Yud Tes Kislev Brings Misnagdim To Light

Do Misnagdim still exist today?

Well, they do exist, I have even met some during my lifetime :), but they don't usually go around with big signs and bullhorns proclaiming their beliefs. 

However, at times Hisnagdus comes out into the open.

A few days ago, before יט כסליו, two such cases were seen on the internet. 

We share the details with you below, courtesy of Chabad-Lubavitch.

1) In London, a Satmar school issued a letter exhorting people to stay away from a Lubavitcher Yud Tes Kislev gathering.

2) A Lubavitcher blog posted a Hebrew broadside from the Dati-Leumi community about the stance of Rav Avraham Yitzchak and Rav Tzvi Yehudah Hakohein Kook z"l toward Chabad and Chasidus.

So not only do Misnagdim still exist today, they exist in places and forms that people may not be aware of, e.g. among other (non Lubavitch) Chasidim, and among Dati-Leumi Yidden. The Misnaged today is not necessarily your sterotypical Litvak.

May we be zoche to see the light bikarov.

A freilichen Chanukah.

How a Rebbe Can Build Happy and Healthy Talmidim - Rav Moshe Weinberger שליט"א

One of the panelists at a session at the recent Agudath Israel of America convention related to mental health was Rav Moshe Weinberger shlit"a, veteran Rebbe and Agudah Rav in Brooklyn, NY, as well as a longtime summer camp head counselor.

I would like to share some of his wisdom, wit, and good humor here.

"Today every Rebbe knows that he's in charge of the mental health of his talmidim." (3:15 -).

(Partially translated from Yiddish) My father didn't have time to have OCD, my father didn't have time to think if he had self esteem or not (36:50).

Today there is tremendous pressure.

On what a Rebbe can do to prevent mental issues 53:05 -

Rav Weinberger shlit"a commented with regard to three common conditions - self esteem, anxiety, and depression.

Self esteem - You have to acknowledge and relate to the children as individuals (check out the recording for details and examples).

Anxiety - With regard to tests, he says to students, it is a mark on the paper, not a mark on you. He will never write a failing mark on a paper. One of his fellow Rabbeim refers to tests as חזרה.

Depression - Speaks of the greatness of the sefer מסילת ישרים, it teaches that everyone is measured with their own measuring stick, and competition is only with what you can be.

The classroom and the house have to be happy places.

Torah was built in the United States with simcha, passion, vigor, and optimism (in name of his Rebbe, Rav Avrohom Chaim Levin z"l, who was just niftar) (57:40).

May we be zoche to have more Rabbeim like Rav Weinberger shlit"a, and to hear more of his wisdom and wit, לאורך ימים ושנים טובות.

(For more flavor and detail, check out the recording.)

The Personal מוכיח - A Worthy Idea

Personal trainer.

Personal shopper.

Personal רבי.

Personal מוכיח?

In a recent (dated November 16/9 Kislev 5779) issue of Yated Ne'eman (USA), in an article by Tzvi Yaakovson, it was related (p.41) in a segment entitled "A PAID CRITIC", that R. Nosson Wachtfogel ז"ל, mashgiach of בית מדרש גבוה in NJ, paid a generous monthly salary to a yungerman, who was assigned to visit him once a week, and deliver criticism and הוכחה.

It was a pleasant surprise to see that.

I had, of course, known of the famous story of the Vilna Gaon asking the Dubno magid to give him mussar. A shining example of the humility, and search for truth, of the Vilna Gaon. Also, in פרק ו:ו of מסכת אבות we are taught that one of the things that Torah is acquired by is אוהב את התוכחות, loving rebuke (as the posuk in Mishlei says, הוכח לחכם ויאהבך, rebuke the wise and he will love you).

But I don't recall hearing recently of someone designating someone to rebuke him regularly, and even paying him for it. Wow!

I don't know where Rav Nosson got the idea, the practice from. Kelm? Elsewhere?

Yes, in the past, especially in old mussar yeshivas, there were frameworks for personalized mussar, rebuke. Novhardok had something called a birzhe, which I believe could serve that purpose, for one example. But that was between fellow talmidim, not from a paid outsider.

Some Chasidim have, or recommend, personal משפיעים, which could encompass mussar giving.

Anyway, since we are in a time when some people claim that no one can give תוכחה nowadays, even basing their contention on Jewish sources, which, along with the outside influences of attitudes like "mind your own business", and "none of your business", can lead to there being sometimes situations of הפקרות and extreme lack of rebuke, it it is especially pleasant to see that the idea of personal תוכחה has not entirely disappeared.

Perhaps the tzibur at large should consider such frameworks for personal tochacha once again.

Another thought that came to me was that in addition to תוכחה being important for everyone, perhaps there is a special need for it among מנהיגים, our dear leaders, especially in certain settings. In addition to their being in positions of power and influence, where errors can be more costly and damaging R"L than with lesser individuals, there is also a danger of people being afraid of, or reluctant to take issue with them, fearing that it would be disrespectful and improper, leading to them perhaps lacking at times vital feedback.

For all of the above reasons, it seems like an idea worthy of serious consideration, that people (especially leaders) should consider emulating R. Nosson z"l to some extent, in one way or another, and make efforts to solicit rebuke on occasion, and not just surround themselves with yes men.

(I understand that sometimes people like spouses or chavrusas can play this role as well, but sometimes they don't at all, or do so inadequately.)

In the merit of pursuing truth and loving tochacha, may we be zoche to acquire Torah and Emes.

Apology to my Readers and Commenters - Problem with Submitted Comments

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 😇

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.

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.

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