Glimpse of Greatness

Womens Wisdom

Window into the Kollel

chicago
table of contents
3 Glimpse of Greatness 4 Womens Wisdom 5 Window into the Kollel 6 Torat Eretz Yisrael 7 Kosher Korner 8 Yahrtzeit of the Month
chicagoTORAH 5772 is endowed by Lennie & Jessica Weiss in loving memory of Mr. Irving Weiss, ah

TORAH
A monthly publication of Yeshiva University Torah Mitzion Kollel of Chicago Volume 1 Issue 5 Adar 5772
Volume 1 Issue 1

message of the month: ADAR

By: Rabbi Yaakov Trump, Kollel Fellow
n the song Shoshanat Yaakov we extol G-d for being our eternal salvation, both historically and in the future. It is fascinating that this message finds its way into the liturgy of Purim specifically. What is it about Purim that elicits this reference to our redemption throughout history and in the future? Though the Jews have faced destruction in many generations, Hamans plot posed a unique threat. This decree was not only an earthly

-
You were their salvation for eternity and their hope in every generation. Shoshanat Yaakov

one; it was signed by G-d as well. The Midrash states that when the Megilah speaks of the king, it is a veiled reference to the King of Kings (Midrash Abba Guryon 1). When the Megilah (3:10) describes the king handing over the royal seal to validate Hamans plans, this means it was sealed in the Heavenly records as well. Escaping a divine decree was no simple matter, especially for the Jews of Shushan. The Sfat Emet (Shmot, Purim) explains that this Midrash means that the Jewish people were bereft of

merits in the time of Hamans decree; we had no grounds for redemption. G-d saved us for one simple reason: we are His nation. Purims unique salvation shows us that the connection of the Jewish people to G-d can never be severed. This message of Purim is timeless. In Hilchot Megilah (2:18), the Rambam writes that in the Messianic era, all books of the prophets will become obsolete, except for Megilat Esther. Our unconditional connection to G-d is truly enduring in every generation.

This issue is anonymously sponsored in honor of Rosh Kollel Rabbi Reuven Brand and all the Kollel fellows for enriching and strengthening the greater Chicago Jewish community with inspired Torah living and learning.

Yeshiva University Torah Mitzion Kollel of Chicago

AnnuAl Dinner SunDAy evening, MArch 18
Dr. ShMuel AnD chAnA golDStein Dr. MichAel AnD DArryle gillMAn Mr. ShMuel AnD Miki Schreiber
to MAke reServAtionS or for More inforMAtion contAct uS At 773.973.6557 or info@chicAgotorAh.org
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2012

Welcoming - rAbbi herShel SchAchter, ShlitA Recognizing the contributions of

letter from the EDITOR

Rabbi Menachem Rosenbaum Chicago

TORAH
Rabbi Reuven Brand Rosh Kollel Sam Medow Executive Director Rabbi Menachem Rosenbaum Editor-In-Chief Shaina Weiss General Editor Stacy Kass Graphic Designer chicagoTORAH 5772 is endowed by Lennie & Jessica Weiss in loving memory of Mr. Irving Weiss, ah

Dear Reader,
When Adar enters, we increase our joy (Taanit 29a). Outside of Yeshiva Universitys Beit Midrash there is a sign that goes up every Adar that adds the following explanation: There is no joy other than the joy of Torah. There are many ways for us to enhance our Torah learning, but Adar increases our joy of learning Torah in a unique way. Every one of us, at one time or another, has found ourselves with that chidush, that incredible Torah novelty that brings us so much pleasure that we just have to share it with someone, only to find no one with whom to share it. This is what makes Adar different- it has an element of communal learning. So many people are familiar with the story of Esther. Everyone loves to talk about the many nuances found in the Megillah, from why Vashtis death is not explicit in the text to why Esther asked for a second party with Achashveirosh. The mitzvah of reading the Megillah itself implies this notion of communal Torah learning; Megillat Esther is the only Megillah that is read publicly and then publicly reviewed the next day. The halacha is telling us: lets talk about the story again. Torah learning during the month of Adar is more joyous because it brings the community together, one of the major themes of Purim. In our own small way, that is what we are trying to do in the YU Torah Mitzion Kollel every day and with chicagoTORAH every month. chicagoTORAH brings the community together by displaying a buffet of timely Torah literature that everyone can access. This publication strives to present the Chicagoland community with Torah thoughts that help connect its readers to each other as well as to the Torah that the Kollel learns daily. Rabbi Menachem Rosenbaum

did you KNOW?

The Kollel has developed a new 3 part womens halacha shiur in Northbrook for the women and friends of Congregation Darchei Noam of Glenbrook. Given by our Rosh Kollel and Kollel fellows, this series focuses on food preparation on Shabbat and Holidays.

In partnership with Bnei Akiva, Hillel Torah and Or Torah the Kollel hosted an Israeli Tu Bshvat

chicagoTORAH A monthly publication of Yeshiva University Torah Mitzion Kollel of Chicago

Please feel free to contact me at mrosenbaum@chicagotorah.org

Celebration. Families joined together for interactive games, activities, and a seder Tu Bshvat presentation by our Kollel fellows and community members.

Over 275 Ida Crown Jewish Academy students participated in a Yom Iyun facilitated by the Kollel last month which brought together community scholars and the Kollel fellows who each offered individual learning sessions that the students were able to choose from. The Kollel partners with Hebrew Theological College to offer a joint summer learning and internship program.

A Story of Inspiration: Rav Chaim Soloveitchik, ztl

Rav Chaim Soloveitchik, ztl (1853-1918) When most people think of Rav Chaim, what immediately comes to mind is his piercing analysis of Talmud and Rambam that revolutionized the study of Torah worldwide. However, another vital aspect of his personality was his remarkable, boundless compassion. An article published during his lifetime in the Yiddish newspaper, The Forward, describes Rav Chaim as a paradigm of benevolence: To the locals, who know the rabbi, he is, quite simply, a moral giant. In Brisk, young atheists and old religious Jews share the same view of Soloveitchik. He is talked about as if he is a living legend. Soloveitchiks breadth as a thinker and moralist is known to all in his hometown, no matter what religious affiliation they may or may not have. Further evidence of his sense of compassion is described in the following story: Rabbi Meir Bar-Ilan once asked his grandfather, Rabbi Yechiel Michel Epstein (author of the Aruch HaShulchan) what was the role of a community rabbi. He answered, that his role is to be a posek, a decisor of Jewish law, for the town. Rabbi Bar-Ilan later asked Rav Chaim Soloveitchik the same question. Rav Chaim said that the main role of the rabbi is to provide chesed to those in need. For Rav Chaim this answer was not just theoretical. When Rav Chaim would encounter a poor person who didnt have shoes, he would take off his own shoes and give them to the poor person. Similarly, Rav Chaim was given a woodshed to heat his house during the winter, but only agreed to use it if it were left open and accessible for all who needed wood. Once a beggar came to Rav Chaims door looking for a pen. The only pen to be found in the house was being used by Rav Chaims son, Rav Yitzchak Zev, who was using the pen to write divrei Torah. Nonetheless, Rav Chaim demanded that his son hand over the pen to the beggar. In his mind, there was nothing that preceded gemilut chasadim. Although his life was dedicated to learning and teaching Torah in ways that were unparalleled in previous generations, that is not how Rav Chaim wanted to be remembered. Before he passed away, he commanded his family what to write on his gravestone (pictured below). The only thing he wanted inscribed was that he was the Rav in Brisk, who cared for those in need.

glimpse of GREATNESS

Sources: Forward.com, Revach.net, The Rav by Rabbi Aron Rakeffet-Rothkof, Rabbi Kenneth Brander, in a shiur

The Purim Tail

Megillah 12b
chicagoTORAH Adar 5772

womens WISDOM
Every Last One
By: Dr. Nechama Brand

one tree- the tree of knowledge- that was beyond them. Adam and Chava could not be satisfied until they were able to enjoy every last fruit and no restriction to their desires existed, just like Haman. Chazal are teaching us the importance of happiness with ones portionsameach bchelko. One who is not satisfied with the gifts they have from Hashem and constantly seeks more is walking down a path of self-destruction. Our appreciation of all that we have is a triumph over Haman and an essential ingredient in our Purim happiness.

n a curious passage, the Rabbis of the Talmud (Chullin 139b) find an allusion to the main characters of the Purim story in the Torah itself. Regarding Haman, the Talmud cites the phrase from Bereishit, Hamin Haetz- from the tree. We learn to connect the name Haman with the word Ha-min, which relates to the tree of knowledge from which Adam ate against the command of Hashem. Why do the Rabbis relate the character of Haman to the events of Adam and Chava? Is it merely a play on words? Clearly our oral Torah must be teaching us something deeper than

word matching. There is a thematic connection between the two stories. Haman had everyone in 127 countries bowing to him. Yet, Umordechai Lo Yichra Vlo Yishtachaveh (Esther 3:2). There was one Jew, Mordechai, who refused to bow, and this drove Haman mad. Haman was not satisfied with all of his fame and honor, because his desires would not be quenched until he had every last person bow to him. We now appreciate the parallel to the story of Adam and Chava. The entire world was open to them. G-d gave them every possible aspect of the garden to enjoy. There was one restriction,

events in ADAR

13 ADAR Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, considered by many to be the leading Halachik arbiter of American Jewry, died. [1986] 15 The Spanish Expulsion: Queen Isabella ordered her more than 150,000 Jewish subjects to either convert to Christianity or face expulsion. [1492] 16 ADAR The Chief Rabbinate of Israel was founded. Rabbi Avraham Yitzhak Hacohen Kook and Rabbi Yaakov Meir Cohen were appointed Israels chief rabbis. [1921] 20 ADAR Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, a leading Halachik arbiter of Israeli Jewry, died. [1995] 29 ADAR The path to Jerusalem was cleared during Operation Nachshon, which took place in the War of Independence. [1948]
Sources: Napoleon III by Georges Roux; ccn.com, Talmud Kiddushin; www.jpost. com; www.ynet.co.il, ; ,

1 ADAR Napoleon convened the Great Sanhedrin, an assembly of the French Jewish leaders. [1807] 3 ADAR Jonathan Pollard was sentenced to life imprisonment in the United States for espionage. [1987] 7 ADAR Moshe Rabbenu was born and died on this day. [1392/1272 BCE] 9 ADAR The Flag of Ink was raised by Israeli soldiers who captured Eilat, the last conquest of the War of Independence. [1949]

chicagoTORAH A monthly publication of Yeshiva University Torah Mitzion Kollel of Chicago

window into the KOLLEL

Circumcision: a Prohibition
By: Rabbi Yoni Gold, Kollel Fellow

hen counting the 613 commandments, one immediately notices the two basic categories of mitzvot. On one hand, there are positive commandments, mitzvot which must be performed. On the other hand, we have negative commandments, prohibitions which must be avoided. However, there is a type of mitzvah which straddles the line between these two groups. Occasionally, the Torah will instruct a negative command by way of a positive command. In these instances, the command to carry out the positive mitzvah will imply a prohibition against not performing that mitzvah. This class of mitzvot is known as issur asei, positive prohibition. In his commentary to the mishnayot, Rambam (Makkot 3:1) claims that any commandment which carries the punishment of kareit (spiritual excision) is a negative command from the Torah. In his commentary to Rambams Mishneh Torah, entitled Lechem Mishneh (Hilchot Sanhedrin 18:2), R. Avraham de Boton (15451585) quotes and challenges this premise. One problem with Rambams assertion is the status of the mitzvah of brit milah (circumcision). The first mishnah in Masechet Kritot lists thirty six commandments which carry the punishment of kareit. Amongst this list are brit milah and korban pesach (paschal sacrifice). These last two commandments are phrased in the Torah as positive mitzvot and do not

include explicit negative commands (Vayikra 12:3 and Devarim 16:3). R. Herschel Schachter, in a lecture to our Kollel, suggested an explanation

spend the money in order to fulfill the mitzvah? R. Isserles writes, based on the Talmud, that one need not pay in excess of one-fifth of his assets in order to purchase such an etrog or, in fact, to perform any mitzvah. However, he continues, a person must spend all of his money to avoid transgressing an aveirah (a negative commandment). With this distinction in mind, how much money must one spend in order to fulfill the mitzvah of brit milah? If brit milah is merely a positive command, then there would be a limit to what is required, as is true with all positive commands. Alternatively, if brit milah is also an issur asei, then it contains a negative command. This element of issur (prohibition) might necessitate that someone spend all of his money in order to perform brit milah. These issues are also discussed by R. Joseph Teomim (1727-1292) in his commentary Eishel Avraham (O.C. 656:8), a supercommentary to the Magen Avraham. He ponders the ruling in regards to negative commands which are similar to this model of brit milah. This complex issue can also be found discussed in Pitchei Teshuva (Y.D. 157:4), of R. Yaakov Tzvi Hirsch Eisenstadt (18131863). The Kollel has just concluded the 19th perek of Massechet Shabbat, which discusses the laws of milah.
chicagoTORAH Adar 5772

of Rambams odd statement. Brit milah might be phrased as a positive command, but its punishment of kareit is an indication that it is also an issur asei, a positive prohibition. The Torah requires the performance of circumcision and includes a negative command if one shirks this responsibility, implied by the punishment of kareit. With this conception of brit milah, the mitzvah becomes an amalgamation of positive and negative command, which leads to different treatment in the realm of halachah. A possible expression of this nuance is the extent of ones obligation. R. Moshe Isserles (1520-1572), in his glosses to the Shulchan Aruch (O.C. 656:1), discusses the amount of money that must be spent in order to fulfill a mitzvah. If, for example, someone can find only a single etrog and it is being sold at an exaggerated price, must one

torat ERETZ YISRAEL

By: Rabbi Yakov Ochana, Kollel Fellow

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spotlight on a KOLLEL STAR

Rabbi Michael Teitcher
:Quick Stats
Kollel Alumnus, ICJA Seminar in Jewish Thought Instructor
Currently pursuing a Masters in Medical Science at Loyola University of Chicago . Born in Oceanside, NY Married to Ayala nee Rosen originally of Passaic, NJ, an architectural designer at Airoom architects and builders . Resides with their son Raanan in West Rogers Park
The Kollel is invaluable for the opportunity it offers to partner with the Torah Mitzion shlichim. Learning with and from the Israeli fellows is a unique privilege .in which I was honored to take part The Kollels uniqueness lies in that it offers people an opportunity to go above and beyond the normal expectations of communal and spiritual involvement .The Kollel strives for excellence in learning, teaching, and community outreach

chicagoTORAH A monthly publication of Yeshiva University Torah Mitzion Kollel of Chicago

kosher KORNER

um l Ak Bishu

Dear Rabbi K, tter Kosher? my non-Jewish babysi Is a potato baked by

Zarah ws (Masechet Avodah is cooked by non-Je e kosher food that Our Sages forbad ever, the Talmud as Bishul Akum. How ition is referred to b-36a). This prohib es in an 35 n raw or one prepar t either is edible whe excludes any food tha reh Deah (ibid.) ked by non-Jews (Yo such food may be coo nner from this law; unrefined ma 113:1). h that exclusion. Wit are not subject to ally eaten raw and Potatoes are not usu would be ticular dish to consider if a par exclusion, we need lacking regard to the second d even if currently it would be prohibite ined manner. If so, presented in a ref sophisticated :9). With a slightly Darchei Teshuvah 113 essary garnish (see even the nec would be served at nish, baked potatoes the addition of a gar presentation and er, according to Bishul Akum. (Howev they are subject to affairs. Therefore, Binyamin regal mitted, see Chelkat potatoes may be per s microwave-baked some authoritie 113:126.) plays a ation where a Jew not apply to a situ t Bishul Akum does One should note tha dispute. The fices is subject to a s. Exactly what suf in the cooking proces ed critical role everything else involv for a non-Jew to do t it is permissible Mechaber opines tha n where in a hot ove to actually place it if a Jew is the one ato if in baking the potato permitting the pot (ibid.) goes further, 113:7). The Rema ato will it could bake (YD so that the pot es the temperature on the oven or rais ing a Jew simply turns uent steps in the bak all prior and subseq a non-Jew performs bake faster, even if process.

Thanks for asking! Rabbi K

chicagoTORAH Adar 5772

To sponsor an upcoming edition of chicagoTORAH please contact the Kollel office at 773.973.6557 or info@chicagotorah.org
ROSH KOLLEL Rabbi Reuven Brand KOLLEL FELLOWS Rabbi Dovi Bergman Rabbi Etan Ehrenfeld Rabbi Yoni Gold Rabbi Yakov Ochana Rabbi Ephraim Rimel Rabbi Menachem Rosenbaum Rabbi Yaakov Trump

YAHRTZEIT of the month

7th of Adar
Born: 1924, Jerusalem Founded: Yeshivat Kerem BYavneh Writings: Asufot Maarachot Died: 1995

Rabbi Chaim Yaakov Goldvicht, ztl

table of the month contents

ahead
FEBRUARY 28 JEW IN THE MODERN WORLD: PART II with Barry Weiss, entertainment executive and member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. 8:00pm at the Gidwitz Place and Friend Center inDeerfield. *Registration required.* MARCH 11 ARON AND RIVKA FRIEDMAN KOLLEL YOM RISHON. Modern Medicine and Timeless Teachings with Dr. Stuart Apfel, Associate Professor of Neurology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and at Downstate Medical Center, and Rabbi Aaron Segal, Kollel alumnus and PhD student at Notre Dame University. MARCH 18 Join us for our ANNUAL DINNER in support of the Kollel. Welcoming Rabbi Herschel Shachter, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of YU and recognizing Dr. Michael & Darryle Gillman, Dr. Shmuel & Chana Goldstein, and Mr. Shmuel & Miki Schreiber. Contact us NOW to make your reservation. For more information on Kollel programs please contact the Kollel office at 773-973-6557 or email info@ chicagotorah.org

av Chaim Yaakov Goldvicht, founding Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Kerem BYavneh, was the leading force behind the creation of the Hesder Yeshiva system of today. In 1948, Hesder Yeshivot had yet to exist. Individuals who joined the army of the new State of Israel had no structured system to learn Torah during their service. At the time, Rav Goldvicht was learning in the illustrious Slobodka Kollel in Jerusalem. His mentors included Rav Isser Zalman Meltzer, the Chazon Ish and the Brisker Rav. Despite losing a potentially fruitful career in

the classical Yeshiva world, Rav Goldvicht accepted the reigns of leadership of a new yeshiva and a new ideal in which Torah study and army service went hand in hand. He took this plunge with the words of the Chazon Ish ringing in his ears: If they need Torah, go and teach them. During the decades of his leadership in the Yeshiva, Rav Goldvicht developed an incredibly close relationship with his students. Rav Goldvicht would visit students at their army bases as well as attend their university graduations. Before flying to America for the annual Yeshiva dinner, Rav Goldvicht

would give an address to the entire Yeshiva explaining his distress at leaving his precious students, but at theIssue 1 Volume 1 same time noting his obligations to the needs of the Yeshiva. Every time he would travel, a large group of students would accompany him to the airport. Upon his return, there would be an eager group of followers waiting to greet him. Rav Goldvicht left behind a legacy of Torah, a vast and indispensable Yeshiva system, and thousands of beloved students.
As told by Rabbi Ari Katz, executive director of Yeshivat Kerem BYavneh

about our KOLLEL

The mission of the Yeshiva University Torah Mitzion Kollel of Chicago is to enrich and engage the greater Chicago Jewish community with inspired Torah living and learning. The Kollel is an open community of learning that celebrates three core values: the primacy of Torah, the importance of positive interaction with general society and culture and the religious significance of the State of Israel. The Kollels center of

endowed by

learning is its Beit Midrash, where fellows spend their day engaged in intensive study of Talmud, Halacha and Jewish thought. Our Torah shines throughout Chicago; it is a strategic asset to our community, strengthening shuls and schools with diverse Torah programming. Our dynamic, talented team of scholars offers a learning portfolio unique in its scope and breadth by partnering with local institutions to provide oneonone learning opportunities,

inspiring youth and teen programs, womens initiatives, online resources and access to renowned Torah personalities. The Kollel is comprised of eight families from Israel and across America, all of whom share a passion for inspired Jewish living and learning. Since the Kollels founding in 2008, several alumni have taken community positions in rabbinic and lay leadership capacities in Chicago.

A Community Partnership of Yeshiva University Center for the Jewish Future RIETS in affiliation with Kollel Torah Mitzion

chicagoTORAH A monthly publication of Yeshiva University Torah Mitzion Kollel of Chicago Adar 5772