Tikkun!

Jewish Meditation: A Practical Guide by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan

2012-02-15T10:32:00.000-05:00

This is awesome. One of my favorite books ever, available for free online.

HT to RYGB.

Aryeh Kaplan - Jewish Meditation, a Practical Guide

Rav Tzvi Meir on Shovavim, part VIII

2012-02-14T22:58:00.000-05:00

Shiurim - Sichos Hischazkus: Shovavim 8 - eSnips

The final sequence. I'm sorry it took nearly the entire period of Shovavim to go through the ma'amar, but thankfully things have been busy.

A Life Apart

2012-02-09T18:31:00.001-05:00

This is a "must watch" documentary that I mentioned a while back in a post about Reb Shlomo Halberstam, the Bobover Rebbe OBM.

The full version is now available on YouTube. Hat tip to Rebbe Clips.

Very cool music video

2012-02-08T10:19:00.002-05:00

It's been a long time since I listened to non-Jewish music, but someone sent me this video, and it's worth sharing. There's nothing like a little ingenuity, especially when it is elaborate, and it works.

Rav Tzvi Meir on Shovavim, part VII

2012-02-07T23:52:00.001-05:00

Shiurim - Sichos Hischazkus: Shovavim 7 - eSnips

Getting In The Way

2012-02-07T00:39:00.000-05:00

Anochi Omed Bein Hashem U'Veineichem - I stood between you and HaShem. (Deut. 5:5)

The Kotzker Rebbe explained this verse: What is it that comes between us and God? None other than our own egos, the "I" that imposes itself into every aspect of our lives.

The Hebrew word for "I" is Ani; those same letters (Aleph-Nun-Yud) switched around spell "Nothing", Ayin (Aleph-Yud-Nun).

Something to think about...

Tuesday of Parshat Beshalach

2012-01-31T10:29:00.000-05:00

Parshas Hamon - Daily Jewish Tefilla for Parnassah - Parshat Haman - Tefillos.com

and, an accompanying PDF link to the interlinear translation, courtesy of Artscroll:

http://artscroll.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/the-chapter-of-manna.pdf

Rav Tzvi Meir on Shovavim, part VI (and part 2 of that)

2012-01-31T00:28:00.002-05:00

Shiurim - Sichos Hischazkus: Shovavim 6 - eSnips

and

Shiurim - Sichos Hischazkus: Shovavim 6.5 -eSnips

Apologies if I sound a little rushed = this was done last week amid final assignments for school...

Free Rav Moshe Weinberger shiurim!

2012-01-29T12:49:00.000-05:00

The folks over at Rav Moshe Weinberger's website have just informed me that they are providing Torah Anytime with free content available for download from the original site!

As of now, two series Inspired Parenting and Children's Names in Halacha and Hashkafah are up on Rav Weinberger's TA profile page, in addition to other shiurim that he has delivered in Ohr Naava, headquarters of Torah Anytime. While you're there, don't forget to check the other lecturers that Torah Anytime has to offer!

RavMosheWeinberger.com is a valuable resource for a whole range of topics, delivered by a dynamic personality who embraces all these different aspects of Judaism. Be sure to check out the original sire for many more topics and shiurim; it's worth every penny!

2012-01-26T23:25:00.001-05:00

Having concluded that human suffering was beyond endurance, a certain Rebbe went up to heaven and knocked at the Messiah's gate.

"Why are you taking so long?" he asked him. "Don't you know mankind is expecting you?"

"It's not me they are expecting," answered the Messiah. "Some are waiting for good health and riches. Others for serenity and knowledge. Or peace in the home and happiness. No, it's not me they are awaiting."

At this point, they say, the Rebbe lost patience and cried: "So be it! If you have but one face, may it remain in shadow! If you cannot help men, all men, resolve their problems, even the most insignificant, then stay where you are, as you are. If you still have not guessed that you are bread for the hungry, a voice for the old man without heirs, sleep for those who dread night, if you have not understood all this and more: that every wait is a wait for you, then you are telling the truth: indeed, it is not you that mankind is waiting for."

The Rebbe came back to earth, gathered his disciples, and forbade them to despair:

"And now the true waiting begins."

Elie Wiesel, One Generation After

Reb Moshe and "the Ruv"

2012-01-25T11:31:00.000-05:00

Rav Moshe Feinstein OBM had a regular study session with a particular student of his, a descendant from a true Lithuanian family - a real litvack in every sense of the word.

Sometimes, when going through an especially difficult passage in the gemara or some other area of learning, Reb Moshe would instruct this student to "go ask Reb Yoilish". The student would get up from his seat, cross the Williamsburg bridge from the Lower East Side into the heart of the Hasidic community of Satmar in Brooklyn, and pose their difficulty to Rav Yoel Teitelbaum, the Satmar Ruv OBM. After receiving his answer, the student would return to Reb Moshe and share it with him. Reb Moshe would nod his agreement to the answer, and they would continue.

Once, the student asked for an explanation after returning from the long trip to Williamsburg. Obviously, Reb Moshe knew the answer to their own problem - if so, why did he insists on sending this student over to "the Ruv" with their difficulties?

Looking into his eyes, Reb Moshe responded "Because it is important for you to see that Reb Yoilish iz nisht 'nor' a kano'i - er is oichet a lamdan!" Reb Yoel isn't "just" a zealot - he is also a scholar par excellence! (heard from my father, who heard it from this student).

An important lesson here, especially in light of some recent very irresponsible blog posts out there concerning the Satmar Ruv. Reb Yoel was not some volatile, reactionary individual who acted on impulse. He knew how to "learn up" a sugya far better than any of us can possibly hope to, and any opinion that he had was the result of his own airtight method of learning the relevant sources and considerations of the current state of affairs, That doesn't necessarily mean that he was right, per se, for the general public, nor that we must go according to his rulings - there are other formidable authorities with their own divergent outcomes based on their own learning of the same sugyot that we can rely upon.

This is not meant as an apologetic for him - like Rav Kook OBM, he needs no defense, no apologetics. He saw a need in the world for a certain way of action that needed to be done, and he did it, without pulling any punches. Sometimes it hurts our ears and gives us much heartbreak to read his words, but you can be assured that he felt it was 100% sound and necessary (the unfortunate aftermath and state of affairs that are being laid at his feet today are another matter, beyond the scope of this essay) in a halachic and hashkafic manner. To think otherwise is baseless - just look at any of his responsa and you will find scores of textual proofs and logic that corroborate his point of view (according to his reasoning).

But I take issue with those whose hubris allow them to write pointless diatribes against a man who cannot even respond to their accusations; their assertions are emotional and passionate, yet either intellectually lazy (in one blogger's case) or so venomous that they immediately plunge into the logical fallacy of ad hominem - the very thing they vilify him for!

I try to avoid politics and expressing my opinions about such matters; at this blog, we try to spread the light, which is why I chose to include the anecdote at the beginning of this post. It is obvious that Reb Moshe and Reb Yoel had numerous, sometimes sharp disagreements. Yet Reb Moshe knew that nothing came out of Reb Yoel's mouth or mind that had not been carefully weighed according to his understanding of halacha. He may be wrong about something, but it came from a place of understanding, not a baseless conception that he conjured out of nowhere.

But those posts that I referenced earlier have necessitated this response, if only for my own conscience in knowing that I have done what is needed to defend Torah itself.

We should merit to witness the arrival of Moshiach, so that all these walls we construct should come down, and we will be able to see the truth that all tzaddikim exude, each in their own way...

Pey Dalid live tonight at 10:30 EST!

2012-01-21T22:05:00.000-05:00

Pey Dalid are playing tonight at The Bitter End in Greenwich.

Can't make the show? Watch it here. (Warning: the link goes to a live feed at the venue; it's not always Pey Dalid there!)

Rav Tzvi Meir on Shovavim, part V

2012-01-20T14:11:00.001-05:00

Shiurim - Sichos Hischazkus: Shovavim 5 - eSnips

Not reinventing the wheel

2012-01-18T23:33:00.000-05:00

Rabbi Aryeh Leib HaKohen Heller (author of the Ketzos HaChoshen, one of the most important commentaries on the Choshen Mishpat section of the Shulchan Aruch) was not a chasid. While he may not have been considered a vehement opponent like many of the mitnagdim, he saw no merit in the path of the Ba'al Shem Tov.

Once, he met Reb Tzvi Hersh of Zidichov. Although at that point Reb Tzvi Hersh was still a young man, his reputation as a true genius had already begun to become widespread. The Ketzos (as Reb Aryeh Leib was referred to) decided that who would be a more suitable person to ask about the merits of chassidus than Reb Tzvi Hersh? And so, he posed the following questions to Reb Tzvi Hersh:

"What exactly was the contribution of the Ba'al Shem Tov? After all, there hardly seemed to be any major innovation when viewed in the context of what Rabban Shimon Bar Yochai introduced with the Zohar, and the later additions of the ARI haKadosh. How did the Ba'al Shem Tov - and by extention, chassidus - distinguish itself?"

Reb Tzvi Hersh answered with a parable:

There was a small village where no one ever ventured out into the world beyond the village limits. Once, a villager decided to explore and he left to travel the world. At one point, he found himself in an exotic locale, where he encountered a strange, bird-like creature. This creature bore an uncanny resemblance to humans in many ways! When this fellow returned to his little provincial village, and tried to describe this amazing animal, the townsfolk just looked at him quizzically, uncomprehending.

A short while after, a second villager set off to travel the world beyond, inspired by his predecessor. He too encountered this strange animal in his exploration, and took many notes about the animal's physiology, characteristics, and other important details. When he tried to show these notes to his neighbors back home, they were now able to grasp a little bit of what the first fellow had been describing, but the mysterious creature still remained beyond their ability to fathom it.

A third fellow set off, years later.

This time, he brought the bird creature home to his village.

Reb Tzvi Hersh turned to the Ketzos and explained: Reb Shimon Bar Yochai went up to the farthest reaches of heavens and tried to explain what he saw. That is the Zohar, and it is extremely difficult for finite beings to understand without a frame of reference. The ARI came along, and brought us more detailed descriptions of what went on in the spiritual realm, making it a little more relatable for us.

But the Ba'al Shem Tov went up to the heavens, and "brought God" down to us, so that we can understand what we are seeing.

Rav Tzvi Meir on Shovavim, part IV

2012-01-18T09:58:00.000-05:00

Shiurim - Sichos Hischazkus: Shovavim 4 - eSnips

Rav Tzvi Meir on Shovavim, part III

2012-01-15T23:40:00.002-05:00

Shiurim - Sichos Hischazkus: Shovavim 3 - eSnips

The love of Shabbos Kodesh

2012-01-13T11:24:00.000-05:00

Shabbos Kodesh is the greatest outpouring of love into the universe; one of the reasons we do not bring a sin offering on Shabbos is because when there is true love, all sins are forgiven (this does not preclude the necessity for the sinner to confess and repent, of course, but that is beyond the scope of this post).

The B'nei Yissaschar finds an allusion to this all encompassing love in a wonderful gematria: the numerical value of Shabbos (702) is equal to that of the phrase "Ahavah b'chol lev, ahava b'chol nefesh, ahava b'chol meod." (Love with all [one's] heart, love with all [one's] soul, love with all [one's] being/capacity)

Awesome.

On Shabbos we can return our focus to the relationships that matter most to us - with our spouses, children, family, God...and with ourselves.

Rav Tzvi Meir on Shovavim, part II

2012-01-12T20:30:00.000-05:00

It's a little bit longer; I found myself getting carried away by the content - a common occupational hazard when learning from this tzaddik in particular. Again, any mistakes are my own, due to my improper understanding...
Shiurim - Sichos Hischazkus: Shovavim 2 - eSnips

Rav Tzvi Meir on Shovavim.

2012-01-11T00:18:00.000-05:00

Audio by me. I'm still trying to figure things out, but I feel like I'm groping blindly. Feedback would be appreciated. It's kind of awkward to speak to "no one", and it gets hard to pace it, too...

Shiurim - Sichos Hischazkus: Shovavim 1 - eSnips

A must read.

2012-01-09T23:22:00.000-05:00

Greatness --- and those who sully it

Encountering Error in Education

2012-01-09T13:52:00.000-05:00

This past Shabbos, I had my first run-in with misinformation as a result of education in my own children. As my big boy proudly recited his parsha sheet chapter and verse (which continues to be a trip for me; my friends and I marvel at the fact that *we* are sitting at the head of a Shabbos table, listening to parsha sheets. It's still very new...), he repeated something to me that he was taught that was flat-out wrong. Not incorrect for the sake of age-appropriate learning, which has its place, but rather a common mistake in pshat. To the best of my knowledge, there isn't even an opinion that learns the text the way his teacher gave it over...

I didn't want to contradict his teacher to him, because I realize that it will cause confusion and undermine the teacher. But when I shared this observation with my wife, she wasn't even aware of the mistake. Why? - because she had always been taught the same exact thing since she was a child!

My question is this: when we encounter such problems, what is the best way to deal with them? Do we "let it go"? If that's the case, until what age? Where do our obligations lie?

2012-01-06T11:28:00.001-05:00

Musicians and punk fans will appreciate this: My soon to be three-year-old just discovered "feedback" with a speaker system. Nachas!

2012-01-05T10:44:00.000-05:00

A great shiur on the 10th of Tevet given a few years ago by Rav Mordechai Willig. Very interesting stuff, including strong mussar at the end. Link.

The killing blow

2012-01-05T10:37:00.000-05:00

He falls to the ground, beaten, and lays still. Hardly breathing, he waits for me to step in and finish the job. I step forward to oblige.

Standing over him, I don't see a formidable enemy; I see a broken, foolish old man. I raise my staff to strike him.

He raises a weak hand over his head. "Stop!" he croaks, "give me a minute. You've got me, okay? Can I get a last request?"

I don't answer him. I keep my staff raised, ready to bring it crashing down, but I stare at him. He takes my silence as permission. With pleading eyes, he reaches into the inner pocket of his frock coat and pulls out a crumpled pack of cigarettes. "Just one last drag, okay? Send a man off right?" He gingerly pulls himself into a supine position, lights up, and takes a deep drag. Immediately, he starts hacking and coughing; there's a little tinge of crimson on his lips now.

"Ohhhh, yeah. It hurts so bad, but feels so good," he smiles up at me. "I think you broke a couple of ribs this time."

I don't answer him. I maintain my position, waiting for him to finish. The staff is beginning to get heavy, keeping it raised like this. I tighten my grip, refusing to let go.

He takes another drag, letting out a long thin stream of smoke. He examines the glowing ember at the tip. "I have to tell you, I'm surprised that it's come to this. I always thought you were all talk." He grins up at me, a ghastly face with already drying blood from his nose crusting in his long beard. Leaning against the wall, he continues. "You always said that you were gonna end our relationship, but why would I believe that? You've never really protested anything I've suggested. Heck, most of the time you came after me! And who knows you better than me? No one, not your parents, not your wife, nobody knows you like I know you."

The stick is so heavy, my arms are starting to hurt. I can't lower my guard, but I have him where I want him. I lower my weapon, ever so slightly. Just to take some of the edge off.

He looks around the alleyway, scanning the dim area for his hat. Spotting it, he slowly crawls on bruised knees over to where it is lying in a puddle of brackish water. "Ach, just look at it!" He makes a futile attempt at shaking the water off the velvet, to no avail. "Man, do you have any idea how much Bencraft charges to clean it these days?" He puffs on his foul cigarette, ponderously looking down at the ruined hat. He shrugs. "What the hey. I'm not gonna need it soon anyway, right?"

He turns to me again, looking at me coyly. "That's why we're here, isn't it? The final showdown. After all we've been through together, the good times we had. Things that you can only talk to me about, because I'm the only one who understands you," his voice turns bitter, "I thought we were FRIENDS!"

Leaning on the wall for support, he slowly climbs to his feet. I'm too far away at this point to stop him. He points a long finger at me. "Well, I'm not fooled," he mutters. "You still need me. It's only a matter of time until you want something so bad, and I'll be the only one willing to go with you to get it. You can't finish me." He backs away into the darkness, blending in the shadows.

I lunge forward, swinging my weapon at the space where he had just been. He's gone.

His voice floats around me, filling my ears with the familiar sounds of my very own pulse. "You'll always crave something. You can't kill me because you don't want to."

His laughing echoes after me as I walk out of the alley, cursing my failure.

v'haMeivin yavin

Kehot Online sale.

2012-01-02T13:51:00.000-05:00

Kehot Publications, one of the biggest publishing houses/distributors of all things ChaBaD is having a major sale, going on until Wednesday, January 4, 2012.

Select titles are up to 70% off; other titles are up to 50% off. Hard to find titles are available at a steep discount for a limited time - now is the chance to grab them up!

Link

Take this survey!

2012-01-01T23:20:00.000-05:00

This fellow's dissertation may help future practitioners gain better/deeper insight into the relevance and significance of religion in the crucial developmental years of adolescence.

This doctoral candidate needs help from people ages 18-25 who were raised (i.e. not necessarily religious today) in Orthodox Jewish homes to take some time and complete this anonymous survey.

Click here to take the survey!

I am partial to the idea of this survey, because I believe that we need more people who have a familiarity with the Jewish community and its numerous cultural nuances, trained with the proper tools to help our brethren...

Beyond the Pale

2012-01-01T14:47:00.000-05:00

I am usually not one to join in the politics-laden fray; I try to live by the quote from Rav Kook reproduced at the top of the blog to the best of my abilities. However, the events occurring over in the Holy Land in and around Ramat Beit Shemesh have been escalating at an alarming rate. As of last night, the situation has gotten even worse, and for my own sake, I feel the need to protest - to not say anything would be remiss, as inaction often speaks louder than anything else.

There was a hafganah last night in Jerusalem, protesting something about negative attention cast on the chareidi community. I'm not quite sure who organized the rally, what sparked it (although I assume it had something to do with the Beit Shemesh debacle), and what was supposed to be accomplished, but I was dismayed when I saw the images from the rally prominently displayed on several new sites.

I cannot think of any cause that would justify the use of Holocaust imagery in such a perverse manner. Little children dressed in perfect replicas of concentration camp prison wear, striking poses similar to famous portraits from the war, etc. In one evening, we have completely marginalized and trivialized the Holocaust (I knowingly use the collective "we" for the obvious reasons. As I stated above, our silence is one form or another of compliance. At this point, our dissent is post-hoc and lacking any real significance.); we have sullied the memories of those who perished, and taught our children that nothing is sacred; we have shown the world that we are opportunists who will do and say anything to make our point, thereby "proving right" those very accusers who would have our land torn from our grasp. I am sickened, and disheartened.

What makes this worse is its obvious premeditation: a glance at the photos show professionally made looking costumes. these weren't hasty signs or thrown-together rags at the last moment, this was a planned idea.

Disgusting.

The masterminds behind this egregious display of insensitivity will have to stand in din and cheshbon for this, on top of many other things.

Rabbi Gershon Chanoch Henoch Leiner (d. 1890)

2011-12-30T15:01:00.000-05:00

Today (4 Teves) is the yahrtzeit of the Radziner Rebbe, Rav Gershon Henoch Leiner. A genius and Torah scholar, the rebbe was a prolific writer, producing numerous manuscripts, including a compendium on seder Taharos modeled after the Talmud Bavli. Unfortunately, most of his writings have been lost.

In the greater Jewish world, he is known for his mission to reinstate the use of techeilet by identifying the chilazon and formulating the extraction (of the blood/sepia) and dying process. He published several works on the topic, ultimately asserting that the common cuttlefish was the biblical creature in question.

Although many today do not consider his techeilet to be the true one, each of the other types of techeilet begin their processes using his groundbreaking work as a template.

Z'chuso yagein aleinu!

2011-12-29T15:45:00.000-05:00

Joseph harnessed his chariot and went up to meet Israel his father, to Goshen; and he appeared to him, fell on his neck, and he wept on his neck excessively. (Gen. 46:29)

...[b]ut Jacob did not fall on Joseph's neck, nor did he kiss him. Our Rabbis said [that he did not do so] because he was reciting Shema. (Rashi, ibid)

Rav Naftali Tzvi Yehuda Berlin writes in Haamek Davar that Yaakov Avinu did not recognize Yosef; mistaking him for Pharaoh, Yaakov genuflected upon meeting Yosef. Yosef allowed him to bow, recognizing this as the fulfillment of his second dream. Afterward, he revealed himself to Yaakov.

But Yaakov harbored a complaint about this turn of events! True, he had waited for the matter (ibid, 37:12) concerning Yosef's dreams, but not in an instance where Yosef would be the immediate cause for his father's "lowering" before him.

This was why he was reciting kriyat Shema: he wanted to regain composure and peace of mind. The Shema, recited with dveykut and love of God has the capacity for calming inner turmoil.

Idle hands...

2011-12-27T10:28:00.000-05:00

Be extremely careful not to waste even a moment. You should view even ten minutes of wasted time as a grave sin (Heaven preserve us). You pay for wasted time with your life. The time that you have thrown away, a part of your life, is gone forever; you will never regain it. Remind yourself of your mortality. This day and time are fading away, and you cannot bring them back.

If you have wasted time, imagine that you have cut out a strip of your heart and thrown it to the dogs. - Reb Kalonymos Kalman Shapira, B'nei Machshava Tova

This excerpt sent chills up my spine as I read it between aliyot this past Shabbos. Thankfully my busy schedule doesn't necessarily afford me any considerable free time, but in those few moments where there is a lull in activity, I know that I don't always capitalize on that time properly. When the rebbe puts it in such a perspective, this whole matter becomes an issue of v'nishmartam!
As the rebbe stresses numerous times in this sefer as well as in his other writings, boredom and sitting idle is anathema to Judaism...

Awesome sale!

2011-12-22T14:02:00.001-05:00

The website for Rav Moshe Weinberger's shiurim is holding a MAJOR sale until Sunday. All Chanukah related shiurim are 25% off, and all shiurim in chassidus are 32% off!

Rabbi Weinberger has given thousands of shiurim on a broad variety of topics and sefarim. Now you can get shiurim on the Avnei Nezer, Be'er Mayim Chaim, the B'nei Yisaschar and much much more for a significantly reduced price.

Every penny is worth it, believe me.

Slonimer Rebbe on Chanukah

2011-12-20T12:01:00.001-05:00

Any mistakes are my own, obviously. I'm still trying to figure out the volume levels, and I am naturally soft spoken, so you may need to turn the volume up. Enjoy, and please give feedback!

Shiurim - Nesivos Shalom: Chanukah 1 - eSnips

Minhag Yisroel

2011-12-13T14:41:00.002-05:00

Once, someone found a sefer Torah in the trash heap outside their city. After examining it, the townsfolk realized that this was a valid, kosher, sefer, and were mystified as to what this sefer was doing in the garbage, hardly a befitting place for such a sacred object.

Someone suggested that maybe this sefer was in fact a sefer written by a heretic; halacha states that a sefer Torah written by an apikores must be disposed of. If this sefer was written by scribe who was a heretic, then the terrible treatment visited upon this Torah was indeed appropriate.

But how could they determine the authorship of the sefer? After all, the scribe doesn't sign his work! How would they know who wrote it? They decided to bring the matter before Rabbi Akiva Eiger, the rav of the town. After hearing the case presented to him, he responded that there was exists a custom among Torah observant Jews that the last two lines of a sefer Torah are not filled in by the scribe himself; he makes the outlines of the letters, and then the townsfolk - eager to join in the completion of this wonderful mitzvah - take turns filling in the letter themselves. The result of this custom is that the last two lines are easily distinguished from the rest of the sefer: whereas the body of work has the signature style of a professional, the last two lines are not as polished or refined as they would be in the hands of the scribe.

He instructed them to roll the sefer to the end. If the last two lines are slightly imperfect, then they would know that it is indeed a kosher sefer, and would have to restore the Torah to its rightful place in a shul, with a massive induction ceremony in order to make reparation for the sullied honor of the Torah. If the last two lines matched the style of the rest of the body, i.e. the scribe wrote the entire sefer himself, then they would know that the sefer was unfit, as it had been written by a heretic.

Sure enough, the sefer's last two lines were slightly imperfect, indicating its validity. The town made a big celebration, bringing the sefer Torah into the shul with joyous singing and dancing. Rabbi Akiva Eiger himself, whose time was carefully measured and weighed, danced with the Torah for an extended period of time in an effort to appease and mend the honor of the Torah.

* * *

Years ago, the P'nei Menachem (the Gerrer Rebbe OBM) dedicated a sefer Torah in memory of his son, who had died in an accident. He invited a select few to the completion ceremony, including Rav Shlomo Zalman Ohrbach OBM, the Rachmastrivka Rebbe OBM, and Reb Yochanan Twerski, the Tolna Rebbe. At the ceremony, Rav Yitzchak Menachem Weinberg (a talmid of the P'nei Menachem and grandson of the Tolna Rebbe) related this story which he had seen in a sefer to the group.

At that point, Reb Yochanan commented that now he understood the statement that Tosafot makes, that "minhag Yisroel, Torah". The comment is usually understood to mean that although there may not be any source, scriptural of otherwise, a minhag found among the Jewish nation is considered to be Torah, and cannot be done away with - it is binding and enduring. After hearing this story, the Tolna Rebbe continued, he realized that it can be understood that through the minhag Yisroel, we have Torah! Because of this minhag, we had a way to establish the quality of a Torah, and so too, the customs of the Nation of Israel testify to the veracity and immutability of God's Torah.

Rav Shlomo Zalman leaped to his feet and exclaimed "I don't know which is greater genius - Reb Akiva Eiger's chap (stroke of insight), or the Tolna Rebbe's tzu-shtell (thematic connection)!
- As heard from Rav Yitzchak Menachem Weinberg, the Tolna Rebbe of Jerusalem.

An Evening With Rebbe Nachman: Rabbis Chaim Kramer & Moshe Weinberger

2011-12-13T13:12:00.000-05:00

Finding this video in my inbox was the high point of the day. I was disappointed that I couldn't make the event, but this tempers that a little.

As posted earlier, the Breslov Research Institute is nearing the completion of its translation of Likutei MoHaRan, a staggering project that spans fifteen volumes with full text and commentary. These projects don't run on their own steam, though; the BRI needs help with funding. Follow this link to see how you can help.

Maccabeats cover Matisyahu

2011-12-11T14:37:00.002-05:00

It's pretty cool that Blossom (Mayim Bialik) is in the video. Didn't recognize her without the hat at first.

BULLY

2011-12-10T23:03:00.000-05:00

This was a short story I wrote a while back. While it contains some autobiographical content, it's highly fictionalized.

I felt like sharing.

Bully

I could hear his slow, plodding footsteps clunking down the stairs over the crunching of my Rice Krispies. I hunkered down, trying to make myself invisible as he entered the kitchen. Maybe he would just ignore me.

Fat chance.

As he passed me, he whacked me on the back of the head. “Hey, Booglet. Where’s Mom?” he asked, as he opened the pantry and took out the Cocoa Puffs.

“She’s in the shower. You know we’re not supposed to have the sugary cereals during the week.”

He poured himself a heaping bowl, little balls spilling over the edge after he added the milk. After a defiant bite, he glared at me. “Well, you’re not going to tell her, will you, Booglet?”

Booglet. That was his nickname for me because he said I was too small to be a booger. The first time he called me that was after he made me eat a piece of snot that he had picked out of his nose. “It’s bigger than you!” he laughed as he sat on my chest, holding it by my lips.

“I won’t tell her.”

“You better not. ‘Cause if you do, I’m just gonna tell her it was really you, and we know who she’ll believe.” He ate another large spoonful and stuck his tongue out at me, laden with half eaten Puffs. “Besides,” he said, “if you told on me, you know what I’d do to you, right?”

I knew. With five years between us and him being more than twice my size, he was capable of inflicting all sorts of pain on me. I knew this from first-hand experience; as the youngest kids in the family we spent a lot of time ‘playing’ together. What that really meant was that he gave me rug burns, Indian burns, noogies, wedgies, and other delights.

Recently my parents had signed him up for Karate lessons following his guidance counselor’s suggestion. Idiots! Didn’t they realize that they were just taking his natural brute strength and honing it into a carefully trained killing machine? Our free time was now devoted to him practicing holds, throws, and other techniques on yours truly. My parents, so happy to see my ‘involvement and support’ in his new project, bought me sparring pads and a foam helmet so that I could really help him. I have never seen such an evil gleam in my brother’s eye like when he realized he could now use full contact.

“I won’t tell her.”

“I know you won’t.”

***

I’m not even sure how we are related. I mean, I know that we have the same parents and everything, but I can’t understand how two radically different people could come from the same genetic material. He was athletic and excelled in sports, while I was uncoordinated and clumsy. He read the sports page; I read anything and everything I could get my hand on. He was large, broad, and solid as a rock and I was a scrawny thing that could blow away with the wind. He was loud and funny (at least, to others. Most of his jokes came at my expense, so I found it hard to laugh); I was quiet and serious.

For as long as I can remember, this is how our relationship ‘worked’: he dominated anything we did together, assuming charge and delegating all the work to me. If I didn’t follow his instructions precisely, he would berate me, giving me a severe tongue lashing. He would add venom if there were others around. Occasionally I would resist, but only for a moment. After all, what could I do? He was older and stronger, and willing to use those advantages. Besides, I could only bear to have my arm twisted for a few seconds; the pain was so intense I used to think that I would pass out.

Complain about him? Yeah, right. For some unfathomable reason, he had our father’s ear; the powerful lawyer saw his elder son’s aggressiveness as a positive trait, and would dismiss my reports as coming from a weakling who was ‘too sensitive’. My mother would tell me to stop exaggerating. “Honey, he’s your brother! He would never do something like that to you! I think you’re watching too much TV…all that violence, with those super heroes and guns.” Besides, one time he overheard me telling them about him; boy, did I get it afterward. He gave me a ‘dead arm’ that ached for days.

***

My only solace was in reading, especially science fiction and comic books. I used to dream about being like them: glistening, muscle-bound protectors of the weak, fearless in the face of death and pure evil, standing up for justice and facing their demons head-on. I envied their bravery and resilience and escaped into their alien worlds and dimensions.

My daydreams were filled with scenarios where I stood my ground in a confrontation and won! Many times, my adversaries would be spineless cowards who – after seeing the faintest hint of a challenge – would turn tail and run. The mere fact that someone was brave enough to stand up to them and not back down would reduce them to whimpering fools, defeated.

But I had nothing, really. I couldn’t fight, I wasn’t brave, and I didn’t have enough backbone to do anything remotely similar to the heroes in the pages of my novels…

***

He barged in without knocking, like usual. “Booglet! Let’s go to the basement and practice Karate.”

I was in middle of arranging an army of action figures on my desk, preparing for a battle royale. There would be a lot of bloodshed, and valor; it would be an epic that was discussed for centuries afterward. ‘Karate practice’ was not on the agenda for now, and I told him as much. My brother flopped down on my bed and grabbed my pillow. “Come on,” he protested, “don’t be such a loser. Don’t be such a wimp.” With a snort, he threw the pillow at the desk and sent my entire battlefield flying, knocking pencils and papers everywhere, and my precious toys to the ground.

Ears burning, I got down on my hands and knees and started cleaning up the mess he just caused. His shadow loomed over me as he got up and bent over to taunt me while I picked up my things. He snatched a few action figures from my grasp and held it out of my reach, laughing as I tried to jump and grab them from him. “What are you gonna do? Just take them from me – take them!” He would lower the toys, and then yank them away as I reached for them.

I don’t know exactly what happened then, but I lost it.

“I’m sick of you!” I bellowed at him. “You’re nothing but a bully! You make fun of me to feel better that you’re fat and stupid, but you’re just a bully! You’re just trying to look cool in front of the few friends you have, but we all know that you’re only ever going to be a bully, and I’m sick of it!” I pointed a finger at him. “This is the last time you bother me, ever, got it? I’ve had it with the way you treat me, and I’m not gonna take it anymore!”

My brother blinked, stunned by my outburst.

Could this be? Had I gotten through to him? I could just see it now: he would break down into sobs, confronted by the evil of his deeds, and beg my forgiveness. We would live happily ever after as loving brothers, him being my protector and guardian. Together, we could take over the world! I waited for his apology, my chin raised in defiance.

His nostrils flared and his eyebrows knitted together into a contorted mask of rage. I didn’t even see the shove coming; the next thing I knew, I was crashing into the wall so hard it rattled my teeth. Grabbing a fistful of my shirt in each hand, he lifted me up until I was level with his gaze.

Breathing hard, he stared into my eyes. “Never. Ever. Call me a bully again. I will kill you. Do you understand me? Dead.”

I nodded my head in agreement. He nodded back, and then hoisted me up until the back of my shirt caught the hook on the door. He muttered something about practicing by himself and left me hanging on the door to my room.

The next day, I burned all of my comic books.

Even Shlomo - now available!

2011-12-08T18:22:00.001-05:00

Once we're bringing up Reb Shlomo Katz, it seems like a good time to announce the new sefer he has put out, Even Shlomo: The Torah Commentary of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach Genesis vol. 1.

The sefer was produced in conjunction with the Carlebach Legacy Trust, an organization that Reb Shlomo (Katz) is closely involved with.

Very exciting!

You Gotta Dig Down Deeper...!

2011-12-08T18:17:00.000-05:00

The title of this post was inspired by one of my favorite songs, but also ties directly into the title of this shiur delivered by Rav Moshe Weinberger two weeks ago. The shiur is accompanied by music and singing courtesy of Reb Shlomo Katz, who is set to release an new concert album any day now.

I love free shiurim!

Find tons more here, here, here, here, here, and here!

A Matter of Perspective

2011-12-05T00:09:00.001-05:00

The town of Hanipol had a rebbe and a rabbi. Rabbi Zusya was a Hasidic rebbe, and there was a rabbi who ruled on matters of Jewish religious law. Rebbe Zusya did not, however, have a congregation of Hasidim. The Maggid of Mezritch told his son Rabbi Avraham the Angel never to try to make Rebbe Zusya a leader of Hasidim because he was above that; he was on a higher level. But people did come to him for help and advice.
Rebbe Zusya, personally, had much trouble all his life, but he was always full of joy. The rabbi, by contrast, was rich and had a good salary, but he was always angry, always bitter. Now, a person who hates other people finally begins to hate himself. One day, the rabbi simply couldn't stand himself anymore. He decided to go to Rebbe Zusya. But he was worried about his prestige and what people would think, so he went at night wen nobody would see him. He came to Rebbe Zusya and asked, "Why are you always happy, and why am I always angry?"
He (Rebbe Zusya) replied, "Zusya* will explain it to you. Take the wedding of the rich man's daughter last week. (In those days, one did not send invitations to a wedding by mail. A rich man had a gabbai who went from house to house.) The gabbai knocked on your door and said 'Moshe the Rich Man has the honor and pleasure of inviting you to his daughter Feigeleh's wedding on such a date at such a time.'
You said, 'Let me see the the list.'
You thought, 'I'm number sixteen on the list. What chutzpah! I'm the rabbi of the city! I'm the one performing the wedding! And me, number sixteen?! I'm supposed to be number one!'
After the manager left, you said, 'I'll show him. I'll come three hours late. They won't be able to start without me. They'll see how important I am!'
So you came three hours late. Meanwhile, they found someone else to perform the wedding. By the time you arrived, everybody was sitting down at the table waiting for the meal. Nobody paid any attention to you. Finally, the rich man saw you and said 'Oh, our rabbi! We waited for you. But we couldn't wait any longer. Please come to the head table.' But the head table was completely filled. So they put your chair behind somebody else. When the waiter brought the food, he didn't see you, so you weren't served.
You were so angry! You were cursing the bride and groom; you were cursing God.
Finally, the rich man saw that you had nothing to eat. He said 'Oh, Rabbi, please forgive me. I'm sorry you didn't get food!' He went into the kitchen and collected some of the leftovers. When he brought it to you, you got even more angry. 'What chutzpah! I'm the rabbi of the city, and they bring me leftovers!'
As the wedding feast was coming to an end, you consoled yourself: 'Soon they'll honor me to recite one of the wedding blessings after the Grace.' But by now the rich man had already forgotten that you were there. He called on somebody else. You went home, cursing your wife, cursing your children, cursing the bride, cursing the groom, cursing God. You were angry!"

Rebbe Zusya continued: "But see what happened with Zusya. The rich man's gabbai came to Zusya's door and said 'Moshe the Rich Man has the honor and pleasure of inviting you to his daughter Feigeleh's wedding on such a date at such a time.' Zusya said to himself, 'Zusya can't understand it. Zusya's never done anything good to him. Why would Zusya have the privilege to be invited? And if he's such a good friend to Zusya, Zusya wants to be a good friend to him.'
So Zusya went three hours early, to help them set up everything. When you were late, they asked Zusya to perform the wedding. Zusya sat at the head table. Zusya was asked to recite one of the wedding blessings and the Grace After Meals. Finally, Zusya went home and was loving to his wife and children.
So you see, you expect everything, and whatever you receive is too little, so you're angry.
Zusya expects nothing, so he's always happy no matter what happens." - Jewish Tales of Mystic Joy, by Yitzchak Buxbaum (as heard from Rebbe Shlomo Carlebach)

This is such an amazing story. The book that I got it from is a beautiful little gem of a book, worth every cent.

*Reb Zusya was one of those tzaddikim who eschewed the egocentric "I" when referring to himself, preferring to use his own name.

REAL networking

2011-11-30T14:40:00.000-05:00

Courtesy of Neil Harris' blog.

Beautiful article.

2011-11-28T09:53:00.000-05:00

Why more than 100,000 attended his funeral

This article about the late Rosh Yeshiva, Reb Nosson Tzvi Finkel, is beautiful. I don't know why, but this piece more than any of the others brought tears to my eyes...

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks at YU

2011-11-26T18:58:00.001-05:00

I enjoy Rabbi Sacks' writing style, but he's an even greater pleasure to listen to.

Awesome fundraiser idea.

2011-11-22T23:11:00.001-05:00

An Evening With Rebbe Nachman

The Breslov Research Institute is trying to finish the final volume of their momentous translation of Likutei MoHaRaN. All proceeds of this event is going toward the project, which is a boon to those searching for a lucid text and clear explanation of Rebbe Nachman's Torah.

I would love to go, but it's beyond my budget at this time.

"Buzz"-worthy reading...

2011-11-20T10:26:00.002-05:00

From Hirhurim, an important piece to read that brings the necessity of being dan l'kaf z'chus into light.

Catharsis on Paper

2011-11-20T08:26:00.001-05:00

A recent paper I wrote for one of my college Psychology courses:

Introduction

Judaism has always been a religion of positive focus, its adherents finding inventive ways to infuse their service with joy, meaning, and fervor. It is taught that through honest, selfless worship of God, one can simultaneously elevate the mundane through divine service as he transcends his physical trappings in spiritual bliss. Perhaps more so than other religions, Judaism takes pains to ensure that humans – not just constituents of the faith – live a life of pleasantness, compassion, and ultimately happiness.

Similarly, Psychology has a focus on health and wellbeing. For a while, the zeitgeist focused on the pathological aspects of the psyche, focusing on abnormalities, mental illness, and other negative characteristics that crop up in the field. However, both the field’s philosophical beginnings as well as its shifting focus of research have been that of helping others achieve healthier lifestyles and mindsets. Indeed, even during that era of psychopathology, it is self evident that the original intent and subsequent efforts of therapy, psychoanalysis, and other innovations were with the goal of returning the patient to an point of origin beyond sickness, on the road to health. As such, the field has grown rich with many interventions, designed to help people cope, adjust, heal and determine the best possible path in life.

The Importance of Language

In both Judaism and Psychology, there is a primacy placed on language. The way we give expression to feelings, thoughts, and emotions, as well as our conceptualization of many different ideas and theories is contingent on the common language that we share. It is as integral a tool for the rabbi sermonizing to his congregation as it is for the therapist establishing a rapport with his client; coreligionists and colleagues alike rely on the jargon of their respective communities, yet strive to find the words to make it accessible for the “outsider” or layman, when necessary. Language allows us to reify the abstract, to clearly delineate and define our magnificent ideas into something coherent and structured.

Ultimately, language bestows us with the power to create; every instance of speech or communication is a creative process that we tap into, usually unaware of the amazing power that we yield. Practically speaking: using language we can build bridges between people, and perhaps more importantly, inroads into our selves.

Most of therapy is predicated on some sort of communication; the same can be said about religious worship. While it often seems as if the dialogue is one-sided, there is an inherent belief in both instances that there is a reciprocal relationship occurring, albeit in a more nuanced fashion. Beyond the dynamics of the sessions themselves, however, is the utilization of the written word as a helpful, effective intervention with various applications.

Writing as a Cognitive, Behavioral Practice

Psychologist Martin Seligman has written extensively about the positive effect of writing exercises. One of his innovations is “gratitude writing”, in which the client makes a list at the end of the day of all of the good things that happened to him or her throughout the day. Seligman stresses that when it comes to these exercises, nothing is too small or insignificant, but rather the person should strive to remember and record each positive occurrence, along with why he or she thinks such a thing happened (e.g. “My wife pressed my shirts the way I like them today.” and “She did this because she is a thoughtful, caring person.”). The effect of this exercise is twofold: it trains one to view the world, and others in a good light. Seligman also exhorts the practitioner to keep a physical record of the list (Seligman, 2011): the writing itself is of equal importance, due to its role in the habituation of the practice, as well as the creative awareness that writing engenders.

A parallel practice exists in Judaism as well. Hasidic thought – especially that of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov – is preoccupied with focusing on the positive elements of life. The inherent joy that can be found in our existential roles in the physical realm is a main tenet of Hasidic philosophy, and most of the practices associated with Hasidism reflect this sensitivity. Rabbi Nachman in particular battled the human tendency toward depression by preaching the necessity of finding the “good point” (nekuda tova) in every person – most all, the good point within one’s self. That infinitesimal spark of goodness – hidden in even the most depraved, wretched being, mired with the filth of sin – can be found, cultivated, and blown into a raging fire of holy passion that resuscitates the soul of that person. That is the deeper meaning of the verse in Psalms: “I will sing to God with what I have left.” (146:2) To wit: with that small part of what is left of the Godly soul, the sinner rapturously clings to it and returns to God (Sternhartz).

Utilizing the above teaching, Grand Rabbi Aryeh Wohl of Sudilkov (based in Ramat Beit Shemesh, Israel), a contemporary Hasidic teacher, has designed a similar – yet unique - practice to Seligman’s. Here is an excerpt from a student who received instruction from the Sudilkover rebbe (explanations and translation of terms mine):

The Rebbe then advised me to get a notebook and draw lines down the pages and divide them into three columns. In the first column, I was to record things that I did good [sic] that day; to include even small things like washing negel vasser (ritual hand washing upon arising from sleep) in the morning upon arising. In the second column, I was to record the challenges and nisyonos (Hebrew for “challenge” or “test”) that I experienced that day. This was to include things such as occurrences when I failed to maintain my composure and expressed my anger. Finally, in the third column I was to record examples of Hashem's chasadim (kindnesses) that I observed that day.

The Rebbe instructed to read what I had written down out loud before I said Krias Shema al HaMita each night… (Anonymous, 2007)

After several weeks of carefully following the instruction of his teacher, the student observes with pleasant surprise:

…Each night my list of good points and the list of chasadim grew longer and longer and my list of challenges/nisyonos grew shorter and shorter. The process of having to be conscious each day to write something down made me stop and think at intervals throughout the day. What am I doing good today? What am I not doing good today? (Anonymous, 2007)

As with Seligman’s intervention, Rabbi Wohl’s methodology helps the practitioner build up a sense of self efficacy, allows the person to place matters in a proper positive perspective, and increases the cognizance of one’s actions in day-to-day dealings. People who engage in these sorts of exercises will seek opportunities to find the good in daily occurrences. They will be more aware of the consequences of their actions when they recognize that they will have to make an accounting at the end of the day. This is in line with the Jewish concept of cheshbon haNefesh (“accounting of the soul”), a similar exercise wherein one keeps extensive, detailed records of nearly every action and thought that he had, with the intention of examining these records at the end of the day to discern the areas of his character refinement that require attention.

Structure Building Exercises

The above ideas can be adapted for nearly anything. Rabbi Kalonymos Kalman Shapira of Piaseczna, a Hasidic Rabbi who lived (and perished) in Poland during the Holocaust, wrote a masterful volume geared toward young students. The book, A Student’s Obligation (Chovat HaTalmidim, Warsaw 1929) is replete with behavioral (as well as cognitive) exercises designed to help the youth overcome such common deficiencies like laziness, poor planning skills, lack of commitment, and inefficient task completion. He too emphasizes the importance of writing things down:

It is beneficial to write out a schedule for yourself on a sheet of paper, starting with the time you wish to get up in the morning and continuing with all your activities. Use the sheet as a reference, checking back during the day to see if you have accomplished what you set out to do. (Shapira, 1995)

While the rebbe's target audience for the book was yeshiva (Rabbinical seminary) age students, and thus he mentions this in the context of learning sessions and finding spare time for extra study sessions, the rebbe clearly saw the value in this technique for people in all walks of life:

Whether you are in yeshiva or not, the schedule of study that you set for yourself should be followed to the minute. You should get to the point that if for some reason you are not able to complete a period of learning, you should feel pained, as if the day itself remained uncompleted....

Each day, make it a practice to check yesterday's schedule. What you did not complete yesterday, you should attempt to complete today. You should only do this, however, if you were unable to finish because of laziness or lack of diligence. If you were thrown off schedule because of a difficult passage...then you should not force yourself to complete [what] you missed yesterday.

The whole idea of keeping to a quantitative schedule is to discipline yourself to learn crisply and without meandering. (Shapira, 1995)

While it is clear that the rebbe's focus was on Torah study, his advice can be applied to the totality of the day. The carefully mapped out day will more often than not yield far better results in accomplishment than the haphazard approach to our busy lives. Moreover, it introduces the concept of discipline into everyday operations, which generates consistency, an important ingredient to a healthy lifestyle. There are varying degrees to the stricture of your structure; some people may prefer an outline as opposed to a minute-to-minute checklist. As with everything, it has to be done with a keen sense of self awareness and intellectual honesty.

This suggestion also lends itself finely to the idea of cheshbon haNefesh, as explained above: at the end of the day, one can refer back to his schedule and see how he did. As he starts to sort through the day's events, determining what held him back here, why he dragged his feet at that point, etc. that will aid him in recalling the particularities of the day, and his interactions with people. This segues perfectly into a real, honest soul-searching, which is Rabbi Shapira’s ultimate intent.

Writing as Therapy

Perhaps one of the most important elements of writing is the therapeutic nature of writing. As Ernest Hemingway once said, “There is nothing to writing – all you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” As we mentioned earlier, the process of writing is no less than a creative act, one in which we conceive an idea and carry it within us until it is ready to emerge into the world. The “birth process” – fleshing out an idea and putting it out into the common reality we share with others is simultaneously painful and exhilarating. By giving voice to our passions, our hopes, even our fears, we proclaim our existence to the world and lend credence to our innermost thoughts by acknowledging them openly. Moreover, the very act of writing may assist in relieving tension by serving as an outlet for strong emotions, the medium serving as a “safe” forum for expression. Those thoughts that are too provocative, frightening, or hurtful to be shared with another person can be let out in a private journal. The writing process is a pressure valve, an opportunity for catharsis that is almost unparalleled.

Returning to Rabbi Shapira for a moment, he offers another daring intervention based on this principle. At the end of the ninth chapter, the rebbe addresses the issue of reconciling with an enemy with whom the mutual hate is so great that you simply cannot find any redeeming qualities in this person:

This is what you should do. Write him a letter. Don't send it to him; hide it somewhere in your home. In the letter, insult and shame him as much as the serpent of anger in your heart desires. For some days, read the letter aloud, and imagine that you are standing in front of him, taunting and abusing him with all the expressions of the letter. After some days, you will find your anger has dissipated, and if you are a sensitive person, you may discover yourself running to reconcile with him. (Shapira, 1995)

More than an act of catharsis, the rebbe's advice shows a profound quality in our nature. After pouring out all the venomous feelings and thoughts about this person into this composition, the student is encouraged to reread it every few days. Despite the fact that in the heat of the moment he was able to pen such hateful, hurtful words, a few days later those words will seem to be alien and foreign, and he will have a hard time believing that we actually wrote them.

With every subsequent reading, the student will observe "Wow, I was being pretty harsh. He's not like that all the time..." and he will begin to see flaws in his hateful view of this person. Moreover, he will begin to find ways to counter the arguments made in the letter, and find redeeming qualities in this fellow as he subsequently revisits the letter. Eventually, the feelings of hate and anger will have been replaced by a powerful desire to reconcile with this person, and like Rabbi Shapira asserts, he will run to make peace with him.

Writing allows one to work through a problem, to record all the different factors swirling around in his thoughts and categorize them, and give him something to work with. When ideas are brought into the practical realm, it makes them more manageable to deal with – and a lot less scary.

Writing as Legacy

Writing serves another important function: the giving others a part of one’s self, preserved for posterity. Writing provides an opportunity to bestow on others an intellectual legacy, his curriculum vitae that can be passed on to subsequent generations of family members, students, and general audiences. Lord Byron wrote: “But words are things, and a small drop of ink, falling like dew upon a thought, produces that which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think.” Giving the world works that inspire creativity, that challenge people to consider (and reconsider) their tightly held notions, that encourages people to imagine something larger than themselves is an important value for many. Writing helps them achieve this goal and reach the greatest amount of people.

Rabbi Meir Kahane

2011-11-14T00:00:00.003-05:00

Today is Rabbi Kahane's yahrtzeit - he was murdered in New York by a member of an international terrorist group.

Many did not agree with Kahane's views, neither politically nor hashkafically, but one thing you have to give the man was his backbone, his ability to stare his adversaries straight in the face without backing down. He believed in what he held, with a might and brazenness. We can all learn a lesson from him when it comes to dealing with the various mockers in our lives who try to discourage us from doing what we need to do. The above video is amazing to watch, as he deftly, calmly handles a large crowd of ignorant, immature kids who think they know what they're fighting about.

Sounds familiar these days, right?

HaShem Yikom Domov.

For shame...!

2011-11-13T23:15:00.001-05:00

Here is something that bothers me a little (okay, more than a little):

Today was Reb Shlomo Carlebach's yahrtzeit. Last year, I wrote a little post about him, in acknowledgment of the day, but I also observed another very important yahrtzeit - that of Rabbi Elazar Menachem Mann Shach, the "late" Gadol haDor.

Unfortunately, Rebbe Shlomo's yahrtzeit seems to have eclipsed the "other" yahrtzeit. Granted, Rebbe Shlomo died first, but still. In shul yesterday (Shabbos), the gabbai got up and made a lengthy announcement about the Carlebach memorial concert that was held on motzei Shabbos in New York City. He encouraged everybody to go, because it was important. I approached him after the services to ask him what he was doing for Reb Shach's yahrtzeit - he hadn't even realized that they were on the same day, and by his response, he couldn't care less, either.

I understand the significance of Rebbe Shlomo's life and legacy, of course. He had a profound influence and impact on me as well. But the fact that we place the remembrance of an entertainer - even a saintly, holy entertainer who meant so much to so many - over the remembrance of someone who assumed the mantle of leadership (accepted almost universally by religious Jews as the bottom line in halacha and hashkafa), and after the deaths of Rav Moshe Feinstein and Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky, shouldered the burdens of American Jewry as well...that is so very, very sad.

And par for the course, as well.

Remembering the Rosh Yeshiva

2011-11-09T09:57:00.000-05:00

The Jewish world suffered another shock earlier this week with the news of the passing of Rav Noson Tzvi Finkel, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Mir Yerushalayim.

Under his tutelage, "the Mir" continued to grow and expand, its ranks swelling until it became the largest yeshiva in the world. A bastion of Torah learning and values, the Mir offers a place for literally anyone looking for somewhere to learn - ranging from newly minted ba'alei teshuva to bachurim who as of yet haven't been accepted into Brisk, and everyone in between. While some criticized the Rosh Yeshiva's open-door policy, others viewed it as a natural expression of his dedication to the yeshiva - and those who learned there.

Indeed, despite the fact that the Rosh Yeshiva suffered from a debilitating disease, when it came to matters concerning the yeshiva and the b'nei hayeshiva, he spared no effort. Even as he grew progressively weaker, he maintained his schedule of shiurim to the best of his abilities, and continued to travel far and wide on behalf of the yeshiva's needs.

I remember the first time I met the Rosh Yeshiva. It was chol hamo'ed Succos, and my family was in the Holy Land for the holiday. My older brothers - both Mir talmidim - went to the Rosh Yeshiva's house to pay him a visit in his Sukkah. I tagged along with them, out of curiosity.

I was in high school, and going through a difficult time; I was in the market to transfer to a new yeshiva, but I had no idea where I was going, or what to look for in a new yeshiva.

When we came to the Finkel home, we were led upstairs to the sukkah, where the Rosh Yeshiva was greeting visitors. I had never seen him before, so at first his erratic movements frightened me, but I got over it. My brothers spoke with him for a while, and then introduced me. He asked me where I was learning, and we spoke for a minute or two, at which point one of my brothers interjected "And one day, he'll come here, too!"

The Rosh Yeshiva nodded, looked straight at me, and said "We're waiting for you!"

I was taken aback. In my experience, prospective yeshivos made you feel like they were doing you a favor, by allowing you to come to them to benefit from what they had to offer, leaving you in a position of indebtedness. When I would mention that I was considering applying to a certain yeshiva, invariably the representative of that yeshiva would say something to the effect of "Well, what are you waiting for?!" That arrogance was something that I was looking to get away from.

Rav Noson Tzvi's comment was the exact opposite of what I had encountered up until that point. His response was that of a person looking to serve others; someone who wanted to offer whatever he could to help someone, while at the same time giving the impression that it was the recipient who was in fact doing the "favor".

I will never forget that kindness. It lifted me, filling me with a sense of value, but more importantly it showed me exactly what to look for in my next yeshiva.

Z'chuso Yagein Aleinu!

My Soul Thirsts...

2011-11-08T00:27:00.004-05:00

Thirst is a very great desire. The more thirsty you are, the greater your pleasure in drinking water.

The same is true of your holy thirst for God; this is the delight of the World to Come. - Rebbe Nachman, Sichot HaRan 259

Rav Moshe Weinberger once related a story that happened when he and his father went on a fishing trip. As they were sitting out in the middle of the lake, it began to rain. His father showed him that the fish swam to the surface, and jumped to catch the raindrops in their mouth.

He explained that indeed, these fish are surrounded by water all the time. But when it comes down straight from the Source, there is nothing that tastes better.

Moshe Hecht: Heart Is Alive (debut album)

2011-11-06T20:38:00.000-05:00

Moshe Hecht is an inspiring singer/songwriter whose debut album recently came out. A few years ago ago he released a song "Lamplighters" that pays tribute to ChaBaD shluchim everywhere.

I picked up his album "Heart Is Alive" last week, and something just clicked as I was listening to it. There are a few tracks that jumped out at me right away, including HaMavdil, which is in the embed below:

The lyrical flow dovetails nicely with the original verses; I hear a certain earnest quality, a yearning that I can relate to.

Here is his website; there is a free download available on the site, but the whole album is worth it.

Feels like Cleveland

2011-10-29T21:29:00.000-04:00

It's only October, but you wouldn't be able to tell that by looking out the window. It's snowing outside; it began earlier this morning, and hasn't abated yet. there are downed trees everywhere, and some blocks have no power.

Unfortunately, due to the driving conditions, I can't go out, so I am missing the hillula tonight at Aish Kodesh. But I'm warm, my family is safe, and there is plenty of things to do, so I am not complaining.

Stay safe, everyone!

Aish Kodesh Hillula 5772

2011-10-28T10:36:00.000-04:00

Congregation Aish Kodesh

Rav Moshe Weinberger, Mara D'Asrah

Hilula L'Zecher the Aish Kodesh

(Please Note New Location)

This Motsai Shabbos, October 29/ 2 MarCheshvan, Aish Kodesh will be celebrating the annual Hilula for the Yahrzeit of our namesake, Harav Kalonimus Kalmish Shapira, ZY'A, HY'D, the Aish Kodesh, the Holy Rebbe of Piacezna. The Hilula will once again feature the music of Yosef Karduner and the Divrei Torah of Rav Weinberger.

The Hilula will take place at a new location (Not YILC). The Hilula will take place at Bnos Bais Yaakov (613 Beach 9th Street, Far Rockaway, in the lunchroom on the lower level). The Hilula will begin at 9:00 p.m.

Admission Donation: $10

Separate Seating

As usual, it is our policy to open this special event to as many people as possible to be inspired by the uniqueness of the Aish Kodesh himself, the heartfelt nigunim of Yosef Karduner, and the emotional and powerful Divrei Torah of our Rav, HaRav Moshe Weinberger, Shlita. We have always tried to keep the event affordable to everyone by having several sponsors step forward and become major sponsors of this holy evening. The opportunity exists for sponsorship of the Hilula. If you have the capability to sponsor the Hilula, and be Mezakeh Rabim with this event, please contact David Waltuch via reply email, or Elliot Blumenthal atelliot.blumenthal@bipc.com or (516) 457-7893.

I'm sure it will be awesome, like last year, and the years before it. I hope to attend, where I'll be able to spend time with a few hundred "friends" coming together to pay respects to the rebbe.

The dangers of substance abuse

2011-10-27T21:21:00.002-04:00

And Noah, the man of the earth, debased himself and planted a vineyard. (Gen. 9:20)

The Medrash Tanchuma reveals what happened (adapted translation):

As Noach was planting the vineyard, the Satan came along and engaged him in conversation.

"What are you planting?" he asked.

"I am planting a grapevine," replied Noach.

"What are grapes? What is their nature?" Satan asked.

"Their fruits are sweet, whether they are dried or moist," Noach answered, "and you can make wine from them, which gladdens the heart."

The Satan offered to enter in a partnership with this vineyard; Noach agreed. The Satan fetched a sheep, slaughtered it, and let its blood seep into the ground where the vine was planted. Next, he brought a lion, slaughtered it, and drained the blood into the same spot. Then he brought a pig, slaughtered it, and spilled its blood into the soil, before finally bringing a monkey and doing the same. The vines took in the blood, along with the nourishment that the soil offered.

The Satan was hinting to Noach what the effects of alcohol are:

Before a man drinks, he is gentle and unassuming, like a little lamb; the first few swallows deepen the mellow. When a person drinks a moderate amount, he gains courage, and confidence; he is like a lion, ready to take on any challenge. Once he imbibes too much alcohol, he becomes violently ill, and wallows in his own filth like a pig in a sty. Finally, when he has gone past a certain point of indulgence, he ultimately loses all inhibition. He jumps around like a monkey, out of control and hurling insults and profanity at everyone he encounters without shame.

When I saw the above medrash, I was floored; I think anyone who has ever gotten drunk or seen others drink too much recognizes these familiar descriptions.

Awesome.

One of the lessons I think we can learn from this account: never get into a conversation with the Satan.

2011-10-18T10:29:00.000-04:00

Thank God, we can now remove Gilad ben Aviva from our collective tehillim lists, as he is now home and safe!

I know that there were many who were vehemently opposed to the swap, for compelling reasons, but I don't want to focus on that. I would like to express my hope that this will indeed be the profound kiddush HaShem that it had the potential to be. We have just shown the world how precious one single life is to us as Jews - we are willing to make enormous sacrifice with tremendous risk to bring one of our own home.

Who is like Your nation Israel?

2011-10-09T13:51:00.000-04:00

Does anyone know whether there are vasikin minyanim in Washington Heights during Chol HaMoed? I have an extremely important test at the YU campus on Monday, the third day of Chol HaMoed, early in the morning. I would like to pray with a minyan beforehand, especially considering that the test takes three hours, so afterwards isn't necessarily an option...

Any info can be posted either to the comments section, or directly to me via e-mail at jewmaican20@yahoo.com.

Thanks!

B'nei Machshava Tova: Ten Things to Remember

2011-10-05T12:07:00.000-04:00

B'nei Machshava Tova: Ten Things to Remember: A great post by Yitz, of the Waxing Wellspring blog. I'm posting it here because I think it has very practical applications.

Active vs Passive

2011-10-05T09:41:00.001-04:00

"Some day I will do it." - is self deceptive.

"I want to do it." - is weak.

"I am doing it." - that is the right way. - Reb Menachem Mendel of Kotzk.

Something I read in Reb Micha's Aspaqlaria: Aseres Yemei Teshuvah reader yesterday evening resonated with me, and reminded me of the above aphorism. As he writes, as reflected elsewhere both within Torah as well as sources of non Jewish wisdom, we must be concerned with becoming, not just being; we have to be focused on the quest, the journey toward perfection, because the path we travel along is as much a part of the process as the goal at the end of the road.

And until we come to a point when we can say "I am traveling the path now," all our reflection, our introspection and plans toward a better life are merely abstract exercises that lull us into a false sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Holding On To It...

2011-10-04T17:02:00.000-04:00

Over the past few days since Rosh HaShana, I've encountered people who ask me how my yom tov was. The truth is, that's a really difficult question to answer, to my mind. Answering that it was "nice" seems a little too pat; on the other hand, saying that it was meaningful doesn't seem appropriate, either, if not a little bit pretentious...

For one thing, I won't truly know how my Rosh HaShana was until next year, obviously. But even in terms of experience, I just don't feel comfortable expressing my thoughts on it just yet, because to a certain degree, it's not reflective of reality beyond these Days of Awe. Of course, I had a positive tefillah experience; at this point in my life I am lucky to have reached a stage where I anticipate the opportunities of our annual milestones, as opposed to the anxiety concerning how I will "survive" them. But with that comes the recognition that it isn't so much about how inspiring the actual moment may be, in the moment - it's about how it affects me days later, weeks later, months later, in the cold darkness of the winter stretch.

A little exercise to illustrate my point:

Leiby Kletzky

When I tried this in person with several of my friends, I saw a widening of their eyes as they remembered, at the same time recognizing that they had in fact forgotten about the sweet little boy whose tragic death affected us so viscerally a few months ago. At the time, did any of us think that we would forget him? We were so profoundly moved; his image was stamped on our collective consciousness...

And now...

The same thing gives me pause about the Days of Awe. And I know that it happens, because this is the twenty seventh time that I am living (thank God!) through this auspicious time, and I don't feel that my year was significantly better...

I pray every day that our sensitivity should increase, and that we should be able to truly incorporate the lessons learned and maintain the resolve that we feel during these Days of Awe.

Reconnecting the Day After

2011-10-03T15:03:00.004-04:00

As I hope many of you are aware, yesterday was the Day to Disconnect, an initiative headed by Rabbi Zechariah Wallerstein and Ohr Naava; the goal was to get pledges (I believe the aim was for one million hours) from people around the world to unplug from their technological devices for at least one hour on October 2, 2011 (yesterday) and find something meaningful to do, be it with their friends, family, or God.

I had the opportunity to pledge two hours; with the just passed holiday, it seemed like a great time to take stock and enjoy what is really important in the world: the ones I spend my life with. I had a beautiful day (the fast notwithstanding) with my family, reading to my boys and talking to my wife.

One of the members of the campaign was nice enough to send me the official press release concerning the initial results of the campaign:

www.daytodisconnect.com
press@daytodisconnect.com
Thousands disconnected from their cell phones and laptopsfor at least one hour on Sunday, October 2, thanks to DaytoDisconnect, thecampaign created by Ohr Naava, a Brooklyn based educational organization.
In August, Rabbi Zechariah Wallerstein, the founder anddirector of Ohr Naava, launched a campaign to encourage people to switch offtheir mobile devices for at least one hour on Sunday October 2, and to connectwith people face-to-face instead. He chose that date since it was the firstSunday of the Jewish New Year, an opportune time to begin enhancing personalrelationships.
In a few short weeks, the campaign received worldwideattention. It registered people from over 28 countries including Argentina,Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada/Quebec Country, Chile, Columbia,England, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Hungary, Israel, Italy, India, Indonesia,Mexico, The Netherlands, Poland, South Africa, Ukraine and USA. Within the United States, over 26 states wererepresented.
Elisheva Perlman, the Executive Producer of the campaign,said, “We were shocked by the response. Emails, Twitter mentions, and Youtubecomments poured in from people of all backgrounds, religions and ages. Peoplethanked us for doing this and jumped on board.”
One teenage registrant emailed, “It really helped me to bemore focused on myself, and really helped me to connect with my family insteadof being connected to electronic devices.”
Ms. Esti Zicherman, Director of Program Development, saidthat the reason for such broad participation is “the issue of people beingaddicted to their technology doesn’t discriminate. Taking a break offers peoplethe opportunity to think outside their screens and be creative.”
Unplug and Reconnect, headed by Dr. Joseph Geliebter, is astrategic partner of Ohr Naava’s DaytoDisconnect. It’s a movement for people to find a balancebetween their technology-laden selves and their creative, emotional andspiritual needs.
As for what is next, Charlie Harary, the campaign’sspokesman, said “it’s clear how important and universal this issue is. While weare still collecting hours from this Day to Disconnect, I can confidently saythat there will be another Day to Disconnect in the near future. Stay tuned.”

For more information about this wonderful idea that I hope picks up steam, visit www.daytodisconnect.com!

Selichot Prep

2011-09-24T21:00:00.001-04:00

Symmetry

2011-09-22T09:40:00.000-04:00

In nature as a whole - and especially in its systematic regularity and in the technical character of its processes, in the scientific drama occurring within it, in the exact mathematical relationships between the natural phenomena and especially in the permanent laws of physics - the primeval will of the Master of the Universe is reflected. A man goes outdoors on a fair summer's day and sees the whole world blossoming; that man comes "to know" that there exists a Primary Being Who is the originator of all that is; in every budding flower, in every rose opening its petals, in each ray of light and in every drop of rain - "to know that there is a Primary Being and that He is the Originator of all that is." - Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, Repentance and Free Choice, On Repentance

This paragraph jumped out at me late last night, as I was trying to steal a little time to read some really valuable material. Symmetry is a wonderful thing, and we naturally strive to find it in the world around us. To some extent, this is the basis for Pythagoras' theory of mind, but our seforim haKedoshim have expounded on this idea for eons.

According to chassidus, this is a valuable tool towards reaching true emunah, but it isn't the highest point; rather, the highest point of emunah is recognizing the fact that we have a deeply personal relationship with the One Above - the fact that we are able to address Him in the accusatory tense in our prayers, that we converse with Him as if we are speaking to a contemporary, or (as it were) an equal in a relationship, a beloved companion in a reciprocal pairing.

And yet, despite this loftier ideal of emunah, the Rav's expression guides us toward a level of knowledge, a security that perhaps reinforces the faith, bolstering the relationship. With security, even when the "object" of the relationship is not present, or not attending to the current situation, we still rest assured that the relationship is robust, and we can trust.

The laws of nature with their immutable continuity remind us of the symmetry that can only be maintained by the Creator of all things. That same "dedication" bolsters our faith in the symmetry of our relationship with Him.

2011-09-11T22:11:00.000-04:00

A parable concerning a group of bandits held captive in the King's dungeon: They dug a tunnel, broke through, and escaped - but one of them stayed behind. When the warden came and saw the escape tunnel, and this man had remained, he began beating him with his truncheon. He [the warden] said to him: "Fool! There is a tunnel leading to freedom; how can you not hurry to save your life?!"
So too, the time will come when the Holy One, Blessed is He will say to the wicked "Repentance was laid before you, and you did not return?!" (Medrash, Kohelet Rabbah)

Rabbeinu Yonah learned from this (Sha'arei Teshuvah 1:2) the gravity of the punishment reserved for the sinner who delays in repenting from his sins:

His punishment grows heavy upon him with every day, for he knows that there will be wrath upon him and that he has a way to allay that wrath...that is, repentance, yet he stands in his rebelliousness..."

Toyota Camry - The Only Rational Choice

2011-09-07T16:06:00.004-04:00

A Day To Disconnect

2011-09-05T00:15:00.000-04:00

Neil posted about the "Day to Disconnect" initiative a short while ago on his blog. I just found this video ad for it via Hirhurim:

Awesome.

Every Single Breath

2011-09-04T23:50:00.000-04:00

In this short audio shiur, Rav Avrohom Schorr helps us return to the proper mindset for Elul (and all year round):

Get this widget

Track details

eSnips Social DNA

Elul: Unity and Repentance

2011-09-02T00:46:00.001-04:00

In honor of the yahrtzeit (anniversary of death) of Rav Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook OBM. Some timely words to begin our month-long preparation for the High Holy Days:

As we stand before the beginning of a new year, it is incumbent upon us to draw near to the path of teshuvah (repentance), which brings redemption and healing to the world.The Jewish people have become divided into two camps, through the categorization of Jews as Charedi (religious) and Chofshi(secular). These are new terms, which were not used in the past. Of course, not everyone is identical, especially in spiritual matters; but there was never a specific term to describe each faction and group. In this respect, we can certainly say that previous generations were superior to ours.Emphasizing this categorization obstructs the way towards improvement for both camps. One who feels that he belongs to theCharedi camp looks down upon the secular camp. If he thinks aboutteshuvah and improvement, he immediately casts his eyes in the direction of the Chofshi camp, devoid of Torah and mitzvot. He is confident that full repentance is required by the irreligious, not by him.The secular Jew, on the other hand, is convinced that any notion of penitence is a Charedi concept, completely irrelevant to him.It would be better if each person would concentrate on discerning his own defects, and judge others generously. It could very well be that others have treasure-troves of merits, hidden from sight. We must recognize that there exists in all of the camps a latent force leading towards goodness. Each camp has much to improve upon, and is capable of learning much from the light and goodness of the other camp.Let us be known to each other by one name — "Klal Yisrael". And let our prayer be fulfilled:

"May they all become one group, to perform Your Will whole- heartedly" (from the High Holiday prayers).

(adapted from Mo'adei HaRe'iyah, p. 58)

For more Torah from Rav Kook adapted into English, see here. I am eagerly awaiting my copy of Song of Teshuva Vol. I, which has been delayed several weeks already...

2011-08-30T14:32:00.001-04:00

Worrying is like a rocking chair: it gives you something to do for a while, but in the end it gets you nowhere. - Unknown source

Winds of Change

2011-08-28T09:39:00.000-04:00

I think that the coinciding of Shabbos Mevarchim Elul (on the Shabbos preceding the new month, we announce the arrival of the new month, and the exact time of the appearance of the new moon) and the approach of Hurricane Irene is particularly apropos. Anyone who lives in the Tri-State area was very busy on Friday preparing for the storm, stocking up on dry goods, batteries, emergency supplies, and the like. I know that I myself entered into Shabbos with more than a little anxiety, as I considered the responsibility of protecting my family in the event of an emergency, God forbid. I knew that ultimately the One Above would protect us, but I also recognized that I would have to be ready to take action...

Reb Kalonymos Kalman writes (see B'nei Machshava Tova; Hachsharas Avreichim) that any feeling is a key to the inner recesses of a person's soul; even if said feeling is completely related to the mundane, the physical, it can be capitalized upon to allow us into our deeper selves. During davening yesterday, as the prayer leader announced the imminent arrival of the month of Elul - the month that officially kicks off the season of repentance and Judgement - I tried to grasp this feeling of wary dread that Hurricane Irene inspired. I imagined hearing the news about the arrival of the King, and quickly running out to stock up on provisions - the mitzvot a parallel to batteries, Torah and prayer spiritual provisions that would keep my family and I sustained during times of scarcity, God forbid...

I think that whether or not Hurricane Irene inflicts major damage on our region, there are valuable lessons to learn from this occurrence...

Stay safe!

Rav Avraham Pam OBM

2011-08-28T08:00:00.003-04:00

Rav Avraham Pam's tenth yahrtzeit is today. This poignant article encapsulates but a thimble-full of the Torah VoDaath Rosh Yeshiva:

The majesty of man: Remembering Rabbi Avraham Pam

Feet of Clay

2011-08-23T20:10:00.000-04:00

How are you supposed to deal with the possibility of people whom you expect to hold up certain standards miserably failing?

A prominent kiruv personality on the lecture circuit lives in my neighborhood. I have heard him speak numerous times, and am quite aware of his erudition and charisma. And yet, when he leads us as the shaliach tzibbur (the prayer leader), he gives off the impression that he's engaging in something tedious, a chore that he can't finish soon enough.

A talmid chacham who I have known for the better part of my life, who is intimately involved with community affairs. The lack of respect and dismissive comments he makes about people who don't quite adhere to his idea of what a religious Jew is is appalling.

What sets these people apart from the rest of us is the fact that they are so closely associated with Torah, considered to be among those who have taken upon themselves to travel a special, lofty path. I understand that no one is infallible, but I worry that if we can so easily lose faith in these "junior level" personalities, there is a risk of seriously undermining the reverence we have for those who especially personify the Torah ideal.

Just a thought...

Intellectual Honesty

2011-08-21T23:37:00.000-04:00

You can not be a good Zionist unless you know Vayoel Moshe by heart. Once you know Vayoel Moshe by heart, with Al HaGeula Ve’Al Hatemura…then you can be a Zionist. Until then you’re a faker.

- Rabbi Aaron Rakeffet-Rothkoff, in a lecture given in 2009

I was so impressed by the above statement, I had to share it.

I don't know V'Yoel Moshe by heart. Nor do I consider myself a Zionist, with a capital "Z". All I know is that I truly, deeply, love the Holy Land, and how to move there very soon.

If not because of Mashiach, then because I got accepted into Bar Ilan University's doctoral program in Psychology...that would be nice (hopefully mashiach will come first).

The Magic School Bus revisited

2011-08-18T15:53:00.001-04:00

Comic courtesy of xkcd. (a thanks to Ezzie for pointing me to this comic in the first place.)

This comic portrays a startling reality of how our information gathering paradigm has shifted so much over the last two decades. While the Internet and modern technology have provided tremendous services toward making the world a better place and shrinking the globe down to a "local" community, we have to be aware of what is at stake: the value of hard work, diligence, and patience.

Because they are becoming obsolete at an alarming rate.

A must read

2011-08-10T22:52:00.001-04:00

A heartbreaking wartime sacrifice and later, a father's quest

Comfort, comfort my people...

2011-08-10T16:02:00.000-04:00

Unfortunately, Tisha B'Av came and went as the sad, mournful day that it has been for so long. As we emerge from the Three Weeks into the weeks of Comfort, we have to remember to console each other as well as ourselves. Not only for the pain of yesteryear, but the pain of our continued endurance of this galut...

Storming the Barricade

2011-08-03T21:57:00.002-04:00

You spread a canopy over heaven to cover my Temple;
You concealed Yourself and vanquished my strongmen. - Rabbi Elazar HaKalir, Kinah 6

In his commentary on the Kinot, Rav Joseph B. Soloveitchik OBM compares the above stich to a similar verse in Megillat Eicha: "You have covered Yourself with a cloud, so that no prayer can pass through." (3:44) The implication of these verses is that God has effectively shut the Jewish Nation out; He has not only enshrouded the physical location of his Presence in an opaque cloud to block the supplication of the Prophet, but has concealed Himself as well, as it were.

Rav Soloveitchik expands upon this idea as the fulfillment of the kabbalistic notion of hester panim (Divine concealment). Hester panim is the signal of a new low for the Jewish people - the Jews have reached a spiritual nadir wherein the Master of the World does not distinguish between the righteous and the wicked (Bava Kamma 60a). Essentially, hester panim is a fate far worse than the destruction of the Beis HaMikdash, as it symbolizes the converse of the Cloud of Glory, and the Cloud that descended upon Mount Sinai during the Divine Revelation. Those Clouds signified that the Presence of HaShem was among us, that we were worthy of the moniker "The Chosen Nation"; the paytan is lamenting the advent of a different sort of "cloud".

However, Rav Shimshon Pincus OBM presented a more positive element to this very theme.

He begins with a "novel" explanation about the nature of a mechitza, by reifying the very purpose of this structure. The common conception is that the mechitza is a barrier, something that is created into order to make a separation between people, to divide them. The truth is actually more sublime: the intent of the mechitza is not to separate, but rather to bring people closer. Halachically speaking, if there is no mechitza then men and women cannot be in the same room during prayer, or kriyat haTorah; with the presence of a mechitza, women are able to participate in the same services as the men. In this sense, the mechitza helps people achieve a closeness to God that is otherwise not possible, by bringing them into the prayer hall together with the congregation.

Similarly, when it seems like God is erecting something that separates us from Him, it is really serving the purpose of bringing us even closer to Him. The Cloud at Sinai was necessary for the Revelation; without it, we would never have been able to honor our rendezvous with our Creator! HaShem's glory is too great for us to bear without something "filtering" the splendor and luminescence.

Hester panim works along similar lines. The fact that God has shrouded himself in an impenetrable barrier of thick cloud is not meant to be a deterrent for our attempts to draw close. It is a sign that we must try harder, and that he wants us to strive to draw ever nearer to Him. Like a father who dresses up in a scary costume to frighten his children, the intended effect is that although the children are indeed scared by the horrid mask, they run into his outstretched arms!

Even in terrible moments of hester panim, in our darkest experiences of suffering and anguish, we must call out to Him in heartfelt prayer. Longing for the salvation, we beg with tearful eyes turned toward that very cloud, for we know that He is just on the other side, listening intently. The Gates of Prayer can sometimes be closed, but the Gates of Tears will never be locked.

Although the cloud seems to be thick, seems to be made of a unnatural density that swallows up sound entirely, it is not. Every prayer has immense power, and carries with it the capacity to break through the barrier, causing the rest of the cloud to dissipate like fog. This is true even in our generation, the Ikvisa d'Meshicha, when we are at our weakest; common sense would dictate that if our great predecessors were unable to bring the Redemption, then what can we possibly do?

Rav Moshe Weinberger likens this to the stronghold of a Kingdom that has successfully rebuffed numerous campaigns to infiltrate its fortress, led by some of the greatest military minds in the world. At one point, a small kingdom gathers its men and prepares to make an attempt on this bastion of security. Scoffers mock the men of this modest campaign - if the greatest armies could not prevail, then what chance do these civilian warriors have? But the general reassures his troops: according to his calculations, the previous onslaughts have seriously weakened the barricade of the fortress. With just one more strategic push, they can break through and overtake the city.

Tisha b'Av usually falls out on the week that we read Va'Eschanan, when Moshe relates his attempts to pray for a chance to enter the Holy Land. The commentaries explain that the word Va'Eschanan alludes to the 515 separate, distinct prayers that Moshe offered, pleading for God to allow him entry into Eretz Yisrael. They continue with the note that had Moshe offered just one more prayer, his request would have been granted. We must learn from this a most important lesson about our prayer - we can never know just how much is "enough", so we must always make an effort to pray, consistently and constantly.

HaShem is listening; our prayers can pierce the veil, and bring about the final redemption, so that this 9th of Av can be a real holiday.

Mini Doc about the Piaseczna Rebbe

2011-08-02T00:00:00.000-04:00

I found this a while ago on Dixie Yid's blog. If you understand Hebrew, it's worth seeing. Also, it has two photos of the rebbe that I have never seen elsewhere. if anyone knows where I can find those two pictures, I'd be much obliged...

waitaminute... Mussar WORKS?!

2011-08-01T00:53:00.000-04:00

I just had an interesting conversation with one of my cousins. We met at a pool party today, and were making friendly chatter; we're not very alike - he's more yeshivish, and while he's a nice enough guy, I don't find him to be very open minded about anything. We were catching up on each other's lives, and he asked me what I'm up to. I tell him that I'm trying to get semicha and that I'm almost finished with college, after which I'm trying to get into a doctorate program in Psychology.

Once Psychology comes up, he starts asking me all sorts of questions about what I'm planning to do with my degree once I'm done. I inform him that God willing I am going to work within the Jewish community. He snorts in derision. "Come on, how many frum people go to psychologists?" he asks me.

I reply that while there are a lot more people than he probably thinks, there's still more who can benefit from having someone to talk to, and how Judaism places emphasis on having someone to confide in. He waves me off: "Yeah, but you're probably learning all sorts of kefirah and apikorsus (heresy and blasphemy) anyway." I patiently try to explain to him that while I do encounter blatant instances of concepts and beliefs that are incompatible with Judaism, I ten to let those things slide, because they are not important. For all intents and purposes, I assure him, I am trying to learn the techniques that can be utilized in therapy and in determining how to respond and identify certain emotional issues. But the core understanding of what makes a human being tick, I hope to get from Torah sources.

He looks at me, confused. What do I mean?

I try to explain that my insights into human nature is not coming from the secular sources, but rather from classic and contemporary Jewish sources.

"Which sources?" he wants to know.

Alei Shur, Chovot HaLevavot, the writings of the RamBaN, etc. I list off a few more works to make sure he understands.

"Mussar?"

Yes, Mussar, chassidus, Chumash. All of the above.

He shakes his head: "But mussar doesn't work!" he protests.

I look him in the eye and gently tell him "I can tell by your response that you've never learned mussar properly. If you had, you wouldn't be so shocked."

"But mussar is hard!" he insists.

Of course it's hard - in the sense that it takes a tremendous amount of intellectual honesty, bravery, and effort to implement and maintain the strategies toward refinement that the tzaddikim have prescribed. And therapy is also hard and time consuming, and involves similar ideas. A synthesis of the two isn't so far fetched, after all.

The conversation came to an end at that point; I think I left him in a daze...

2011-07-28T15:45:00.000-04:00

When the city of Brisk was looking for a new rabbi, they sent a delegation to Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik (author of the Beis HaLevi and former Rov of Slutsk) to offer him the position. When they met with him in his study, Rav Yisroel Meir HaKohen Kagan (author of the Chofetz Chaim, Mishna Berura, and numerous other works) was visiting as well. The Chofetz Chaim related how the delegation presented Rav Soloveitchik with a deed and promised him the world - which was why they were astounded when the Rav flat out refused their offer!

No matter what they said to try and convince him, Rav Soloveitchik maintained his position. "I had enough of the rabbinate when I was in Slutsk," he declared. "From now on, I want to sit and learn in peace."

The Chofetz Chaim watched the whole matter, waiting to see what would happen. Being the Rov of Brisk was a very prestigious position; aside from the size of the community itself, the citizens of Brisk were known to be very intelligent, learned people.

As the delegation was getting ready to leave, one of the members - who had as yet remained silent - stepped forward. "Rabbi - there are 25,000 people in Brisk waiting for you. We know that we need someone to guide us, and we know that it must be you."

When Rav Soloveitchik heard this, he started to shake. He called to his wife "Get me my hat and my cane - we're moving to Brisk!" He recognized that if there a that many Jews waiting for him to come, he was compelled to go.

The Chofetz Chaim used to relate this story to his students, concluding with the message that if this was how the Beis HaLevi reacted to the need of 25,000 Jews, how much more so would Moshiach react if he knew that we all need him!

The work, then, is reaching the point where it becomes clear to us that we need Moshiach. Then, we need to ask for it truthfully.

These three weeks are especially potent times for true accentuated prayer. We can still merit that this coming Ninth of Av should be turned into a real holiday...

Keeping it fresh

2011-07-27T17:19:00.000-04:00

Will We Remember Leiby in a Month?

Searching for the message

2011-07-18T22:49:00.000-04:00

Since the events of last week, I have found it very hard to consider writing anything else on this blog before addressing what happened. To not say something while blithely posting anything else seemed to me to be to callous; on the other hand, what could I possibly say, when I am clearly at a loss in my own thoughts over this horrible matter.

I waited this long before even attempting anything, because I wanted to distance myself at least a little bit from the overpowering emotional weight that this whole episode has carried; to my mind, it would be equally disrespectful to the poor victim to respond to the events in a visceral, uncontrolled way as it would be to not write anything at all.

Indeed, I have read numerous essays and blog posts where the writers reacted in such forceful ways that I felt embarrassed reading them. In their impotent rage at the brutality, they lashed out at the alleged murderer, sometimes in a ghastly manner that somewhat mirrored the gruesome demise of this innocent little boy.

In the few days immediately following the awful climax of the search for Leibby, I heard otherwise refined people speak in the most disgusting, harsh, depraved language concerning this man, and what they would do to him were they to find themselves alone with him. The topic of discussion in one of my classes was about the events of the week, and it quickly descended into a fantasy session among my classmates as they engaged in one-upmanship, describing the acts of vengeance they would carry out on the alleged killer.

It is clear that the Jewish "media outlets" possess a distinct bias against Levi Aron, the man who has been charged with the murder of this boy. Not only have they judged him and found him guilty, they have seen fit to label him with every pejorative that equates him with Evil Incarnate. Left to their own devices, it seems that the Jewish community would make this man quickly disappear (after meting out some serious vengeance). While I don't doubt that this man is responsible for the crimes he has been charged with, I do believe that by law (American and Jewish) this man must be found guilty, and until then we must treat him as someone with rights. Due process of the law must be upheld; there is no room for frontier justice in these circumstances. I firmly believe that one way or another, Justice will be done; whether that happens in the criminal justice system of the United States or on a different plane of existence altogether, it will be done - it is not for us, the laity, the bystanders with our clouded priorities to get involved where we don't belong.

And while my natural reaction is to stand with the crowd and join in the demonizing of Levi Aron, I cannot do so with a clear conscience. Nor can I join in with the "piling on" of other offenses to his "repertoire" without any evidence or indication that such suspicion is warranted. In an article published on Cross-Currents, Rabbi Yitzchok Adlerstein quotes a rov who prefers to remain anonymous as saying that:

I am sure he was, and I am sure he molested many others, and i [sic] am sure that there were people that knew and hushed it.

This was in response to Rabbi Adlerstein's query whether that rov thought that Levi Aron might be a pedophile. I understand that pedophilia is one of the *popular* crises that the Jewish community is contending with now (rightfully so, unfortunately), but to accuse anyone of that crime without any justification is terribly irresponsible, even if that man has confessed to abducting and killing a young child.

I am not trying to advocate on Levi Aron's behalf, save for the assertion that he is entitled to representation, to face his accusers, and to a full mental assessment to determine whether he suffers from mental illness or not.

Another thing that has bothered me is the response of the Jewish community in general. I feel awful for saying this, but it appears to me that we still haven't gotten whatever message we were supposed to receive with this horrible tragedy. I witnessed soul numbing apathy in the hours leading up to the discovery of the body; in shul, people filed out after ma'ariv lost on their cellphones and BlackBerry's, oblivious to the enormous signs displayed prominently at eye level exhorting every minyan (even ma'ariv, a special exception for times of crisis) to say tehillim while hundreds of volunteers searched for Leiby. I tried to stop them but was ignored. Nor was there any significant change in my yeshiva; I heard that attendance at shacharis was lackluster, as if nothing had happened.

Of course, there was a tremendous show of support and unity from the Jewish community - but much of it came after the fact. When it was too late, and we already had a tragedy to cope with. And now, how do we respond? We have institutions using Leiby's angelic image as an advertising gimmick to stir us to donate to them; we have people using the tragedy as a tool to further their own agendas, from child safety campaigns to those who would attribute this occurrence to the misuse of the Internet and cellphones, in some form of Divine retribution.

It seems to me that our response to this tragedy has been almost entirely superficial. We say a few platitudes, shake our collective heads morosely, and return to regular programming as soon as possible. People were busy with rumors concerning Levi Aron and his dubious Jewish heritage - as if confirming that a Jew couldn't possibly have done such a heinous crime would alleviate the remorse and guilt and pain that we should all be feeling. I know that there are many individuals who are taking this seriously, and I am sure they have made tremendous changes or have resolved to make changes, but as a whole, what have we done in earnest?

Tomorrow is the 17th of Tammuz, a fast day. We will read in the Torah how our teacher Moshe pleads for our forgiveness, because we are a "stiff necked people."

Let us for once not be stiff necked. Let us not forget this tragedy any time soon. Let us turn our gazes inward, each of us, and try to find the personal message that Leiby's untimely death speaks to us on a personal level.

I don't know what to make of this whole story, but I do know that I have deficiencies that need to be worked on. One of those is reminding myself that we are in a very difficult galut, and though the end may be in sight, we still need to yearn for Mashiach.

The Lubavitchers got it wrong. It's not "We want Mashiach now!"

It's "We need Mashiach now."

2011-07-12T16:09:00.001-04:00

Rabbi Avi Shafran wrote a great article that I believe a lot of us "out-of-towners" can relate to, especially those of us who find themselves currently living in the Tri-State area.

This subject - if not a point of contention - is a mildly frequent topic of discussion between my wife and I. We come from two different types of communities, so naturally we have our differing opinions about the pros and cons about living in the Tri-State (or any major Jewish community) area versus living out-of-town.

Of course, there is a certain security in the knowledge that when it comes to Judaic specific amenities, a large community offers availability, variety, and convenience. Moreover, when it comes to things like minyanim, what could possibly be better than having myriads of places to go to, at any time necessary? For all intents and purposes, it's practically impossible to miss a tefillah b'tzibbur if one wants to pray with a minyan. There's a broad selection of schools that cater to every type of affiliation, so you can find exactly the kind of like-minded people that you want to associate with.

But I believe that all those good things listed above possess a certain danger as well. Although we're influenced to feel that convenience is important, it really isn't, in the grand scheme of things. It's nice, and by definition it makes life *easier*, but at the same time it doesn't really nurture a value for things. Not having that value can very quickly lead to complacence, and carries over into other realms as well. Concerning minyanim: I don't have any hard statistics, but I think that people who come from communities where there is a limited amount of places and times to pray develop a certain ethic when it comes to timeliness and will tend to procrastinate less when it comes to prayer times.

Going home to my parents' house every summer had a tremendous effect on me. Knowing that in my neighborhood, the latest minyan for shacharit was at 8:30 and if I missed it I would have to drive all the way to the other neighborhood (a hassle when you're still sleepy-eyed) made me get up in time. This culture of choices creates a difficulty for developing persons who don't have the maturity to make proper decisions; I think that they will ultimately struggle more to develop a strong work ethic, punctuality, and an appreciation for certain things that they take for granted...

Like Rabbi Shafran wrote, the potpourri of people that pray in my shul in Cleveland helped instill in me an appreciation for character, not just external appearances. The school that I attended also lent to this effect; the charge that such a school (due to its attempt to cater to all groups) ultimately results in an academic deficit in Talmudic skills and Hebraic studies is a fallacy, to my mind. At the time of entry into high school, I doubt that there is any significant difference between kids from the respective schools (although there may be apparent differences); any differences that exist as a result of the school attended will sort themselves out by the end of freshman year...

I have more to say on this matter, but I'll leave you with this to chew on.

"Come in peace..."

2011-07-08T18:57:00.002-04:00

An old family favorite:

A special thanks to Eitan Katz who recently released his second "Unplugged" album, essentially a vehicle for getting more "obscure" niggunim from Rebbe Shlomo out to the rest of the world. It's a great album, and I highly recommend it! This song is the first track on the album, a really pleasant surprise.

Have a wonderful Shabbos!

2011-07-06T18:03:00.029-04:00

Both the Chassidim and the Mitnagdim are mistaken. The Mitnagdim are mistaken in that they believe that they don't need a Rebbe. The Chassidim are mistaken in that they believe that they have a Rebbe. - Reb Yisrael Lipkin of Salant

Reb Yisrael is teaching us two very important lessons in his own inimitable fashion. When it comes to continuous growth in our character refinement and devotions, it is not enough to just sit and learn (although that obviously goes a long way in the right direction), but rather, one must attach himself to a master, a tzaddik around whom a group of people with like-minded goals in spiritual improvement can rally around. This tzaddik should be able to recognize the particular strengths of each individual, to help that individual actualize his potential. But cleaving to a tzaddik cannot be a mere cultural thing, either. It is very easy to fall into a false sense of security through mere association, but that is not the essential nature of the relationship. One must seek out the tzaddik, question him and engage him; the relationship between tzaddik and pupil is mutually beneficial for true growth.

UPDATE: For more on this idea, see this post by the wonderful Reb Ally.

Gimmel Tammuz 5771

2011-07-04T22:10:00.002-04:00

I know that I haven't posted in a while - I've been really busy since starting my truncated summer semester. The workload is just staggering!

In any case, the following shiur is really more appropriate for sefirah, but because it features a phenomenal story about the Lubavitcher Rebbe OBM (whose yahrtzeit begins tonight, the third of Tammuz), I felt it fitting to post now. Enjoy!

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For more on the Rebbe, see this post that I wrote last year.

Also, take a look at the below video, in which the Rebbe meets a grandson of the author of HaSulam, a commentary on the holy Zohar: I appreciate the Rebbe's reverence for his forebears - it's a lesson we can all learn from. Especially important is his assertion that chassidus is not synonymous with kabbalah, despite the fact that we are exposed to kabbalistic concepts through our study of chassidus. Moreover, his respect for other paths toward Truth is apparent.

Z'chuso yagein aleinu.

B'nei Machshava Tova: What is Frumkeit

2011-06-23T15:37:00.000-04:00

Reb Micha cross-posted this from his own blog, Aspaqlaria. It's worth reading, although he doesn't seem to agree...

B'nei Machshava Tova: What is Frumkeit

Great article from the Aish HaTorah website

2011-06-16T23:25:00.002-04:00

My Father, the Hassid

Awesome new app just released - PowerSefer

2011-06-12T00:52:00.000-04:00

My friend sent me this link to the home site of PowerSefer, a brand new app that brings an entire library of sefarim to your PC or mobile device. This downloadable app is currently available for Windows and iPod, with android and BlackBerry compatible versions coming soon.
Like Otzar haChochma, PowerSefer offers an incredible ever-expanding library from a vast array of Torah sources at your fingertips. Listening to a shiur on your iPhone and want to verify a particular source cited? Just open the app with your wireless connection and you have the sefer in a clear, easy-to-read interface!

From the site's homepage:

Our seforim preserve the feel and format of traditional printed books, while offering all of the advantages of electronic texts. The PowerSefer learning experience is natural, smooth, and effortless...

Our software has been designed from the ground up for working with seforim, and is packed with features:
Powerful Full Library Search
Advanced Search Options
Built-in Word Tools (Hebrew-English Dictionary, Roshei Teivos Help, and more)
Ability to Annotate, Bookmark, and Highlight Seforim
Adjustable Text Size
Lightning-Quick Download of Seforim
Quick Navigation with detailed Table of Contents
Multiple Seforim Open at Once

Check it out on www.powersefer.com!

The Lesson of Sinai

2011-06-07T10:40:00.002-04:00

Adapted from Ein AYaH (Shabbos v.II) by Rav Kook:

What does the name Sinai mean? The Talmudic interpretation is surprising — and somewhat shocking:

"What is Mount Sinai? The mountain that brought enmity (sin'ah) upon the nations of the world." (Shabbat 89b)

What is the nature of this animosity? What does it have to do with Mount Sinai?

Where would one expect that God would reveal His Torah to the Jewish people? The logical place would be on the holiest mountain in the world — Jerusalem's Mount Moriah, the site of the Binding of Isaac, Jacob's holy "gate to heaven" (Gen 28:17), the spot where both Temples stood. Why did the revelation of the Torah take place outside of the Land of Israel, in the middle of the desert?The fact that the Torah was not given to the Jewish people in their own land, but rather in a desert, in no-man's land, is very significant. This indicates that the inner content of the Torah is relevant to all peoples. If receiving the Torah required the special holiness of the Jewish people, then the Torah should have been given in a place that reflects this holiness. Revelation on Mount Sinai attests to the Torah's universal nature.This idea is corroborated by the Talmudic tradition that "God offered the Torah to every nation and every tongue, but none accepted it, until He came to Israel, who received it" (Avodah Zarah 2b). This Midrash is well known, but it contains an implication that is often overlooked. How could God offer the nations something that is beyond their spiritual level? It is only because the Torah is relevant to all peoples that their refusal to accept it reflects so harshly on them.The Torah's revelation on Mount Sinai, as a neutral location belonging to none and thus belonging to all, emphasizes the disappointment and estrangement from God that the nations brought upon themselves by rejecting the Torah and its ethical teachings. It is for this reason Mount Sinai "brought enmity upon the nations of the world."
In the future, however, the nations will recognize this mistake and correct it: "In those days, it shall come to pass that ten men from all the languages of the nations will take hold of every Jew by a corner of his cloak and say, 'Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.'" (Zachariah 8:23)

Suggestions, anyone?

2011-06-06T15:19:00.000-04:00

I want to get semicha.

I toyed with the idea for a while, even joining a kollel dedicated to the practical application of halacha while learning in the Holy Land. Once I returned to my yeshiva in New Jersey, I abandoned that pursuit in the meantime for the sake of adhering to the yeshiva's curriculum. Then life got in the way as I focused on maintaining my regular schedule in yeshiva in conjunction with family and college.

Now as my undergraduate career draws to a close, my life is going to get much busier - that's why I would like to find a program that will allow me to study for semicha on a part time (i.e. mornings or afternoons only) basis. Aside from the fact that I strongly belief having a firm foundation in halacha is of prime importance, considering the fact that i would like to be involved in the Jewish community in one capacity or another (through my profession, etc.) I feel that to have semicha will lend to my credibility when dealing with people in the religious community.

I am looking for part-time programs; if I could correspond that would also be good.

Any suggestions are welcome. You can either post in the comments section, or e-mail me at jewmaican20@yahoo.com.

Thanks!

Real Love

2011-06-06T01:18:00.000-04:00

Shirat Devorah: Real Love: " from the writings of the Ben Ish Chai Real love is reciprocated: 'As in water, face reflects face, so is the heart of man to man' [Prove..."

Liquid Courage?

2011-06-02T23:01:00.002-04:00

Of course, people like to drink. They drink to forget their sorrows. They drink because they'd like to drown their sorrows.

The only problem is that sorrow floats. - Rabbi Y.Y. Jacobson, theYeshiva.net

Author of "Bilvavi Mishkan Evneh" on preparing for Shavuos

2011-05-30T23:42:00.001-04:00

When Rav Kook came to the United States in the Twenties as part of a delegation on behalf of various institutions in the Holy Land, one observer described him in such a manner:

One could ascribe to Rav Kook what the sages ascribed to Queen Esther, namely, that he had a special appeal for each group present. Members of Mizrahi, Agudat Yisrael, Hasidim, Zionists and others, all felt that Rav Kook's remarks supported their particular philosophy.

A similar comment could be made about the esteemed author of Bilvavi Mishkan Evneh and Da Es Atzmecha, Rav Itamar Schwartz. In a relatively short time, the until recently anonymous author reached out through his deceptively simple books into the hearts and souls of Jews everywhere and ignited a new passion for a close, emotional relationship with God. Rav Schwartz has worked tirelessly and written extensively about our inherent need to nurture our own personal relationship with the Holy One, drawing from the vast collection of Torah sources (most notably the Mesillat Yesharim) to develop a clear, methodical path of life that can help one attain this level of avodat HaShem.

Today I had the special z'chus to witness this tzaddik in person; as impressed as I was by his books, I was more impressed (although not surprised) with the man himself. A diminutive figure, Rav Schwartz does not waste a single movement; one senses that nearly every gesture, every glance is carefully measured. He sits still as he speaks, only making emphatic hand motions when he wants to stress an important point. What impressed me most was the utter lack of dead silence or hemming and hawing; the Rav never hesitated or stumbled in his words, as if he had carefully weighed everything that he wanted to say to an exacting level before proceeding with it.

His talk itself was wonderful; as I wrote earlier, the concepts that Rav Schwartz brought forth on the topic of proper preparation for kaballat haTorah drew from a wide range of conceptualizations in the various sifrei machshava, ranging from the Rishonim through to contemporary chassidus. There were no major novelties, per se, but rather the Rav's way of bringing these ideas into a perspective that we can relate to in our day-to-day living that really got me excited. Understanding how to truly achieve tranquility, and recognizing the nature of what gets between us and our authentic relationship with God were the main points of his speech. The way he brought seemingly disparate ideas and wedded them together - not only do you appreciate the breadth of the man's ability, but you gain a deeper appreciation for the overarching truth that is Judaism.

I recorded the speech, which was spoken in Hebrew and translated by a fine man who did a good job. Enjoy!

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After the speech, I had a chance to meet up with Dixie Yid, who has the tremendous merit to drive Rav Schwartz around and assist him during his visit. Dixie has worked hard to help raise funds to continue publishing and distributing the various sefarim that Rav Schwartz has written, and I envy his closeness with such a tru Torah personality. I hope that he continues to take advantage of his special proximity to greatness, and that he shares some things he's learned.

In the meantime, I picked up the entire set of Bilvavi for my yeshiva, and also grabbed a new (as yet unavailable in stores) sefer on Shabbos Kodesh. I'm a sucker for anything about Shabbos...

Music clips

2011-05-29T22:49:00.000-04:00

Just because I'm in a rockin' mood...
Some Isaac Bitton demonstrating mastery over a drum kit...

...and a little Megama goes a long way...

And for those who are in the mood for some vicarious pleasure, watch this (note: it's non-Jewish and LOUD. If you don't like this kind of music [or you do but don't want to hear it] play it with the sound off. It's still funny.):

Important things YOU need to read!

2011-05-29T22:44:00.000-04:00

Brother Dixie has a reminder on his blog about the esteemed author of the Bilvavi Mishkan Evneh and Da Es Atzmecha series' visit to the United States in anticipation of Shavuos:

Dixie Yid - Avodas Ha'Avodah: Monsey, NY - Bilvavi Mishkan Evneh Author Speaking...

In a follow up e-mail, Dixie wrote :

Baruch Hashem Rav Itamar Shwartz (author of Bilvavi and Da Es Atzmecha) and Tuvia Heller landed in NY this morning on an El Al flight, which went very smoothly. We had a successful day in Flatbush! Things are coming along nicely and everyone present in Flatbush was deeply affected by the Rav's deep, but personal teachings on menuchas hanefesh and how it relates to preparing for Shavuos.

Part of the goal of the trip is to raise money to print sets of the Rav's peirush on Mesilas Yesharim for free distribution in schools/yeshivos/Shuls/seminaries in eretz Yisroel. Baruch Hashem we have raised/pledged about $9,900 out of our goal of $15,000. We are about 2/3 of the way there!

Please help make the trip a success by coming to one of the shiurim in Monsey (Monday, tomorrow), Atlanta, Boro Park, Lakewood, or Far Rockaway/Woodmere. Full details at http://bilvavi.us/. Also, please either donate online (tax deductible) or mail a check made out to "Bilvavi Mishkan Evneh, Inc." to c/o Ben Wolf, 888 Cambridge Rd., Woodmere, NY 11598.

We are getting closer so please attend and/or donate and help us reach our goal in helping be marbeh k'vod shamayim!
Kol tuv,

Elsewhere, Reb Ally has an important (and potentially life changing) announcement on his blog. Anyone who can help him is urged to do so; if you support Reb Ally, you are supporting the Torah!

Also, congratulations to Neil Harris on his successful completion of the Bike the Drive cycling marathon on behalf of Chai Lifeline. Go Neil!

Now THAT was quick...

2011-05-26T13:41:00.004-04:00

A blog dedicated towards announcements and developments concerning the Agudah recently popped up on the Jewish blog scene; Hirhurim posted a link to the site, which presumably was started without authorization of the power-that-be over at the Agudah. Considering Agudah's firm stance against the Internet, I was surprised until I followed the link and found the below message:

News at Agudath Israel of America: Statement regarding this site: "Agudath Israel of America has received inquiries about a site on the internet featuring information about the organization and its activi..."

I applaud and respect the maintaining of their position concerning the Internet. And yet, I wonder what harm an unofficial site that adheres to the original intent of the blog (i.e. news about events and announcements) can do. I don't believe that it could be perceived as facetious on the Agudah's part - after all, this is an *unauthorized* site. But then again, I'm sure that there are those who will find a problem with the Agudah no matter what they do; they seem to be perpetually caught between a rock and a hard place.

Maybe they would have been better off not acknowledging the blog in the first place...

2011-05-19T23:58:00.001-04:00

Pesach Sheini

2011-05-18T13:32:00.000-04:00

Today is Pesach Sheini, the day set for those people who were unfortunate to be unable to participate in the communal mitzvah (commandment) of the korban Pesach (the Paschal sacrifice). While the account in the Torah refers to people who were rendered impure at the time of the korban, this also includes those who were too distant to make it to Jerusalem on time for the Pesach holiday.

According to the holy Zohar, the special (spiritual) crown of Pesach that is bestowed upon every Jew in honor of the holiday remains with us for thirty days, until the fourteenth of Iyar, which is Pesach Sheini. Moreover, the Heavenly gates, which are opened on Pesach, remain opened for yet another seven days following Pesach Sheini, coinciding with the sefirah week of Hod, the attribute that pertains to splendor and glory. Pesach Sheini
is no mere consolation prize; it has its own unique spiritual capacity that allows a person to take advantage and continue elevating himself in his search for completion.

Rav Tzaddok haKohen of Lublin has an insight into the nature of the day:

In the desert, those Jews who had missed out on the korban Pesach approached Moshe and protested "Why should we be deprived, and not be able to present God's offering in its time amongst the Children of Israel?" (Numbers 9)

Really, we have to wonder what these people were thinking - after all, if you know that the time is approaching, wouldn't it be wise to take the necessary measures to avoid circumstances that would prevent one's ability to partake in the korban? If you live far away, start traveling earlier! At all costs, don't become impure! How does one let it get to a point where he is prevented from joining his brethren in this important mitzvah?

Rav Tzaddok answers with a brilliant insight into human nature. Very often we tell ourselves that we will overcome our various inclinations to sin, and we won't get trapped again. We set up all sorts of protections and resolve to never get caught in the temptation - only to shake our heads in confusion ten minutes later and ask "...how did that happen?"

"Why should we be deprived..." isn't a grievance. It's a cry of anguish when we realize our failings despite all the times we promise ourselves that we are going to get better. We ask why should we be deprived of the peace of mind associated with being a true servant of God, why should we be denied entrance into His chambers, why is it so hard for us to do right and have a chance at being good Jews. Pesach Sheini is there for those people, another chance to get it right, to do teshuva to rejoin the nation...

Rav Naftali Ropshitzer (1760-1827)

2011-05-15T01:15:00.002-04:00

Today, the eleventh of Iyar, is the yahrtzeit (anniversary of death) of Rabbi Naftali Tzvi Horowitz, the rebbe of Ropshitz.

Rav Naftali was a disciple of Reb Elimelch of Lizensk, and later of Reb Elimelech's successor Rev Menachem Mendel of Riminov. "The Ropshitzer" was known for his scholarship, his fastidious adherence to zmanei tefillah (prayer in a punctual and timely matter in keeping with halacha), and his sharp wit:

Reb Naftali once commented that he finally understood why the Sages call the Evil Inclination an "old fool" after going to the mikvah one frigid morning. He related to his followers that as he trudged through the snow toward the frozen riverbank, a voice in the back of his mind implored him to go home.
"Naftulche, you're crazy! It's far too cold to actually go to the mikvah! You'll get so sick..."
"Really, the Torah is meant to live by; there is no mitzvah to kill yourself for this!"
"No one will know if you just say that you went...and who would blame you?"
Despite the onslaught of discouragement, Reb Naftali broke a hole in the ice quickly undressed and sank below the water before he could be convinced otherwise. As he emerged from the first dip, he heard the same voice whisper with pride: "Ah, Naftulche...what a tzaddik! To get up before dawn and go to the mikvah in these conditions? Who is like you?"

With this, Reb Naftali turned to his students: "Only the foolish Evil Inclination would act this way! In his haste to ensnare me in his trap of arrogance, he was willing to jump in with me into the frozen water! A shoiteh!"

Reb Naftali left us with numerous niggunim, aphorisms, and two works of Torah: the Zera Kodesh and Ayala Shlucha. His influence on the various Chassidic courts of Galicia is apparent through the many customs attributed to minhagei Ropshitz.

Z'chuso yagein aleinu.

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