Dear Friends -
It just came to my attention that that many recent comments submitted here, for maybe like the last two years, have ended up in the spam folder. While I looked there in the past, as suggested by Blogger (and didn't find much, if anything), it seems that I have not checked there for a while, and therefore a sizable group of them has been laying there in limbo for months and months.
I know that people put thought and effort into writing comments, expecting to have reasonable comments posted, and that to not have that subsequently happen is frustrating and disappointing. If people thought that comments have not been posted lately in an attempt to totally prevent and stifle legitimate discussion and debate here, they should know that that is not correct.
I started rectifying the matter a short while ago, by starting to go through the backlog (still in progress).
Please accept my apology for the problem, and thanks for reading.
Looking forward to legitimate, reasonable, discussion and debate, with appropriate respect.
Sincerely,
Your Friendly Litvak Curmudgeon Buddy 😇
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Thursday, October 25, 2018
How to Enjoy and Succeed in Torah Study - Rav Gershon Edelstein's Common Sense Advice
In a recent edition of "Yated Neeman" (USA) (issue dated 3 Cheshvan 5779 - October 12) a worthwhile feature appeared containing valuable הדרכה (guidance) from gedolei Eretz Yisroel in learning and avodas Hashem, on pages 40-44. It was adapted by Avrohom Birnbaum from the Israeli Yated.
I would like to bring to your attention some pieces of very important advice in it regarding proper ways of learning Torah, from מרן Rav Gershon Edelstein shlit"a, Rosh Yeshivas Ponevezh, מגדולי וממנהיגי דורנו. While they may seem simple, plain, and self evident to some people, others unfortunately are ignorant or confused about them. Both groups can benefit from reviewing them.
A person should learn במקום שלבו חפץ (we discussed this here in the past), a type of limud (study) that one will enjoy. Rav Edelstein cited the sefer חוסן יהושע, by Rav Yehoshua Heller z"l, as strongly urging a person to learn in a way with which they will enjoy their learning, also citing the gemara in מסכת עבודה זרה דף יט teaching that as well.
There seem to be two separate aspects of this.
1) The subject matter, the חלק of Torah studied, should be desired by the person, and
2) The תלמיד should study in a simple way (at least at first), not making things too complicated and difficult. R. Edelstein said that over the years many yungeleit came to him, broken in spirit, not enjoying their learning, and lacking in desire to go further. He explained to them that according to their situation they needed to learn simple gemara and Rashi, without all the סברות and לומדות. When they began to do so, they became so satisfied and happy, it was like they were exposed to a new reality, and began to derive real pleasure from learning.
Some examples from gedolim -
R. Hirsh Glickson, son in law of Rav Chaim Brisker, when he was a bochur all he knew was Mishnayos. Neverthless, Rav Chaim Brisker saw that he had seichel hayashar and took him as a son in law, and he later became a Rosh Yeshiva. (Rav Dof Yaffe z"l cited words of the של"ה in his time, that now that the commentary of רע"ב on mishnayos exists, the primary limud should be משניות.)
I saw a similar thing in the Artscroll biography of great gaon Rav Yisroel Zev Gustman z"l, Rosh Yeshiva of Ramailes yeshiva - Netzach Yisroel, that he first learned through all of mishnayos, ששה סדרי משנה, before gemara (as his Rebbe held that was the proper derech, as per the Vilna Gaon, Maharal, etc.), coming to know mishnayos by heart at ten years of age, which laid the foundation for his later gadlus (p.32). He also learned a great deal of נביאים in his youth, getting to know ירמיהו and ישעיהו by heart (p.34).
In the fine Rav Avigdor Miller biography, it reports that he first learned Tanach well, and only in his teens got into gemara.
להבחל"ח, we know that מרן שר התורה, Rav Chaim Kanievsky shlit"a, followed a similar derech, generally speaking.
As the Torah itself tells us, כי קרוב אליך הדבר מאוד, Torah is very close, not excessively difficult and distant.
I would like to bring to your attention some pieces of very important advice in it regarding proper ways of learning Torah, from מרן Rav Gershon Edelstein shlit"a, Rosh Yeshivas Ponevezh, מגדולי וממנהיגי דורנו. While they may seem simple, plain, and self evident to some people, others unfortunately are ignorant or confused about them. Both groups can benefit from reviewing them.
A person should learn במקום שלבו חפץ (we discussed this here in the past), a type of limud (study) that one will enjoy. Rav Edelstein cited the sefer חוסן יהושע, by Rav Yehoshua Heller z"l, as strongly urging a person to learn in a way with which they will enjoy their learning, also citing the gemara in מסכת עבודה זרה דף יט teaching that as well.
There seem to be two separate aspects of this.
1) The subject matter, the חלק of Torah studied, should be desired by the person, and
2) The תלמיד should study in a simple way (at least at first), not making things too complicated and difficult. R. Edelstein said that over the years many yungeleit came to him, broken in spirit, not enjoying their learning, and lacking in desire to go further. He explained to them that according to their situation they needed to learn simple gemara and Rashi, without all the סברות and לומדות. When they began to do so, they became so satisfied and happy, it was like they were exposed to a new reality, and began to derive real pleasure from learning.
Some examples from gedolim -
R. Hirsh Glickson, son in law of Rav Chaim Brisker, when he was a bochur all he knew was Mishnayos. Neverthless, Rav Chaim Brisker saw that he had seichel hayashar and took him as a son in law, and he later became a Rosh Yeshiva. (Rav Dof Yaffe z"l cited words of the של"ה in his time, that now that the commentary of רע"ב on mishnayos exists, the primary limud should be משניות.)
I saw a similar thing in the Artscroll biography of great gaon Rav Yisroel Zev Gustman z"l, Rosh Yeshiva of Ramailes yeshiva - Netzach Yisroel, that he first learned through all of mishnayos, ששה סדרי משנה, before gemara (as his Rebbe held that was the proper derech, as per the Vilna Gaon, Maharal, etc.), coming to know mishnayos by heart at ten years of age, which laid the foundation for his later gadlus (p.32). He also learned a great deal of נביאים in his youth, getting to know ירמיהו and ישעיהו by heart (p.34).
In the fine Rav Avigdor Miller biography, it reports that he first learned Tanach well, and only in his teens got into gemara.
להבחל"ח, we know that מרן שר התורה, Rav Chaim Kanievsky shlit"a, followed a similar derech, generally speaking.
As the Torah itself tells us, כי קרוב אליך הדבר מאוד, Torah is very close, not excessively difficult and distant.
Wednesday, October 24, 2018
NCSY Heads to Uman
NCSY is a well known youth movement in the Modern Orthodox community, which has brought many young people closer to Judaism and Torah for decades. It has also garnered support from segments of the more right wing "Yeshiva World" at times as well.
Lately, however, they evidently are increasingly under the influence of the neo-Hasidic segment of Modern Orthodoxy. This recently became more prominent, front and center, with the appointment of neo-Chasidus leader Rabbi Judah Mischel as Mashpia (a Chasidic title/position seemingly created there for him, as was created for his mentor, neo-Chasidus leader Rabbi Moshe Weinberger, at YU-RIETS a few years back) of NCSY (see also here).
It is important to understand that this is not just some low level appointment. Rather, it is a pivotal new development, as it is reported that he will be working closely with all levels of NCSY staff and dispensing guidance.
Surprisingly though (or perhaps not surprisingly), the OU doesn't mention explicitly, or detail his neo-Chasidism in their announcements of it. It seems that they are trying to hide it, flying under the radar, to make it like he is just some neutral inspirational mainstream Orthodox figure, rather than one of the top neo-Chasidic leaders.
Who is Rabbi Judah Mischel?
Rabbi Judah Mischel is a person who has transformed Camp HASC (where he is executive director) in the last few years into a major platform for the promotion of neo-Chasidus among young people, and now, with his elevation at NCSY, is in position to do more of the same there, this time with the reach, prestige and influence of the O-U behind him. He is someone who regularly goes to Uman for Rosh Hashanah and promotes that to others as well. He also has significant personal, as well as family, ties to Lubavitch. He founded an organization called Tzama Nafshi, which works to spread neo-Chasidus among the Modern Orthodox, by means such as a special tour to graves of famous Chasidic Rebbes in Europe.
This a significant departure from the O-U and NCSY's past. Is NCSY, the National Council of Synagogue Youth, becoming NCSY, Neo Chasidic Synagogue Youth? This is something worthy of examination, discussion, and thought.
This great shift at NCSY should be taken into account by OU members and officials, parents, donors, young people, people connected to NCSY, and any concerned community member. Is the OU now willingly becoming a vehicle to lead young people, the future of the community, away, in a different direction, to neo-Chasidus?
To get an idea of the mentality involved, a relevant illustration is a statement Rabbi Mischel made a few months ago - "There are three places that attract and unite Jews from all walks of life" he said, "Uman on Rosh Hashana, Meron on Lag Baomer, and Camp HASC."
Wait, you may say, what about the Kosel Maaravi? ירושלים עיה"ק, the city that Chazal said unites Yidden? No. He says the three places are Uman, Meron, and Camp HASC.
Well, if you want to try something new, what can I do, but personally, I am old-fashioned, and choose ירושלים.
Reb Mischel is known for stunts and merrymaking. But what may be popular in a summer camp environment is not necessarily what is desirable year round for searching youth.
How did Mischel get his new job? I am not privy to all the deliberations, but it is known that O-U Executive VP Allen Fagin is close to and has a very warm relationship with neo-Chasidus leader (the man Mischel calls his captain) Rabbi Moshe Weinberger (we have discussed Rabbi Weinberger and some of his controversial statements here in the past). A few months ago when Rabbi Weinberger had a special breakfast for his new Emek Hamelech institute, Fagin was there, sat on the dais, and exchanged kisses with Weinberger after the program. Weinberger gave effusive recognition and thanks to him for coming then, as well as being available when called in general, despite his busy schedule, in the beginning of his talk. It is not just Allen Fagin himself, however, it is a deeper, more extensive, family connection. Fagin's son is a longtime neo-Hasid and congregant of Rabbi Weinberger. In a video from the recent first selichos pre-Rosh Hashanah 5779 at Aish Kodesh, for example, Fagin family members can be clearly seen in the foreground (some in Hasidic garb, Mr. Allen Fagin himself in a light blue shirt, at the left of his son) extensively (he/they can be seen in some previous similar videos as well). So there is a deep relationship there. Hence it is quite logical to wonder if Mr. Fagin himself is lending a hand to the promotion of neo-Chasidus at the O-U/NCSY (of course, there are some others there as well under that influence, such as R. Bashevkin of NCSY, but he doesn't seem to be into Uman as R. Muschel is, or as extreme. Additionally, there is a difference between if there is one or few neo-Chasidic leaders in an organization, and if there are multiple such individuals).
Be that as it may or may not be, the point is that major change is under way at NCSY, and people should be made aware of it. An unacknowledged stealthy major change in orientation breeds suspicion and does not inspire trust. We don't want parents complaining in the future that Rabbi Mischel and NCSY made their children into neo-Chasidim.
Let us have some honesty, transparency, and forthrightness about the situation, rather than obfuscation and euphemisms.
The O-U Kashrus division is an industry leader due to its great staff of dedicated Torah scholars in the mainstream of the community. It would be logical for other divisions of the O-U, such as NCSY, to proceed in such a path as well, taking advantage of wise counsel of established senior תלמידי חכמים, rather than going בעצת נערים, with the fads of the youth, even if the latter are more popular on social media. Social media is not, and should not be, our guiding light.
May Hashem help us proceed on the right path and avoid pitfalls.
Lately, however, they evidently are increasingly under the influence of the neo-Hasidic segment of Modern Orthodoxy. This recently became more prominent, front and center, with the appointment of neo-Chasidus leader Rabbi Judah Mischel as Mashpia (a Chasidic title/position seemingly created there for him, as was created for his mentor, neo-Chasidus leader Rabbi Moshe Weinberger, at YU-RIETS a few years back) of NCSY (see also here).
It is important to understand that this is not just some low level appointment. Rather, it is a pivotal new development, as it is reported that he will be working closely with all levels of NCSY staff and dispensing guidance.
Surprisingly though (or perhaps not surprisingly), the OU doesn't mention explicitly, or detail his neo-Chasidism in their announcements of it. It seems that they are trying to hide it, flying under the radar, to make it like he is just some neutral inspirational mainstream Orthodox figure, rather than one of the top neo-Chasidic leaders.
Who is Rabbi Judah Mischel?
Rabbi Judah Mischel is a person who has transformed Camp HASC (where he is executive director) in the last few years into a major platform for the promotion of neo-Chasidus among young people, and now, with his elevation at NCSY, is in position to do more of the same there, this time with the reach, prestige and influence of the O-U behind him. He is someone who regularly goes to Uman for Rosh Hashanah and promotes that to others as well. He also has significant personal, as well as family, ties to Lubavitch. He founded an organization called Tzama Nafshi, which works to spread neo-Chasidus among the Modern Orthodox, by means such as a special tour to graves of famous Chasidic Rebbes in Europe.
This a significant departure from the O-U and NCSY's past. Is NCSY, the National Council of Synagogue Youth, becoming NCSY, Neo Chasidic Synagogue Youth? This is something worthy of examination, discussion, and thought.
This great shift at NCSY should be taken into account by OU members and officials, parents, donors, young people, people connected to NCSY, and any concerned community member. Is the OU now willingly becoming a vehicle to lead young people, the future of the community, away, in a different direction, to neo-Chasidus?
To get an idea of the mentality involved, a relevant illustration is a statement Rabbi Mischel made a few months ago - "There are three places that attract and unite Jews from all walks of life" he said, "Uman on Rosh Hashana, Meron on Lag Baomer, and Camp HASC."
Wait, you may say, what about the Kosel Maaravi? ירושלים עיה"ק, the city that Chazal said unites Yidden? No. He says the three places are Uman, Meron, and Camp HASC.
Well, if you want to try something new, what can I do, but personally, I am old-fashioned, and choose ירושלים.
Reb Mischel is known for stunts and merrymaking. But what may be popular in a summer camp environment is not necessarily what is desirable year round for searching youth.
How did Mischel get his new job? I am not privy to all the deliberations, but it is known that O-U Executive VP Allen Fagin is close to and has a very warm relationship with neo-Chasidus leader (the man Mischel calls his captain) Rabbi Moshe Weinberger (we have discussed Rabbi Weinberger and some of his controversial statements here in the past). A few months ago when Rabbi Weinberger had a special breakfast for his new Emek Hamelech institute, Fagin was there, sat on the dais, and exchanged kisses with Weinberger after the program. Weinberger gave effusive recognition and thanks to him for coming then, as well as being available when called in general, despite his busy schedule, in the beginning of his talk. It is not just Allen Fagin himself, however, it is a deeper, more extensive, family connection. Fagin's son is a longtime neo-Hasid and congregant of Rabbi Weinberger. In a video from the recent first selichos pre-Rosh Hashanah 5779 at Aish Kodesh, for example, Fagin family members can be clearly seen in the foreground (some in Hasidic garb, Mr. Allen Fagin himself in a light blue shirt, at the left of his son) extensively (he/they can be seen in some previous similar videos as well). So there is a deep relationship there. Hence it is quite logical to wonder if Mr. Fagin himself is lending a hand to the promotion of neo-Chasidus at the O-U/NCSY (of course, there are some others there as well under that influence, such as R. Bashevkin of NCSY, but he doesn't seem to be into Uman as R. Muschel is, or as extreme. Additionally, there is a difference between if there is one or few neo-Chasidic leaders in an organization, and if there are multiple such individuals).
Be that as it may or may not be, the point is that major change is under way at NCSY, and people should be made aware of it. An unacknowledged stealthy major change in orientation breeds suspicion and does not inspire trust. We don't want parents complaining in the future that Rabbi Mischel and NCSY made their children into neo-Chasidim.
Let us have some honesty, transparency, and forthrightness about the situation, rather than obfuscation and euphemisms.
The O-U Kashrus division is an industry leader due to its great staff of dedicated Torah scholars in the mainstream of the community. It would be logical for other divisions of the O-U, such as NCSY, to proceed in such a path as well, taking advantage of wise counsel of established senior תלמידי חכמים, rather than going בעצת נערים, with the fads of the youth, even if the latter are more popular on social media. Social media is not, and should not be, our guiding light.
May Hashem help us proceed on the right path and avoid pitfalls.
Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Chasidic Tall Tales Explained by Satmar Rebbe
The Satmar Rebbe (SR), R. Yoel Teitelbaum, was an iconoclast, well known for his oppositional stance toward Tzionus and Medinas Yisroel.
Despite his strong beliefs and fiery rhetoric, he could also be quite entertaining, with sharp quips and clever wordplay, such as his comments on ולא תתורו אחרי לבבכם ואחרי עיניכם, that לבבכם is הרצל and עיניכם is (Rav) קוק (to appreciate/understand that one, you need to know some Yiddish).
Less well known among the world at large is another area in which his iconclasm was displayed, namely his scornful dismissal of questionable tales peddled by fellow Chasidim.
A fine illustration of this was brought into view in a recent tweet (via DB) of an image from a sefer reporting an explanation the SR once gave for the Hasidic custom to relate "סיפורי צדיקים" (Hasidic tales) at Melava Malka.
He said that it is brought down that an עם הארץ was held to be more truthful on Shabbos than during the week, due to the spiritual effect of the holy day (the awe of Shabbos is upon him). So, the SR mused, based upon that, that such a person restrains himself all Shabbos not to say falsehood, but when מוצאי שבת arrives he cannot restrain himself any longer.
ודפח"ח
See the related discussion in a previous post as well.
While longtime Chasidim and those knowledgable about it may know such things, people new to it, such as new converts, or neo-Chasidim, might not be similarly aware, to the extent of being dangerously naive. Therefore it is good that some people share such important internal knowledge with the broader community.
יישר כחכם
Despite his strong beliefs and fiery rhetoric, he could also be quite entertaining, with sharp quips and clever wordplay, such as his comments on ולא תתורו אחרי לבבכם ואחרי עיניכם, that לבבכם is הרצל and עיניכם is (Rav) קוק (to appreciate/understand that one, you need to know some Yiddish).
Less well known among the world at large is another area in which his iconclasm was displayed, namely his scornful dismissal of questionable tales peddled by fellow Chasidim.
A fine illustration of this was brought into view in a recent tweet (via DB) of an image from a sefer reporting an explanation the SR once gave for the Hasidic custom to relate "סיפורי צדיקים" (Hasidic tales) at Melava Malka.
He said that it is brought down that an עם הארץ was held to be more truthful on Shabbos than during the week, due to the spiritual effect of the holy day (the awe of Shabbos is upon him). So, the SR mused, based upon that, that such a person restrains himself all Shabbos not to say falsehood, but when מוצאי שבת arrives he cannot restrain himself any longer.
ודפח"ח
See the related discussion in a previous post as well.
While longtime Chasidim and those knowledgable about it may know such things, people new to it, such as new converts, or neo-Chasidim, might not be similarly aware, to the extent of being dangerously naive. Therefore it is good that some people share such important internal knowledge with the broader community.
יישר כחכם
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