arrive home early, how many time.s have our children asked us questions that we as Jew­ ish mothers have to be prepared to answer correctly? Don't our children deserve better than "Ask Tatty later," or "Ask Rebbe tomorrow"? I H I C H 0 I I I / C H \ I l\I Hlltll\{,\ lOl'NIJ\JION With this in mind, I don't agree with Rabbi Bergstein's shidduchim scenario. He writes about two girls that are proposed for shidduchim for your son. Both have fine midas and all things between the girls are equal Seminary Ohel Sorah i·oJ except that one girl is proficient in Neviim Achronim and the second girl Montreal, Canada is proficient In both Neviim Rishonim Providing marketable skills and Neviim Achronim. Rabbi Berg­ stein writes that he imagines most In a genuine Torah environment people would agree and not differen­ Since 1990 tiate between the two. I disagree. I would definitely choose the second girl. The reason is simple. When my • Challenging Umudel • Computer Science: grandchildren come home from ye­ Koclesh program •Fine Arn shiva around Purim time talking • Intersession trip to • Psyc;hology/Speclal about Ahgag, I would like them to Erctz Ybroel Ed have an enthusiastic response in­ • College Credit • Health I Nutrition stead of a blank look on their for all clllSSes mother's face. • French 3 levels TOBA LICH'IENSTEIN Brooklyn, NY For""'" /lf,formtlllon pltast call: (514) 731-2296

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The Jewish Obseroer, December 1995 39 the two of us "getting along· all other ing because the Tay Sachs was not or when it gets serious. But why wait factors are made sure to be in order compatible. So I looked forward to re­ that long? Why even go out ONCE be­ before we even meet. ceiving the results from Dor Yeshurim fore checking the numbers? Yes, it is A year ago, a name of a particular so we could make things "official!" pretty uncommon, 108 out of 60,000. bachur was mentioned. After the As you probably guessed by now, I am one of the 108. usual intensive research (to ensure our Tay Sachs numbers were not Editor, I'm asking you to please that there is no dating without "compatible." I know what you're say­ print this letter which will hopefully tachlis), it was arranged that we ing. "Baruch Hashem it was found urge parentS'-if they are already should meet. In short, we dated for a out...imagine the tzaros... !" These making numerous phone calls to few weeks and this boy seemed to be words were hardly a comfort to a girl check out the boy or girl-call Dor everything I always hoped to have in planning her vort Yeshwimfirs ft a husband. Wewerebothlookingfor­ Dor Yeshurim is doing their job. NAME WrIHHELD BY REQUEST ward to being chasan and kallah They have advertised enough and (Dor Y eshurim urged us not even to tell when we decided to call in and check Baruch Hashem it is pretty much ex­ the shadchan why the shidduch was our Tay Sachs numbers. I never pected to check out the Tay Sachs off.I heard of a shidduch actually break- number before a shidduch is.finalized MORE INSIGHTS INTO RABBI FORSHLAGER

To the Editor: It was with keen interest that I read the brief article about Rabbi Michoel Eliezer Forshlager in the November Classes, shiurim, cheurusas, batei midrash, 1995 Jewish Obseroer. s)orim and chauerim. I remember Rabbi Forshlager as AT THE SAME TIME Housing and mobility that are does my oldest son, who visited the Rabbi with me whenever I was in Bal­ AND IN THE SAME wheelchair accessible, kosher timore. PLACE THEY food, and personal My father, the late Nathan Adler, ALSO NEED: care/attendant services. learned with the Rabbi regularly when he was in town. Indeed, my fa­ 1s there a Jewish organization anywhere in the world the purpose ther received semicha from Rabbi of which is to see that they get what many so desperately need? Forshlager, Rabbi Ruderman and If so, please tell us about it. Rabbi Schwab in 1948. I make Kiddush using the becherwhich was Synagogue of the Physically Handicapped. (210)433-4147 [email protected] presented to me at my bar mitzva by

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40 The Jewish Observer. December 1995 Considering a move Rabbi Forshlager. I recall two stones about the Rabbi: toMOIYSEY? At one time he was asked to say a prayer for the recovery ofa sick child, which he did. Happily the sick child For careful attention to your did recover. The parents attempted to individual needs, call us today! pay Rabbi Forshlager, who typically refused to accept any money. He as­ (914) 354-8445 serted that he was no "wonder Rebbe." The people then made several attempts through a third party to convey the money to the Rabbi. Each attempt was rebuffed, since the Rabbi recognized the source of the money. On another occasion, Rabbi Forshlagerwas tnvited to court to try to arbitrate and hopefully to resolve a difficult matital situation. The judge was a religious Catholic. by the name of O'Donnell. Rabbi Forshlager closeted himself With the representatives of the parties involved. They emerged With a solu­ CATSKILL, NEW YORK tion which tncluded a get or J eWish divorce. The judge thanked Rabbi SHMURA MA1ZOHS ONLY • GIA IT KOSHER Forshlager and announced that he NON-GEBROKTS • CHOLOVYISROEL was to be compensated With a sub­ stantial cash fee iil payment for his • Shu! Stocked With Seforim services. Ofcourse, the Rabbi refused •Day Camp to accept any money. • Indoor Pool I Separate Swimming Only He explatned to the judge that if he • Sauna, Jacuzzi, Health Club, & Exercise Room received monetary compensation, his • Private Sedorim decision would no longer be valid. • Door to Door Transportation Judge O'Donnell realized that the • Tennis Courts could not press any money upon the • Oaf Yomi and Other Shiurim Rabbi at which potnt he extended an • Private Lake open invitation to Rabbi Forshlager to a brochure and information call PRUZANSKY, INC. attend his court whenever he Wished. 5521-15 Ave.• Brooklyn, New York 11219 •Tel (718) 436-4405 •Fax (718) 436-4332 MR. SIDNEY G. ADLER Lawrence,N.Y. Out of Town Please Call: 1-800-898-8246

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TheJewtsh Observer. December 1995 41 In his sefer Mayan Beis Hasho'eiva, NO. 1 IN ISRAEL I Rav Schwab '>"lit quotes Rabbi TYPE OF CAR ForsWager ?·r six times and refers to him as a Gaon and as a tahnid of the I AvneiNezer. A AAT UNO STING 147 fLDANlT.,f1 ELCHONON S1ERN B PEUGEOT2C5AC 196 New York City C FORD AESTA 13 238 MORE ON "JEWISH" MUSIC

To the Editor: May I add my comments-or, more D SUZUKY SWIFT 266 correctly. Dr. Isaac Breuer's com­ E MAZDA 323 1.6 315 USA&CANADA ments-to the discussions about the F 'NISSAN SUNNY 350 intrusion of "modem" music forms G 'SUBARU LEGACY U 434 Toll Free: (1} 800-938·5000 into our niggwlim K 'GMC VAN DURA 637 I remember reading a comment x *PEUGEOT 4051.8 497 IN NY: 212-629·6090 made by Dr. I. Breuer 7"l1T in the XL 'TOYOTA CARINA 581 1920's when the then-new Jazz mu­ sx -ivOLVO 940 /SIMILAR 658 sic was the rage. He quoted from 'PO\'ERSlliR~G &ElfCTlllCWINDOWS Pirkei Avos: "Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi said: Every single day a Bas Kol (heavenly voice) emanates from Har Chorev [i.e., Sinai), proclaiming and TEFILLAH HOTLINE saying, Woe to them, to the people, because of [their) insult to the Torah!"' TO ERETZ YISROEL He pointed out that this Bas Kol is AREVERED TZADDIK OF YERUSHALYAIM WILL DAVEN FOR: not specifically directed to Bnei Health • Pornoso • Sholom Boyis • Shiduchim • Conception Yisroel but to all creatures; and that this deafeningly loud music is in­ 1""'1il 1'0~ YESHIVAT HARAN tended to drown out theBas &!ema­ • Founded by the Steipler Goon 7" ll! • One of the largest Kollelim nating from Har Chorev. How much in Yerushalyaim with over 350 torah scholars more applicable are these comments • Endorsed by Rav Pam, Rav Elyashev, Rav Auerbach to today's raucous noise of Rock. RUDOLPH S. TAUBER 24 HOUR HOTLINE: (718) 258-NEED(6333) Baltimore .------,"o:i BCC IS EVERY GIRL'S DREAM... The Best Summer in Israel camping I touring program for "frum"girlS ageS10-17. ounfon/Open Hou•~·Do<. 30, '95--8c00pm HATS • SHIRTS• TIES • ACCESSORIES Bais Yaakov H.S --15 Ave_ 45 St. BQro Park

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A NOT-SO-HIDDEN GAOOL INSURANCE BROKERS & CONSULTANTS Commercial, Industrial. Residential, Life & Health To the Editor: In your Cheshvanissue, you pub­ lished an article about Rabbi Michoel Forshlager titled "Glimpses of a Hid­ den American Gadol." To many, 60 I 0 · 15th Avenue/Brooklyn. /'/. Y. 11219 Rabbi Forshlager was not so hidden. • PROFESSIONAL SERVICE • T17.l 'iTdnJ nN1!n'> ~ -nr:Jt; Nl • QUALITY 11'/SURA/'/CE CARRIERS • Tro "1)r.I • COMPETITIVE PREMIUMS • i1~~tl''M '"l ,., iT1'l?) 1:i BARBARA GOUXiRABEN/HESHY SCHWEBEL t:Ptn!> 'DITI 1'"lll'l1

The Jewish Observer. December 1995 41 In his sefer Mayan Beis Hasho'eiua. Rav Schwab ?·~t quotes Rabbi TYPE OF CAR Forshlager ?•t six times and refers to him as a Gaon and as a tabnid of the Avnei Nezer. A FIAT UNO STING 147 ELCHONON SIBRN B PEUGEOT 2-06 AC 196 New York City c FORD FIESTA U 238 c·' PEUGEOT306 266 MORE ON "JEWISH" MUSIC c' 294

To the Editor: May I add my comments-or. more correctly, Dr. Isaac Breuer's com­ E MAZDA3231.6 315 ments-to the discussions about the F 'NISSAN SUNNY 350 intrusion of "modem" music forms G 'SUBARU LEGACY 1.8 434 into our niggunim. K 'GMC YANDURA 637 I remember reading a comment x 'PEUGEOT 405 1.8 497 made by Dr. I. Breuer ?·~1 in the XL 'TOYOTA CARINA 581 l 920's when the then-new Jazz mu­ SX 'VOLVO 940 I SIMILAR 658 sic was the rage. He quoted from • POWi'R STE!'~NG &ELECTRIC WINIJOl'll Pirkei Avos: "'Rabbi Yehoshua hen Levi said: Every single day a Bas Kol (heavenly voice) emanates from Har Chorev [i.e., Sinai], proclaiming and TEFILLAH HOTLINE saying, Woe to them. to the people, because of[their] insult to the TorahJ- TO ERETZ YISROEL He pointed out that this Bas Kol is AREVERED TZADDIK OF YERUSHALYAIM WILL DAVEN FOR: not specifically directed to Bnei Health • Parnoso • Sholom Bayis • Shiduchim • Conception Yisroel but to all creatures; and that this deafeningly loud music is in­ 1"T1 n:l'l» YESHIVAT HARAN tended to drown out the Bas Kol ema­ • Founded by the Steipler Gaon ?" ~ • One of the largest Kollelim nating from Har Chorev. How much in Yerushalyaim with over 350 torah scholars more applicable are these comments • Endorsed by Rav Pam, Rav Elyashev, Rav Auerbach to today's raucous noise of Rock. RUDOLPH S. TAUBER 24 HOUR HOTLINE: (718) 258-NEED(6333) Baltimore .------,"o:i BCC IS EVERY GIRL'S DREAM. .. The Best Summer in Israel camping I touring program for "frU m "girls ages 10• 17. R

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Thousands of documents and photos are languishing in trunks, attics and forgotten drawers in private homes and basements. Now is the time to retrieve this precious material­ before it becomes dust instead of history.

Your help-the public's help-is needed in this effort. Do you have any relevant old photos, documents, or records?

THE CATEGORIES OF ITEMS REQUESTED: • Documentation of Orthodox Jewish rescue work dur­ •·Documents and photos pertaining to Orthodox activ- ing the Holocaust. ism in the social service and civic action fields. • Photos depicting life in the shtetl, the Orthodox com­ • Photos of Gedolei Ylsroel past and present. munities of the cities, the yeshiva world, and Chassidic • Sets of Orthodox journals and periodicals. centers of Europe before the Holocaust. • Doeoments and photos relating to the religious Yishuv • Documents, records, letters, journals and newspapers in Eretz Yisroel, its institutions and. struggles for that portray Torah life in Europe as it was, and cast Jewish life. light on the issues and problems facing Jews .at the time. • Documents and photos pertaining to world-wide Agudath Israel history, all Knessios Gedolos, and the • Docurrtents, records, correspondence, newsclipplngs1 development of the American Agudah movement since journals, memorabilia, and photos depicting Orthodox 1922. life in the U.S. from colonial times to.the present. (If you are hesitant to part wilh cherished items, arrange­ • Documents and photos perlaining to the development ment,s can be made to reproduce cert.a.in kinds qt documents of yeshivas throughout the country. and Photos, leaving the original in your possession.)

AS A COMMUNITY, WE MUST PRESERVE THIS LEGACY THAT Will OTHERWISE BE LOST W FUTURE GEl\llERATI0!\15.

If you have any items in the above categories in your possession, or know where they can be obtained, please write or phone: ORTHODOX JEWISH ARCHIVES Agudath Israel of America 84 William Street, New York, N.Y. 10038, 212-797-9000