Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
I think many are forgetting the smaller (but functional) Frum communities where the Shul’s Ruv, Kollel guys & Rebbeim (& TMorahs) in the community day school are from Yeshivish backgrounds.
I’ll back not honoring Modi after we first stop honoring ex-convicts.
Rebemes,
Do you realize how ignorant the “Argument of Authority” makes you look?Sometimes the daughters go to Shul to say Kaddish.
I would think that’s the job of the Ruv.
BTW, One Shabbos I was in a Shul that had a few Hatzolah members & they would take turns Davening in the lobby so they could hear the calls without disturbing the Tefillah.Chaim,
Yes. Kehillas had a Mesorah. Individual Jews did not.
We all know Chasidism was a reaction & response to the Enlightenment & modern world.
How could all these converts to Chasidism change so many minhagim?
Because it wasn’t long after the Kehillas existed & you switched based on where you live.
So coming from that culture joining a Chasidic sect & adopting their Mesorah was really not as difficult or stressful as we would view it today.
But yes, if you joined Skver adopting their Mesorah would probably be the right thing to do.A lot of the confusion is, I believe, a lack of understanding of how Judaism was practiced a few hundred years ago.
Before the Enlightenment & Emancipation of Jews in Europe there were legally organized Kehillas backed by the non-jewish govt.
These Kehillas required every member to be on the same page.
Here is where Judaism changed.
Tell a Jew today to change their Mesorah & they’ll stab you.
Back then people understood & accepted this is how Judaism is practiced, “I lived 30 years in a Kehilla that doesn’t wear Tefillin on Ch’M but now that I live in a Tefillin wearing Kehilla I will start wearing on Ch’M.”
I’m sure most of us have heard, “Back in Europe everyone in the same town had the same Mesorah.”
Ever wonder why? Did Jews not move back then? Now you know why. Jews switched from Mesorah to Mesorah based on the Kehilla rules where they lived.
So Mesorah is kinda nonsense.
You’re eternally stuck with this Mesorah because of where your ancestor happened to live when the Kehilla system collapsed?
If your ancestor moved to a new Kehilla & took on their Mesorah just 2 months before the collapse does it make sense you’re forever beholden to this Mesorah your ancestor kept for barely 2 months in a new Kehilla?This is from a Rabbi/Historian I follow.
Below is from a lecture. It’s more on a historical & intellectual level but he does make a good point about “Mesorah”
“It struck me that this is what’s going on with R’ Elchonon Wasserman of all people being interested in the Critique of Pure Reason and having read Immanuel Kant.
If you know when he was living, if you know the issues that were going at that time actually it’s a very frum kind of thing. He’s looking for the secular unanswerable set of arguments to destroy any kind of Maskilik reinterpretation and reconstruction of Judaism.
They’re literally deconstructing maimonidian metaphysics in places like the dormitory of the Telz yeshiva. Not for the purpose of deconstructing Judaism but the exact opposite, for displacing
metaphysics as the basics of Judaism with what i would call in one word “Mesorah”Another issue I (& many nonjews) find distasteful is the often complete lack of awareness about others some Jews have.
I read about a mother whose child is the only Jew in the public school class.
In December she decided to print copies of a Menorah for the whole class to color & when the teacher didn’t use them she of course cried, “Antisemitism”
Let’s envision the reverse. 29 Jewish kids in the class & 1 nonjew. The one non-jewish mother prints copies of a Xmas tree to color in place of the Menorah. How would that work out?
What Jewish kid is excited to show his parents the Xmas tree he colored? What will the Jewish kids and parents think of this non-jewish family?
Too often Jews feel the need to constantly inject Judaism into everything when in truth the best antidote towards lot of Antisemitism is simply being “Normal”They do protest on Shabbos. I saw a video of what they do in London. As far as not knowing Aleinu.
They tie their signs to themselves when they walk (around 3 hours each way so you at least need to appreciate their sacrifice and dedication to the cause as misguided as it is) so they are “Wearing” not “Carrying” them.
So they don’t know Aleinu (& I have no idea if what they do with the signs is Kosher) but they do understand the concepts of carrying on Shabbos, Eruv & turning an item into something worn so it can be moved on Shabbos without an Eruv?
Highly unlikely.
p.s. If someone asked me as a very religious looking Jew to prove I’m religious by saying Aleinu, I wouldn’t do it either.Achdus means a community that has many educational options yet enough MO & Yeshivish (& growing number of Chasidish) that choose to send their kids to a school where they learn Torah alongside tolerance, open mindedness & respect for those with different Hashkafas.
This rally is very similar to the Black Million Man March in that no one needed to take off work to attend.
You’ve obviously never tried Monster Java’s “Mean Bean” or “Salted Caramel” iced coffees.
I live in a community where everyone accepts the Eruv as Kosher. It adds a sense of Achdus when the Modern Orthodox, Yeshivish & Chasidim all use the same Eruv.
This was a compromise. Originally women wanted to be allowed to become Doctors & Surgeons (despite their brains being 30-40% smaller than males).
A compromise was reached that women will be admitted to the nursing schools (but not the medical schools) & the rest is history.Could you imagine Charedim running Israel’s emergency services?
Operator: What’s your emergency?”
Caller: My baby has a high fever & a terrible cough.
Operator: I want you to place half a medium sized sauteed onion under their pillow for 3 nights in a row while saying Kapital Chof Daled every morning. Call back if they don’t improve in 3 days.In terms of quality, purity & complexity Shulem Lemmer.
For weddings & other Simchas my personal favorite is Levi Falkowitz.I always heard the elastic waistband on underwear took the place of a gartel & the waistband accomplishes the exact same thing.
Square root,
Satmar comes from the Romanian words “Satu Mare” which means “Great village”
Assuming it comes from “St. Mary” is a common error.Yaakov Yosef A,
“Slavery continued to be practiced in Delaware and Maryland for more than six months after ‘Juneteenth’
This is incorrect. While it’s true Lincoln rigged the elections in Maryland so only Union candidates could win & rigged the people’s vote in Maryland to change from a “Slave” state to a “Free” state regardless how it happened slavery officially ended in Maryland on Nov. 1, 1864.There is a reason we are called “The Wandering Jew”
We live somewhere while it thrives both economically & where we are able to practice Judaism until times change & we move on.
I have family that grew up in a small town with a tiny Jewish community. The Jews rode the wave of prosperity mostly through owning small retail businesses until the economy started to decline.
The Jewish kids went off to college & did not return as there were very little economic opportunities or functioning Jewish life.
The parents eventually closed the business & retired.
The community held on in the 70’s & early 80’s until it was unsustainable due to lack of members & rarely if ever attracting new members.
This Jewish community ceases to exist.
It’s sad a place my family has such fond memories of is gone but at the same time these communities were never really meant to be long term Jewish communities.
Perhaps we see NY as different but we had a good run & perhaps it’s time to admit it & move on before it gets even worse.As told by a Talmid of Rav Ruderman ztl about a conversation they had.
“He was very tolerant and open to different points of view. His interest was learning Torah and teaching Torah. Unlike some others who still live in a bygone era and cannot deal with reality, he once told me “the state of Israel is a good thing, where would Jews have gone were there no State of Israel”. He encouraged all of us to go to Washington in 1967 during the Six Day War. He had compassion and deep understanding, the opposite of a fanatic.”There can be no Geirus with an Alien.
Only humans can convert (a human is defined as an earthly being with a soul).
While an Alien could be like humans in everyway, that they’re not descendants of Adam and Eve means they have no Neshama & can’t convert.AAQ,
There are 100’s of Rambams today they just are not in the Bais Medrash. The Rambam was quite the unusual figure to say the least. From his explanations to novel interpretations to his study & vast understanding of Non-Jewish philosophy.
Today, anyone with an approach even close to the Rambams has been thrown out of Yeshiva & labeled a “Kofer”Hashem is hiding under a lace top Sheitel & his face is blocked by a smartphone.
Square Root,
If you believe Trump won’t pressure Israel to agree to things they’re against (or even consider dangerous) if he wants to make a deal with Iran, Saudi Arabia, etc. then I have a building in Gaza City zoned for a Yeshiva to sell you.Obama considered himself “America’s first Jewish President”
because his mentor was a liberal Jewish judge in Chicago.
Almost all of Obama’s exposure to Yiddishkeit was the version where the main points of faith are, Wokeism, Liberalism, & Tikkun Olam.For the week before Pesach I rent my kids out to a construction company. They spend 12 hours a day building brick buildings.
As an added bonus the money I’m paid for my kids work covers my Pesach expenses.Akuperma,
You forgot May 1861 when Lincoln declared Baltimore to be under Martial Law.
Chief Supreme Court Justice Roger Taney ruled only Congress can declare Martial Law & Lincoln’s order is null & void.
Lincoln ignored Taney’s ruling & used his army to occupy Baltimore & enforce Martial Law.A little history lesson.
Due to the Jewish & Non-Jewish enlightenment, the Emancipation of the Jews, Revolutions, Urbanization, a greater reliance on science, etc. there was a crisis in Traditionalist Judaism. Several responses occurred. 1. A continuation of “Frum” (Yeshivish, Litvish) Judaism with some small changes. 2. Chasidism 3. Reform, & 4. Modern Orthodox.
The Modern Orthodox approach says, “Torah & Mitzvos always come first & that must be the focal point of a Jew’s life. HOWEVER, if on a college campus a student can keep Shabbos (today many campuses have Eruvs), there’s a Kosher Dining Hall, there’s Jewish life (through Hillel, Chabad, etc) then there is nothing wrong with attending a Non-Jewish college. There’s nothing wrong with dressing like any other American & partaking in normal American life.
Thyi preceded RJBS by many years.A little history lesson.
Due to the Jewish & Non-Jewish enlightenment, the Emancipation of the Jews, Revolutions, Urbanization, a greater reliance on science, etc. there was a crisis in Traditionalist Judaism. Several responses occurred. 1. A continuation of “Frum” (Yeshivish, Litvish) Judaism with some small changes. 2. Chasidism 3. Reform, & 4. Modern Orthodox.
The Modern Orthodox approach says, “Torah & Mitzvos always come first & they must be the focal point of a Jew’s life. HOWEVER, if on a college campus a student can keep Shabbos (today many campuses have Eruvs), there’s a Kosher Dining Hall, there’s Jewish life (through Hillel, Chabad, etc) then there is nothing wrong with attending a Non-Jewish college. There’s nothing wrong with dressing like any other American & partaking in normal American life.
This preceded RJBS by a long time.I wonder how much those complaining about the cost of filters spend to buy the “Most Mehudar” Esrogim?
The whole world knows (& works based on it) that America doesn’t keep it’s commitments. This is not a “Trump” thing. It’s why Israel worked with Russia & China in some areas to somewhat cover themselves if America stopped supporting Israel.
When WWII ended & Germany was carved up it was split between America, Russia, England & France.
Why did France deserve a part? They surrendered & even helped the Nazis. The truth is they didn’t deserve it. But, England pushed for it because they were afraid America as is our custom would pack up & leave leaving England alone to face the Soviets. England demanded including France so at least if America left they’d have another country to face the Soviets.The era of the “Coercive Kehilla” ended centuries ago never to be resurrected (except somewhat by Chasidim) again.
As one Rabbi wrote, “The people who think Rabbanim can just wave a magic wand & have the Kehilla do their bidding are sadly mistaken.”These sects did not start in the same way.
Many Rabbis were Misnagdim that converted & brought some of their baggage with them.
The Divrei Chaim mentioned above is a perfect example.
He was a Rosh Yeshiva who was the son-in-law of another big Rabbi the Baruch Taam. He was part of the scholarly elite. So it’s not surprising when he “switched sides” he brought the focus on learning normative subjects with him.Common,
My point was HOW he was appointed. It was done by one man, Schiff. Did Schiff ask others? Did Schiff consult with leaders of the different Jewish denominations? Was a vote taken?
True Straus was appointed but who made Schiff leader of American Jews to decide who the 1st Jewish cabinet member would be?
Again it goes back to the original question. Schiff worked his way into the highest levels of govt by being rich, influential & well connected (just like Simon Wolf) which caused him to be considered the leader of American Jews despite not being appointed, voted for or deciding on by the rest of American Jews.You can either be appointed or assume the position by playing the right game. It helps to be rich, influential &/or well connected.
Simon Wolf was considered to be the leader of American Jewry. He lived in Washington DC. Lincoln had an open door policy (as long as you were willing to wait) so anyone could see him. Wolf took the time & made the effort to meet with Lincoln about Jewish soldiers in the Union Army having issues & other Jewish matters. Over time they came to know each other well. The same with U.S. Grant.
So of course when these Presidents needed to speak to the “representative” of the Jewish community they called on Wolf.
Nobody appointed Wolf or voted for him. But by playing his cards right he became the defacto leader of American Jews. That’s how it often happens or a “Court Jew” will be asked for a candidate. When Teddy Roosevelt wanted to appoint a Jew to his cabinet he called his close friend Jacob Schiff. Schiff recommended Oscar (Asher) Straus of the famous Macy’s family.
Usually it’s power & Gelt, &/or building connections with the right people.All over the Internet are pics of “Devout xtians” whose whole neighborhood burned down except their house. (Xtian) Bibles that survived when nothing else did.
My Rebbe explained if Neisim only happened to Yidden we would lose our free will especially concerning the correct religion. How can a Yid be rewarded for following Judaism when he saw only Jewish holy objects experience Neisim? So yes, if unnaturally a Torah or a statue of Mary survives they are BOTH Neisim.1. Your name is very appropriate.
2. You’re right. I won’t regret reading this. But I do regret the 45 seconds of my life reading this that I’ll never get back.I have a better idea. For every terror attack committed against America by a French Muslim, El Salvador, Finland & Thailand must pay America $1 billion.
AAQ,
It was common to count the years from the beginning of the reign of the king (or president, PM, etc). See the Gemarah in Rosh Hashanah.
The issue of replacing one king with another king when they assume the throne is not a problem.
But, Yezus is not a “King” like Biden.
Yezus is the “King of Kings & Lord of Lords”
So it’d be improper & blasphemous to replace him with a “Regular” King.
(How i know all this? Don’t ask:-)Technically the correct way to write “2025”
Is “2025 years from the birth of our Lord & Savior”
“Anno Domini” means “Year of our Lord”
I think that’s the problem some Jews have.
While every way you look at it we use the Christian calendar there is some difference between (with no choice) recognizing the date used in the culture we live in & outright referring to Yezus as “Our Lord”Ever heard of “New Year’s Resolutions”?
That’s where people look back at the past year & see things they regret or didn’t do as well as they should of & resolve to make a fresh start & do better this year.
How is that different than Rosh Hashanah?
“It is important to compare lehavdil the Jewish New Year and the secular New Year.”
Why is it “Important” to compare?
Is it a contest?It depends on the community.
In the communities that prefer darker clothing & bigger hats Cholov Stam is worse.
For those that allow lighter clothing & smaller/no hats Fraud is worse.Neville Chamberlain,
“We are to them as the Amalekim were to us.”
It always amazes me how Yidden instinctively understand we don’t follow the literal Torah. But instead we follow the modern day interpretation of the Rabbanim.
There are a lot of smart Jews. Why aren’t the Rabbanim calling to raise millions of dollars to isolate the “Amalek” gene so we can perform this Dioraisa mitzvah?
The truth is we have no interest in performing this mitzvah at the current time. We avoid it by claiming 1. We don’t know who Amalek is though with it being Biblical we SHOULD be, but are not Machmir.
2. A more modern approach is Amalek is the evil inside of us we need to get rid of. Either way no Jew that I know is working on a plan to fulfill this Mitzvah.
The Christians of today are different than those of yesteryear. In the past they believed they were doing a big Mitzvah converting Jews by any means necessary. Today it’s all about love, only love. They donate to Jewish causes, they help Jews, they try to convert us through “Good Works”
This can (& G-d willing soon) & will happen with Muslims as well. Taking the LITERAL text of the Torah, Xtian Bible &/or Quran & claiming this is the final word of G-d which is not subject to interpretation by their respective religious leaders & scholars is unsophisticated thinking. If we do it constantly so can other religions.Bli Neder no Matza 30 days before Pesach unless the hostages are free.
Square Root,
Why did the Torah have to come from an “Orthodox Shul”?
Every Orthodox, Conservative & Reform Shul has the exact same Torah. If it’s Kosher it’s Kosher &
What better way to show Kavod HaTorah then to take a Torah from a Reform Shul & “elevate” it to being used by Torah true Yidden?