Baruch Horowitz

Hareidi Modesty Guidelines and Rabbinic Authority

2007-05-29T18:31:00.000-07:00

Although no one knows yet exactly what the role of the new modesty beis din(court)will be, there has already been internet comment, both positive and negative, depending on ones's hashkafic(philosophical) inclinations. See here.

Daas Torah and Secular Knowledge: Towards a Minimalistic View

2007-05-27T19:28:00.000-07:00

I argue in favor of a more minimalistic view of daas Torah, insofar as the interface between Torah and secular knowledge impacts on the concept of daas Torah

Voice from the Middle

2007-05-17T20:54:00.000-07:00

A comment that caught my eye, contrasting the strengths and weaknesses of the Right and the Center of Orthodoxy. See here.

Elements of the Daas Torah Concept

2007-05-08T22:27:00.000-07:00

Some musings on the concept of Daas Torah

On Accuracy, Fairness and Precision

2007-05-02T19:16:00.000-07:00

This post is based on my impressions which I have had for some time about Ynet, and is obviously, not an exhaustive study. As above, if someone wants to cite examples from Ynet, supporting or disagreeing with my view, I welcome that as well.

Letter Submitted to Mishpocha Magazine

2007-04-20T01:06:00.000-07:00

My letter submitted to Mishpacha Magazine concerning an over the top critique of Rabbi Yaakov Horowitz's columns in the magazine.

Chulent, The View from the Fringes, and Blogging

2007-03-08T19:27:00.000-08:00

While we rightfully take satisfaction in the growth of Torah Judaism in America, we also need to face the problems and challenges which that very growth has brought I discuss an article titled "Hasidim on the Fringe", and the issue of support groups in the Frum world. See link.

The Challenge of Constructive Criticism

2007-02-23T11:47:00.000-08:00

I discuss here the fine balance that one needs when critiquing the viewpoints of Open Orthodoxy, or when engaged in other critiques, for that matter.

Don't Be Frum

2007-02-15T21:43:00.000-08:00

Is frumkiet a good thing? See here.

Meditations on the Kuzari

2007-02-08T18:08:00.000-08:00

In this post, I linked to some discussions concerning the oft-quoted Kuzari:

Heaven forbid that there should be anything in the Torah to contradict that which is manifest or proved.

Credo quia absurdum is Not a Jewish Idea

2007-02-07T18:04:00.000-08:00

There is an interesting discussion going on at “A Simple Jew”, and I wrote a short Mishmar post to link to it.

Chareidi Insularity and Blogger Emotion

2007-01-05T10:02:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to figure out why many non-Chareidi bloggers react strongly to every headline in the Yated, Jerusalem Post, or Haaretz regarding Chareidi insularity. Okay, let's say that the Chareidi world is moving in the direction of greater insularity. But why the strong reaction? Each to his own, live and let live! See link.

Balance and Extremism in Judaism

2006-12-29T09:06:00.000-08:00

The issue of extremism and moderation is being discussed in the comments section of a previous Mishmar post, and I would like to dedicate a post of my own to the subject. I would divide the topic into the following parts:

Cosmic Balance
Personal Avodah
Communal Decsions
Tolerance For Others
Bloggers and Extremism

See link.

On a Lighter Note: Facing the Ontological Realities of Lomdus

2006-12-26T21:54:00.000-08:00

... If philosophical terminology aids, abets, assists or facilitates greater clarity and precision in comprehension, explanation, or, to use Artscrollese, elucidates the Talmud, then I say: go for the philosophical and legal jargon and skip the yeshivishe reid ! See here.

Frum Community and Children's Safety

2006-12-26T21:45:00.000-08:00

There has been much discussion in recent years on the issue of sexual abuse and the frum community. The Orthodox Jewish community is a subset of the general population, and despite the community's strong points, it is not immune fron the ills of general society. See here.

Touch Goeth Both Ways

2006-12-24T14:30:00.000-08:00

Beyond BT, links an article discussing the election of Jason Bedrick, a 23 year old Orthodox Jew and Lubavitcher Chassid elected to the New Hampshire State Legislator. This is quite an accomplishment for New Hampshire, which is home to fewer than 10 Orthodox Jewish families and has a population that is about one percent Jewish, according to a source quoted in the article.

The article is interesting because it sheds light, in general, on the interaction of an Orthodox Jewish person with the New Hampshire legislature, but also because it discusses how Mr. Bedrick deals with situations when he is offered a handshake from women.

See link.

Difference Between Segulos and Avoiding Cheeseburgers

2006-12-19T11:00:00.000-08:00

Do we have an unbalanced approach towards segulos? See link.

The Danger and Tragedy of Neturei Karta

2006-12-14T18:24:00.000-08:00

Neturei Karta has been in the news again, this time, regarding their participation in the Teheran Holocaust denial conference. Earlier this fall, a CBS film showed Jews in charedi garb embracing the Iranian president when he visited New York. Understandably, this embarrassed Jews everywhere, and desecrated G-d's name. See link.

Extremism, Commitment Ceremonies, and Effective Rebuke

2006-12-14T18:15:00.000-08:00

Since there is discussion on Mishmar and elsewhere about the zealotry of extremist elements in the charedi community, I wish to reflect on the concept of effective tochacha, or rebuke. The connection is obvious: acting violently, or in an anti-social way is done to protest acts of evil. However, upon reflection, such conduct is seriously flawed even on its own terms. See link.

Development Opportunities in Yeshivah Education

2006-12-11T01:00:00.000-08:00

This post discusses various important issues in the yeshivah education of boys. See link.

Two Forms of Emunah II

2006-12-03T22:32:00.000-08:00

In my previous post , I emphasized that Gedolie Yisrael, following a mesorah, choose an educational policy which they felt was best for the charedi community on a whole, as far as emphasizing emunah peshuta(simple, experiential faith). I also wrote that it is important to make clear that emunah al pi chakirah(faith supported by inquiry) was not totally rejected from Yahadus, even though it has weaknesses, and also that much depends on the particular person.

In "There is Only One Yeshiva College: A Memoir"(11/16/04/ Commentator) one leader of the Yeshivah University community discusses his formative years. See link

Two Forms of Emunah: Another View

2006-11-29T19:23:00.000-08:00

In the spirit of stimulating interesting discussion which we hope Mishmar will become famous for, I present my comments stimulated by Bari's post in the form of a separate posting. I do not so much disagree, rather I am giving a little different balance to the issue of the two types of faith. I also discuss the Iggeres Teiman regarding a person's tendencies towards belief.

See link.

Chovos HaLevavos

2006-11-16T18:03:00.000-08:00

When we speak about emunah, we say, b'emunah s'hleimah, "with perfect faith". The mitzvah is to grow in emunah, to experience a clarity, and to reach levels of deep-seated, genuine belief. There have been traditionally two different approaches to faith, one more experiential, and one more rational. However, all agree that one's emunah must run deep. The mitzvah is also constant; the Biur Halachah and others speak of "six constant mitzvos". See link.

On Creativity and Potato Chips in Chinuch

2006-11-12T21:10:00.000-08:00

Since the very profound subject of potato chips is now receiving a great deal of attention in the blogosphere(blogging can be unpredictable), I thought I would post on a story of Rav Mendel Kaplan and potato chips, which illustrates an important chinuch(educational) principle. I will also comment on creativity techniques.

Big Tent Blogs

2006-11-09T20:42:00.000-08:00

In politics, the Big Tent Policy maintains that one should attract members with as diverse ideologies as possible. A group blog can maintain a similar diversity. See link.

Appreciation for Rav Shach Zt'l

2006-11-05T18:29:00.000-08:00

Some thoughts which will hopefully lead to an appreciation for this Torah giant, and increase tolerance amongst us bloggers.

How to Review a Book

2006-10-23T09:30:00.000-07:00

Thoughts of Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach Zt'l, and words from the Chovos HaLevavos on focusing on the positive in people. See link.

Siyim Hashas Unity

2006-10-12T16:37:00.000-07:00

I had an interesting discussion about the Siyum Hashas and Jewish unity today with another blogger(his comments are italicized) elsewhere on the internet. As I have posted on Cross-Currents (comment #9), achdus(unity) is an important goal. Nevertheless, satisfying everyone in today's Jewish communal life is virtually impossible! But we should at least try. Please e-mail me(see my profile) if you have any comments.

...Of course, those who organized the most recent Siyum HaShas for the DY realized that it would be prudent to have RHS, RMW and R D Lamm on the dais to avoid the Chilul HaShem that almost occurred at the 1997 Siyum. However, the possibility of RHS speaking at the Siyum in its present format remains a Hilcasa LeMeshichah.

Perhaps, the answer to that question is a separate Siyum organized by the OU and RIETS.That would certainly prove that Talmud Torah is not the exclusive province of the Charedi world and that RIETS certainly has world class Gdolim, Poskim and Talmidie Chachamim.

"Perhaps, the answer to that question is a separate Siyum organized by the OU and RIETS"

I think that this would be a mistake. This would eliminate an important, if infrequent, opportunity for Achdus and unity(although there are other examples such as Hatzalah and chessed organizations).

In American society in general, there is an increased detachment from the social and political community. Sociologist Chaim Waxman has written that this might be partially manifested in the trend towards what he terms as "shtibelization", the phenomenon of having many small synagogues. This exists for better or for worse, but it does affect the communal structure, and I don't think we should increase it.

There can be plenty of other opportunities for RIETS/OU to make siyumim on their own. There can be, for example, an annual siyum of the entire Torah, like I think Baltimore makes each year, and there can be much publicity.Indeed, one of R. Meir's Shapiro's goals in Daf Yomi was to unite Jews, and the Siyum does this to an extent, for even those who didn't "do the Daf". IIRC, there were separate statements in the Jewish Press from both the OU and RIETS congratulating Agudah, which sponsored the Siyuym. That in itself is a positive thing which should be noted.

I agree that the ideal Achdus would be to have a RIETS RY speak. However, the issue of satisfying everyone at the siyum is a thorny one. It should be noted that Agudah is also trying to bring in groups on its Right, like Chassidim and the very yeshivish, although realistically, it is an impossibility to bring under one roof every group before the Messianic era, as Steve notes.

One of Agudah's executive leaders noted at the Siyum, that Chassidim, Litvishe and those who daven in "OU-affiliated schuls" were brought together by Torah learning(this specific statement was also noted and echoed in the above-mentioned OU statement). And while there was no official mention of "Tzahal", there was Tehilim said for "the brave soldiers who protect the Am Hayoshev B'tzion" . So an attempt was made to satisfy everyone.

As I commented on the recent Cross Current post by Shira Schmidt("Was Ezra haredi"), it is unrealistic to have genuine unity before Moshiach. It is more useful to use the model of an umbrella group, like the Thirteen Colonies(a loose confederation of states coming together for mutual benefit) for unity in Orthodoxy in general, as well as in its subgroups.

Baruch-In an ideal world, these issues wouldn't exist. However, IMO, one can claim that the current format of the Siyum is really a celebration organized by and for Charedi Jewry's main organization with Gdolim who are not Agudah oriented being grudgingly invited and placed on the dais without being afforded an opportunity to share Divrei Torah from those Gdolim who are not affiliated with Agudah

Let's be real here-if the Schottensteins (who bankrolled the ArtScroll Shas) and R Pam ZTL hadn't prevailed, R D Lamm would not have been invited to sit on the dais. The Schottensteins' pressure led to the inviting of RHS and other RIETS RY to sit on the dais.

I was not aware of the specific information you mention, but am not naive, and I know that there are behind the scenes issues, factions and pressures which are endemic to communal and organizational life.

So if MO want to apply pressure to get the proper honor due, I can understand that. I also understand that there will be complaints about the current arrangement for speakers as well. But I still think that it would be a mistake to organize a separate Siyum for that reason, and I indeed credit their leadership for attending the event even if they are not represented in the speakers part of the program. We see what happened when other factions appointed a second Chief Rabbi in NY at the end of 19th century: that spelled the permanent end of the concept of a NYC Chief Rabbinate; so having separate siyumim might weaken the concept of Siyum Hashas and Jewish unity in general.

It is an unfortunate reality, but I don't think that it would be possible to have a RIET speaker at least at the main event. Perhaps as an alternate idea, a RIET Rosh Yeshiva can speak at a smaller venue, and a clip can be broadcast on the video in the main areana, as was done with Siyumim in Mexico etc. I understand that it is not ideal, but I am trying to be creative. Like I said, the OU and RIETS leadership deserve credit for attending the event, even if its not in the ideal form.

Baruch-Having a RIETS RY speak elsewhere and having it broadcast would IMO go a long way towards a show of real, as opposed to one-way Achdus. After all, R N I Oelbaum, D Dunner and R A Z Weiss, among others, spoke elsewhere such as Toronto, Meadowlands Arean and LA and were connected via video to MSG.

Gilu Biradah

2006-09-27T18:55:00.000-07:00

The theme of gilu biradah(link), from Ivdu es Hashme B'Yirah V'gilu Birada (serve G-d with fear and rejoice in trembling,--Tehillim 2:11), requires a paradoxical combination of both happiness and somberness.

5767

2006-09-17T18:31:00.000-07:00

See Link

Letter to Jewish Press on Slifkin Controversy

2006-09-17T18:24:00.000-07:00

The following is my letter to the Jewish Press on the Slifkin Controversy(9/13/06 edition). Please contact me by e-mail(see profile) if you have any comments.

Middle Ground

The part of Rabbi Student’s article I related to most was where he wrote of “… personal pain” and “a very loud cry of anguish being voiced…” This moves beyond Rabbi Slifkin’s books, or even the general topic of the interface between Torah and science.

Addressing issues and hashkafos (Torah philosophy) without addressing people’s individual feelings will not bring peace and resolution. True, tolerance and pluralism should not be a cause for accepting any possible distortions in hashkafah. The oft-quoted Netziv on tolerance in the preface to Bereishis can indeed be abused, like any other Torah source. But I feel there should be at least an acknowledgment, on both sides, of the plight of individuals caught in the middle of all of this. Realizing and acknowledging this, on both sides, is part of empathy – nosei b’ol im chaveiro.

Whenever I participate in discussions of the issue, I stress that I am sanguine about the future. I am sometimes challenged for my optimism, but I nevertheless believe there is good reason for it. Somehow, people with different hashkafos will have to learn to accept and live with each other. The Jewish people have survived many tough challenges in the past, and we will survive this one as well.

Baruch Horowitz
(Via E-Mail)

I Have a Dream

2006-09-04T19:06:00.000-07:00

No, not the one of Martin Luther King, Jr.

I believe that there needs to be a forum created in the charedie community for internal discussion of many issues. In my opinion, the fact that we do not have such a forum is the reason why many of these issues are discussed publicly, and in the media, and do not always lead to an increase in k'vod shomayim. See here.

Uniting the Blogosphere

2006-09-01T12:21:00.000-07:00

How accurate is the tag line of each of the J Blogs, and can the Blogosphere be united? See here

Prisoner Exchange

2006-08-30T18:14:00.000-07:00

I summarize here an article by Rabbi Alfred Cohen on the topic “Journal of Halacha and Contemporary Society here

Reflections on Blogging

2006-08-30T18:05:00.000-07:00

Is there any introspection that Bloggers and Commentators could benefit from during the current Season?

See here.

Animal Personhood

2006-08-22T21:05:00.000-07:00

This post contrasts the Torah view towards animal experimentation with that of the philosophy of radical animal rights activists, as well as with the philosophy of secular society in general.

Focus on Eretz Yisrael

2006-08-07T19:34:00.000-07:00

A little on some things, usual and innovative, that people have been doing in terms of helping--t'zedokah v'chessed-- and what can still be done.

http://mishmar.blogspot.com/2006/08/focus-on-eretz-yisrael.html

Shedding the Light of Torah on Current Events

2006-08-07T16:35:00.000-07:00

I am allowing this topic to incubate a little while longer, and will repost.

http://mishmar.blogspot.com/2006/07/shedding-light-of-torah-on-current.html

Opening Day

2006-07-31T00:04:00.000-07:00

For now, I will be hanging out on the Mishmar Blog.

http://mishmar.blogspot.com/