HaRav Elya Svei Zt”l, the Rosh Yeshiva of the Philadelphia Yeshiva was niftar yesterday. The levaya took place today in the Yeshiva and the aron was transported to Eretz Yisroel. The Rosh Yeshiva was a great leader in Klal Yisroel and a pioneer in expanding advanced Torah learning beyond the immediate vicinity of New York City.
May his zechusim protect us.
It is not uncommon for the following exchange to take place on BBT:
Dear Beyond BT,
I have a great project which will help a certain segment of the Jewish People.
– Gary Ideaguy
—————–
Dear Gary,
It’s a great idea. Please send us a short writeup and we’ll be glad to post it with a link to you’re site.
-Beyond BT
—————-
We star the email in Gmail and quite often we never here from the person again. What happened?
According to the Baalei Mussar, our excitement often dissipates when we talk about an idea, perhaps because the talking is some small aspect of doing. In fact one Torah Great would sometimes hold an idea for years until he would share it so that its effect would remain in effect longer.
So the next time you have an idea, please send us the three paragraphs when you email us. There’s a good chance we’ll post it and you will have at least taken a few more steps.
Many BT’s became committed to Torah Observance after some type of Transformational Experience.
These experience can be a first Shabbos, a trip to Israel, a Discovery seminar, etc.
Did you have a transformational experience? What was it?
The Inner Meaning of Birkas HaChamah- Motza’ei Shabbos 3/14 at 9:15 PM – CAY
Motza’ei Shabbos March 14 at 9:15 pm at Congregation Ahavas Yisroel in Kew Gardens Hills
Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation Video Presentation
“The Inner Meaning of Birkas HaChamah.â€
Rabbi Avrohom Chaim Feuer
Rabbi Paysach Krohn.
Suggested donation is $10.00.
Dear BBT
I’ve been reading your site for a while and you often talk about happiness and spiritual pleasure. Do BTs (or FFBs) really experience spiritual pleasure? And if they do can you describe it and tell me what activities help to experience it?
Thanks
-Jay
Many times in the past on this blog, we’ve discussed the extremely high costs of Orthodox Jewish life, from kosher food to tuition. A good friend of this blog, Ezzie of SerandEz, has set out to determine just what it costs singles, couples, and families to live in different Orthodox communities. To that end, he has created a survey to determine just how much it is that people spend, and it has been quite the eye-opener for many.
Please take the survey, read the introduction to understand just what it’s for, and help build a better economic future for the Jewish community. Then send it along to all your family and friends so they can do the same.
We’re all aware of the passing of Rabbi Noach Weinberg this past week. As you may know, one of Rabbi Weinberg’s most important projects was to get lay people involved in Kiruv.
What would it take for you to be more active in Kiruv?
1) Having tools and techniques to reach out.
2) Knowing that I would have some success in helping people become observant.
3) Internalizing the belief that every piece of Torah learned or mitzvah performed is valuable in and of itself.
4) Sensitizing myself to the tremendous chesed of bring people closer to Hashem.
5) Realizing that being aware of and acting on opportunities to bring people closer will tremendously help my own Yiddishkeit.
6) Having a clearing understanding that I have an obligation to do Kiruv under the mitzvah of Ahavas Hashem.
We write these words with great sadness and disbelief — our beloved Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Yisrael Noach ben Yitzchak Mattisyahu Weinberg – passed away this morning, Feb 5/ Shevat 11.
The funeral will be today at 1:30 pm, at the Ahavas Torah Shul in Kiryat Zanz, Jerusalem, and will proceed from there to Har Menuchos.
Words at this time feel wholly inadequate to describe the greatness of Rabbi Weinberg, of blessed memory. The shock is too great and the pain too fresh, but the situation demands a few words, and over the next week a more fitting tribute will be created.
Rabbi Weinberg was a Jewish leader and visionary par excellence. Every fiber of his being was animated by the reality of the Almighty and the truth of Torah. He lived with the awareness of God — His infinite love and awesomeness — and the power of Torah to instruct us on how to live a most meaningful life.
Rabbi Weinberg passionately believed in the greatness of every human being, because God Himself testified to the inherent greatness in every human being.
Rabbi Weinberg exuded love and concern for every Jew, and was a beloved father to thousands.
Rabbi Weinberg dedicated his life to bringing a renaissance within Jewish people, to reach out to every Jew and reconnect him to the depth and meaning of our heritage. The Jewish people are meant to be a light unto nations; Rabbi Weinberg undertook the task to galvanize the Jewish people and inspire us to live up to our mission and be Kiddush Hashem – to sanctify God’s Name in this world.
“The hidden things are for Hashem, our God, but the revealed things are for us and our children forever, to carry out all the words of this Torah” (Deut. 29:28). Rabbi Weinberg lived with the reality that the all the revealed things are our responsibility. If masses of Jews are assimilating, it’s our responsibility to bring each and every one back. If there is a threat to the Jewish Nation or to the Western world, it cannot be ignored. We must meet the challenges facing us head on and do whatever we can to remedy the situation.
Rabbi Weinberg was fighting the battles of the Jewish people until his last day. Today we are orphans.
Mark (l) and David (r) – Beyond BT Administrators (Photo by Ezzie)
Many people have overcome a number of obstacles to take the steps necessary to learn more about Judaism.
Here are some obstacles:
1) Was afraid that I would have to give up too many pleasurable activities.
2) Judaism seemed old fashioned and unsophisticated.
3) Thought it would be hypocritical to do somethings without doing everything.
4) Felt uncomfortable and judged by Torah Observant people.
5) Was afraid of what my friends and relatives would say.
Which of these did you need to overcome?
What obstacles are missing from the list?
What are the challenges facing the people you know?
The following “open letter†was received from the Bostoner Rebbe and HaRav Simcha HaKohen Kook. It outlines a plan where soldiers are paired with people who will pray and learn for them. To participate, send an email to maortlmo@gmail.com, saying you wish to pray and learn with a soldier and they will supposedly email you back the hebrew name of a soldier.
An open letter to all Achenu Bene Yisroel
After learning about the heart rendering appeal of the Gedolay Torah to intensify our Tefilos and Torah learning during this very trying time for Klal Yisroel, we have undertaken to join and aid them in their prayers.
The Medrash Rabah and the Yalkut relate that during the war against Midyon, for every one that went out to battle there was a designated person whose task it was to pray and learn for him.
The Great Gaon and Sage Rebbe Chaim Kanievsky shlitah when asked about this tradition pointed out that Dovid Hemelech, as well continued and instituted the practice, that for every individual who was in combat, there was another person selected for the specific task of praying and learning for him.
Therefore in order to continue and accomplish this Minhag, we ask soldiers and/or their relatives who would want a “partner” in Torah and Tefillah to email maortlmo@gmail.com or fax 011 9728 9450027 and give their Hebrew name and mothers Hebrew name without any other particulars such as family name or other identifying factors, so that we may disseminate them among those who heed the call to add Torah and Tefiloh for the sake of those who find themselves in
jeopardy chas v’shalom. Anyone who finds himself or herself chas v’shalom in danger or in shelters because of the war may also feel free to call or email to the
above.To bond with us and receive a name of your “partner” please email or fax the above.
May Klal Yisroel in the merit of joining together, speedily see a successful end to this trial and campaign as quoted in the Parsha “without loss of life”.
If someone asked, why do you believe there is a loving and kind G-d, who created and is still involved with the world, what would you answer?
There seems to be at least three approaches
1) Philosophically through First Cause (Cosmological Proof), Design, Planning and Purpose in Nature (Telelogical Proof) or one of the many others
2) Experientially – I know I exist even without proof because I experience my own existence. In the same way, I have experienced G-d’s existence through mitzvos, davening or simple Emunah.
3) Tradition passed down from generation to generation of G-d’s role in the Exodus and the giving of the Torah and other G-d – man communications throughout history.
Which of these is the one that brings you closest to G-d?
Which of these do you think would be most beneficial for a non Observant person?
After 23 years in federal prison, it is time for Jonathan Pollard to go home.
Just a few moments of your time can help Jonathan Pollard regain his freedom. Your phone calls, faxes and letters can help make that happen. He needs your help now.
Please visit http://www.freepollardnow.com/index.php to find out how you can help by doing one of these things:
– CALL THE WHITE HOUSE DAILY
Click here for more information
– SEND A LETTER DAILY TO THE WHITE HOUSE
Click here for addresses and sample letters
– ONLINE PETITION
Sign up to have your name added to the petition that will be sent to President Bush
– DOWNLOAD THE PETITION
Print out the petition and give it to your family and friends to collect signatures
– GET INVOLVED
Collect letters from Clergy, School Principals, Elected Officials, and other community leaders
Leah Larson shows her gratitude on her Yaldah Magazine site.
Thank You!
I’m happy to announce that YALDAH is the Grand Prize Winner of Wells Fargo’s Someday Stories Contest!!
This past Shabbos, my school went on a Shabbaton in a hotel. Right after Shabbos I called my mother to check if she’d heard any news from Wells Fargo. She told me she got an e-mail that we won! My whole school was screaming behind me and hugging me, so I couldn’t hear anything else she was saying! Here’s a photo of me about a minute after I got the news (thank you Elisheva Eisenberg for having your camera ready!)
Now for the thank you’s! So many people helped spread the word. I’d love to mention everyone, but since we got 28,880 votes that’s not possible. So here are just a few, and if I missed out anyone, please know that I am extremely grateful.
First of all, thank you to Hashem. As much as we try to do our part down here, we know that all blessings come from Hashem. I look forward to using the money to encourage more girls to come closer to Hashem and the Torah.
Thank you to my parents, who encouraged me from a young age to go for my dreams. A huge thank you to my mother for entering the contest and for the hours upon hours she spent spreading the word about voting. Thank you to my siblings and all my relatives for your support and for spreading the word as well.
Of course, a huge thank you to Wells Fargo for sponsoring this wonderful contest!
Enormous thanks to Carolyn Lanzkron of jugglingfrogs.com who headed our publicity campaign along with Don Martelli of MS&L. Carolyn was able to use her connections with bloggers and social media, together with many hours spent and lots of hard work to spread the word.
Thank you to the entire Bais Chomesh High School for spreading the word and for all your support!
Thank you to the YALDAH staff for spreading the word and for everything you do for YALDAH! We can’t do it without you!
Thank you to the following blogs, websites, organizations, and newsletters, who posted announcements about voting:
visit Leah’s site for the list.
Please say tehillim and include in your prayers all those injured and taken hostage in the terrorist attack in Mumbai, India(Bombay).
The hebrew names for Rabbi Holtzberg, his wife, and their son, their Hebrew names are:
Rabbi Gavriel Noach ben Freida Bluma,
Mrs. Rivka bas Yehudis and
their baby, Moshe Tzvi ben Rivka
Ron Coleman has posted a piece called “We’re all Chabadniks Now” on his blog.
Project Inspire – Know What to Answer
Project Inspire is sponsoring a three-part program at the Young Israel of Queens Valley to instruct members of the frum community to effectively engage in kiruv discussions and activities. The second session is scheduled for Tuesday, November 25, from 8:00 to 10:00 pm. The cost for the entire series is $36 at the door. For more information, contact Project Inspire (646-291-6191, seminars@projectinspire.com or on the web at www.kiruv.com).
Additionally, there will be free shiurim by Project Inspire on Thursday, November 27, from 10am to 12 Noon, at Congregation Ahavas Yisroel. There will be a shiur by Rabbi Yerachmiel Milstein entitled “Answering Tough Questions” and a shiur Rabbi Chaim Sampsonentitled “Getting Practical.”
The 2008 – Aish Partner’s Conference – December 4th – 7th, 2008 – Hilton Stamford, CT
Join over 600 people including families, students, Aish Rabbis, educators and partners for a content filled weekend you will not forget! Learn from experts. Experience an inspirational, spirit-filled Shabbat. Learn. Relax. Re-charge at a wonderful hotel with delicious food and great company.
At this year’s Partners Conference we’ll be focusing on the big issues facing the Jewish people today. Included on the agenda are:
* What are the major challenges facing the Jewish people?
* How do we to translate our concerns and hopes into action?
* Presentations from both activists and ordinary people who have already made a difference;
* Practical actions to become meaningfully involved in helping the Jewish people.
Partners Conference participants will also experience over 40 of the best classes and workshops presented by Aish’s most experienced teachers. Session streams include:
* Classes for beginners
* Family & singles classes
* Women’s only classes
* Advanced classes
* Practical Kiruv classes
* And many others…
Register early to avoid disappointment – in past years the conference has sold out!
Fabulously Feminine – A Jewish Girl’s Guide Through New York City
Do you ponder the role of the modern Jewish woman? In a day and age when we have everything, how do we find the balance between happiness, success and beauty in our lives?
This winter Aish Connections will explore these ideas in every girl’s favorite play ground, New York City. From New Year’s Eve in Times Square to meeting top female executives, media personalities, fashion designers, and homemakers. Participants will delve into what it means to be a woman, Jewish and fabulous.
Specific details:
Jewish women ages 18-25
December 24 – January 4, 2009
12 Day Trip to NYC
Accomodations and all meals included
Jewish Learning Experience
ONLY $199
Parents are constantly worried about the daily challenges their children face. But as the nature and severity of these challenges evolve faster than ever before, it becomes nearly impossible to keep track of what we’re supposed to be worried about.
“By the time parents have a handle on one problem, their children are already struggling with something entirely different,†says Rabbi Shaya Cohen, founder of Priority-1 and Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Zichron Aryeh.
This disconnect has serious consequences. “When parents don’t know what the problem is, there’s almost no way to help,†says Rabbi Cohen. “It’s like driving a car blindfolded. You may be the best driver on the road — but you still can’t see where you’re going.â€
The solution, according to Rabbi Cohen, is parent training. For the last several years, Priority-1, through its Community Training Initiative, has taught hundreds of parents the skills they need to counter the issues frum children face, while providing resources to help teens enhance their love for Yiddishkeit and Torah learning.
Now parents have a unique opportunity to supercharge their parenting skills at the first ever Priority-1 Parenting Expo, on Sunday, November 16th.
At the Parenting Expo, parents will learn essential, practical parenting skills at workshops led by experts in Chinuch, and social and emotional child development. These workshops address challenges such as peer pressure, learning strategies, Tefillah, Hashkafah, and a multitude of issues related to the child psychology.
Parents will have opportunities for confidential talk time with experts in Hashkafah and mental health, and will receive free material that contains valuable strategies for raising healthy, happy, frum teenagers. Light refreshments will be served.
Among the many experts at the Parenting Expo are renowned psychologist, Dr. David Pelcovitz, and Rabbi Yaakov Bender, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Darchei Torah. Other speakers include Rabbi Zev Freundlich, Menahel of Mesivta Shaarei Arazim, Rabbi Yossie Feintuch, Principal of Torah Academy of Lawrence Cedarhurst, Rabbi Yitzchok Goldberg, Principal at Yeshiva Darchei Torah and Mr. Philip Rosenthal, Computer Forensic Investigator.
“Happy, healthy, frum children typically come from strong, nurturing families led by caring, involved parents,†says Rabbi Cohen. “And parents who educate and prepare themselves have the best chance of succeeding.â€
The Priority-1 2008 Parenting Expo is from 6:00 p.m. — 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 16, 2008 at the Holiday Inn at JFK Airport. For more information, or for sponsorship opportunities, please visit Priority-1 or call 516-295-5700. There is a $25 suggested donation.
Try to get a copy of this week’s Mishpacha Family First which has a wonderful article by Azriela Jaffe, “It Takes a Village – Helping Baalei Teshuva Find a Foothold”. The piece discusses support for BTs.
The article has a great three paragraph sidebar praising Beyond BT and describing our goals.
Rav Avigdor Nebenzahl – writes:
We begin our Shmone Esrei with Baruch Ata Hashem Elokenu v’Elokei avotenu Elokei Avraham, Elokei Yitzchak, ve’Elokei Yaakov: Blessed are You, Hashem, our G-d and the G-d of our forefathers, G-d of Avraham, G-d of Yitzchak, and G-d of Yaakov. Why do we need to mention that Hashem is G-d of all three forefathers? Would it not have sufficed to say Elokei Avraham or at the very most Elokei Avraham, Yitzchak, v’Yaakov? Why do we make a separate mention of Hashem as the G-d of Avraham, the G-d of Yitzchak, and the G-d of Yaakov? The phrase Elokei Avraham, Elokei Yitzchak, v’Elokei Yaakov actually appears in the Torah (see Shmot 3:6), if so the question remains; why does the Torah describe Hashem as the G-d of each of the forefathers separately?
Each of the forefathers had his own unique understanding of Hashem and how to spread word of His existence. Avraham Avinu, as we mentioned, epitomized the Attribute of Chesed. We spoke last week about Noach’s chesed but Noach only had animals to do chesed with. Avraham introduced the idea of chesed with human beings. Yitzchak Avinu was certainly a man of chesed but the Attribute he focused on was the one of din, Judgment. Yaakov personified the trait of rachamim, mercy which lies between chesed and din. Each had his own unique way of knowing and teaching about Hashem, with one emphasizing chesed, one emphasizing din, and one emphasizing rachamim.
Rabbi Dessler in Strive for Truth – Vol 5 (page 53) takes this a step further:
Generally a person’s character is based mainly on one of the three dominant forces discussed above. We usually find that all a person’s thoughts and deeds are influenced and guided by his dominating quality.
When a person decides to devote his life to the service of Hashem, his first act should be to discover and recognize his dominating quality. He should then try to develop it, perfect it and remain true to it to the best of his ability. But he should not be satisfied with this. There are other qualities hidden within him, and to reach his full potential he must try to develop these too.
Check out Aish’s parsha page and the Internet Parsha Sheet for more divrei Torah on the Parsha.
Rabbi Michael Rosensweig on Vehayita Ach Sameach: The Joy of Shemini Azeret
Shemini Azeret is the appropriate culmination to Sukkot precisely because it is finally time to relinquish the lulav and sukah and to give full concentration to the spiritual staples of Talmud torah and tefilah. Thus, this day is both an indispensable component of Sukkot and an independent hag. Anticipating the transition to Shemini Azeret, we already begin to dismantle parts of the environment of the sukah, declaring that we have successfully assimilated the idealized framework of that structure and are confidently poised to return to our more permanent structure having achieved spiritual renewal and reinforcement.
Neil Harris on Simchas Torah and Stimuli
All of the passion I have for Torah Judaism can find expression through dancing and singing. This only can happen if there is a spark within me to begin with. What if there that spark is buried too deep for me to find?
That’s alright, because, I can feed off of others’ passion. That how things work, I think. We at times create our own energy and excitement about things. At other times, we rely on various forms of outside stimuli to jump start us.
Rabbi Benyamin Buxbaum – Two Celebrations of the Torah – Why do we have two holidays for the Torah — Shavuot and Simchat Torah.
On Shavuot, we stay up and learn all night to show our readiness and anticipation to receive the Torah. Because it is an intellectual appreciation, we stay up all night learning Torah. On Simchat Torah, however, we dance — expressing the emotional joy of the body. We are showing that even our bodies have gained tremendously by keeping the Torah.
Ask anyone who has increased their Torah observance and they will tell you the same. At first, each feared, according to his or her nature, that some aspect of the Torah would be restrictive. Be it keeping Shabbat, kosher, family purity or laws of proper speech, each encountered an area that tested their resolve. However, they kept the Torah knowing it was the most meaningful thing to do. And as they grew in their Judaism, they found their lives enhanced in every way.
Originally Published Oct 13, 2006
