American Roshei yeshiva discuss alternate plan, for sending bochurim to learn in Eretz yisrael

Senior and younger American Roshei Yeshiva are holding meetings recently to discuss the future of sending Bochurim to learn In yeshivos Eretz yisroel and help with the shiduch crisis as well. In attendance were, the Novominsker rebbe, Rav malkiel Kotler, Rav Meir stern, Rav Elya Ber Wachtfogel, Rav Shlomo Feivel Schustal,  Rav Lipa margolis, Rav Yosef Eichenstein, Rav Kalman Epstein, Rav yossel Mermelstein, Rav Gershon Neuman, Linden, Rav Meir Heshkowitz, Stamford, Rav Yosef Frankel Vyelipol, Rav Eli Yagod, Rav Moti Dick, Rav Mendel Slomowitz, and others.

 There is great debate over the pros and cons of Bochurim going to EY for a few years prior to getting married. While initially it was the norm and still is the norm to go learn in Eretz yisrael, many RY are of the opinion that bochurim experience a yeridah during their stay. The argument is this yeridah far outweighs the maalos they will gain while learning there as a bochur. Many factors contribute to this such as the lack of proper hadracha, and hefkeirus. The other issue is of course the shudduch crisis where bochurim dont return from EY before they are 23 years old causing them to start shiduchim much later.

However, there are no yeshivos in America that are set up for  bochurim 20-23 year olds post Bais Medrash. Most Bochurim stay untill 3rd or 4th year in bais medrash and than go on to learn in the yeshivos of Brisk, Mir, Rav Tzvi kaplan, Rav Shalom Shechter and others.

With backing of baalei Batim a plan is in formation to open a yeshiva catering specificaly for  Bochurim ages 20-23. It will be yeshiva with a structured environment a Blatt shiur, daily shiurim  etc. Rav moti Dick was appointed by the Gedolim to take responsibility in finding a place for this new yeshiva. The Roshei yeshiva will then Push their bochurim to stay in America and offer incentives for after they get married if they choose to go learn in Eretz yisrael for Kollel. Time will tell if this will take off. Its hard to imagine not having a top bochur in Brisk.

Fiveish learns gemara!

Reader submitted, Fiveish gemara or Maseches Fiveish
oorahs mascot seems to be a learned man too.

Asifa Crisis !

Asifa to tackle the asifa  crisis and all future crisis affecting Klal Yisrael.

Coming off the heels of the successful Internet Asifa, the Siyum Hashas and many other large gatherings, askanim are working on a Brand new Asifa as this will be bigger and better than the previous ones. An organizer who was involved in the previous gatherings says all mistakes initially made at the first Asifa and the Siyum will be corrected by the upcoming Asifa. No longer will there be a conflict on the official language spoken at the Asifa, or which drashos should be delivered. For this there will 3 separate stadiums for yiddish english and hebrew speakers.

 In the English stadium there will be an option for a Yiddish speaker if he can not get a seat, or is not wanted at the dais of the main Yiddish venue. Same Thing with the Hebrew and English venues they can switch but the Yiddish venue will be exclusive Yiddish. All stadium workers must be fluent in Yiddish, any stadium staff caught speaking a Language other than Yiddish will be removed immediately, The dais will be constructed in a way that All Gaboim can take a turn behind their Rav on a newly designed rotating Gabboim stage which will encircle the dais making brief stops in front of the respected Rabbanim.

 Askanim have noticed that events held at winning venues have a high success rate, Such as the Siyum Hashas  in Metlife following the Giants winning the super bowl, and the Internet Asifa following the 1986 Mets. In light of that they are looking to go full circle and use Yankee stadium too. 
We are still not sure what the Asifa will discuss and be about it is a close kept secret, but an Asifa is desperately needed. However the topics to be discussed are the current and future crisis affecting the klal. There are many upcoming crisis such as the the housing crisis, Avos ubanim crisis forcing fathers to learn with their sons, Zman magazine crisis kids cant put it down crisis. In order not to run late or have people miss connecting trains and ferries, the Asifa will be a full 12 hour program,  this way it can not run late and people know in advance what to expect. There will be an inaugural asifa miles program where you earn miles for attending and time spent. Stay tuned.

Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of America issues statement on drafting yeshiva leit

We are deeply dismayed by the efforts in Eretz Yisroel to draft B’nei Yeshiva and remove them from the Beis Medrash, the wellspring of Torah to which they dedicate their days and nights. The perseverance and security of Hashem’s people are rooted in its dedication to Torah study, as Chazal comment on the posuk “Our feet were standing at your gates, Yerushalayim”: “What will enable our feet to stand firm in war?  The gates of Yerushalayim, where [Jews] devote themselves to Torah study.”

We appeal to the members of the government in Israel not to take any steps that will in any way negatively affect the B’nei Yeshiva and their study of Torah.  For Torah study is “our life and the length of our days,” which will “lead us, upright, forever.”

Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of America

translation credit BJL

Its Dinner time!

Please show your support to the following Mosdos at their fundraising Dinner.
No More football on Sunday -

Tonight Sunday February 17, 2013

Yeshiva of Philadelphia Dinner
HIlton garden inn
1100 South Avenue at loise lane Staten Island,
 NY
 Yeshiva Gedolah of Passaic 40th Annual Dinner

Yeshiva Bais Moshe of Scranton 48th annivesary Dinner
The Palace hall 770 Mcdonald, Brooklyn, NY

Yeshiva Gedolah of Springfield-Tiferes boruch
At Sheraton Hotel, Newark airport NJ

Rav Elyashiv, The Book published by Artscroll

 Some call it השקדן in English, the long awaited biography has been published by Artscroll. TORAH WAS HIS LIFE AND ALL OF KLAL YISROEL WERE HIS STUDENTS(FROM ARTSCROLL).Introductory Price: $22.39. The undisputed posek hador. The gadol who carried the Torah world on his shoulders. For close to a century, Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv was a fixture in the Meah Shearim neighborhood of Yerushalayim, studying Torah day and night. Even during the decades that he served as a dayan (Rabbinic Judge) and played a key role in establishing the structure of the Beis Din Hagadol, his life revolved around his diligent Torah study. His sweet singsong voice rang out at first in the Ohel Sarah shul, and then resonated to every corner of the Torah world, through the thousands upon thousands of piskei halachah he issued and the profound guidance - in matters public and private - that he offered. Yet for all that he was renowned and acknowledged as the generation's leader, he remained an enigma even to those closest to him. This stunning new book unravels much of the mystery of this gadol who was at once famed and hidden. This fascinating portrait of Rav Elyashiv sheds light on the many different facets of this Torah giant: his incredible diligence and hasmadah, his absolute self-control, the warmth that lay behind his reticent, humble manner. This comprehensive work features: A wealth of historical information about the Eretz Yisrael Rav Elyashiv grew up in and helped to shape Rare family photos and documents Behind-the-scenes views of political storms and halachic controversies Vignettes of Rav Elyashiv's personal life and conduct The Jeremias Edition Rav Elyashiv is dedicated by Boruch and Chanie Jeremias.

Parnassah Expo 2013

The Nationwide Parnassah Expo which started out previously in Lakewood and drew over 7000 participants will be held today February, 12, 2013  at the Meadowlands Expo Center in New Jersey. Unlike the Lakewood event which had separate hours for Men and ladies, this event is of a different setting. The keynote speaker is the Lieutenant Governor of  New Jersey Kim Guadango. She will be speaking for both men and women. Vuss tit men nisht far parnooseh!. An Anonymous phone call went out in frum neighborhoods advising people there will be no mechitza or separate hours for men and ladies at the Expo.
Program begins 12:00 pm untill 9:00 pm
Registration fee is $25 at the door.
The Expo is divided into 2 programs:
Program A will network existing businesses offering resources and services.
Program B will be a resource for Building a successful career path and starting or growing your business with guidance.
The Expo promises to be an event where you can network and find resources in every aspect of Parnassah. Whether you are coming for the Job Fair sections or for the Business and Industry sections, you will be glad you were a part of this national event. The Expo is a huge market place divided up by focused areas of Parnassah related services. It is geared for Jewish Buisnesses.
Location for the expo is at;
355 Plaza Dr Plaza Dr at Park Plaza Dr, Secaucus, NJ 07094

For Driving directions to the Parnassah Expo at the Meadowlands click HERE

Ad D'lo Yoda!

This is what happenes when you use google translate.

עד דלא ידע

Ami magazine- Mayor Koch asked a Sheilah to be buried in non Jewish Cemetery

 This weeks issue of Ami Magazine Feb 6, 2013, there is an interview with Mr. Abe Biderman a noted askan who worked hand in hand with Mayor Ed Koch for several years. He said, Mr. Koch was a Oheiv Yisrael and a very proud Jew. Asked how that statement fits with the Jewish mayors decision to be buried in Trinity Cemetery which is not a Jewish cemetery. Mr. Biderman responded how he personally argued with the former Mayor about that. 

Mayor Koch was adamant about not leaving Manhattan and there were no open Jewish cemeteries in Manhattan. You cant be buried in a christian cemetery ! said Mr. Biderman to which the mayor replied that he had asked a sheilah. He had asked Rabbi Maurice Lamm author of the book (The Jewish way in Death and Mourning) who told him that if he separates himself Daled Amos from other Matzeivos and puts a fence around the plot than hes allowed to do it. 

 Its actually a non- denominational cemetery its not strictly a christian cemetery Koch insisted that he had asked a Rabbi and he could do it. He didn't ask too many Sheilos.

The promoters

! מלחמתה של תורה This is not a Purim joke. The lakewood Rosh Yeshiva was at the airport in Miami, while Boxing promoter Don King was filming a promotion for an upcoming show.

Forget the dough, we need the Shabbos Goy!

The United States Postal Service Announced it will no longer deliver mail on Saturdays due to budget cuts it will save $2 Billion annually. For Frum yidden this news came as a blessing and a curse. The good part is no more do we have to deal with the post shabbos stress of utility bills on Motzei Shabbos as we open the mail, we have until Monday to relax.

However the "Shabbos goy" that so many of us depend on, the non Jewish Mail man, to shut the light, to turn off the fan, to turn up the heat or AC, to deliver a breaking news story or sports score, will be missed. It may save a few dollars not having  mail delivery on Shabbos but what are we going to do when the Cholent is burning, when the fire was left on, or when you notice the Birthday card that arrived from Grandma and cant wait to open it.

Perhaps President Barack Obama will once again offer his Shabbos Goy  services free of charge along with Colin Powell and Mario Cuomo.

Crtl C Ctrl V! Are frum news sites boring you?

Copy and paste, are the keys most used by frum news websites and Blogs. The content on many frum websites at least the news reporting ones, is lacking original reporting. Most of the posts are just copied from other news sites and re posted. It maybe the latest Drudge headlines, Israeli news (that many in the US have no interest in), or AP stories. What these editors are doing are sifting through the wires picking and choosing which stories to post.

Unlike Professional news sites that have their own reporters and journalists, the frum sites are run by a handful of people whose job is to gather the news and post what they seem appropriate. Many articles are fillers and have no interest at all. Many friends have commented on the lack of original and thought provoking articles.

They do face challenge, as the frum sites are limited to what they can post. They will not post Lashon Hora stories or the latest Celebrity news and Gossip. To compensate they turn to the major Jewish Israeli  English websites which are based in Israel and post many of those stories. While Jews in America always want to know what is going on in Israel, not all are interested in the daily non national stories. Many sites have added daily videos and other forms of entertainment as a way to attract and maintain viewers. Its challenging on the Web and those who sleep will just get left behind.

Sandy Seforim drive- replacing Seforim lost in Hurricane Sandy

Its 100 days since Hurricane sandy, over 30,000 Seforim were destroyed weighing over 200,000 pounds. These seforim needed 4 tractor trailers to transport them to genizah  HERE. The cost to replace is over One million dollars. Enter "Project Toras Chesed" children doing chesed through learning. Its a program where Children can raise money through learning Torah. The monies raised will be used to purchase seforim that will be given to shuls, yeshivos, and Individuals whose seforim were destroyed by Sandy and buried in Shaimos.
Children will ask relatives and neighbors to sponsor each pasuk, Mishna, line of Gemara learned or each perek of Tehilim said.

Project Toras chesed is a joint project of The Lefkowitz family young leadership initiative of Agudas Yisroel, Yeshiva Darchei Torah, Pirchei Agudas yisrael of America, Achiezer of the Five Towns, Partners in torah of Yeshiva Beth Yehuda of Detroit.

For Information call Agudah seforim relief at: 646-494-2697
Email: Projecttoraschesed@agudathisrael.org

Its Dinner time!

Besides for football or the Super Bowl, Sundays in the Winter Months  host fundraising dinners for Yeshivos and Mosdos. Please come and show your support to the following Yeshivos and Mosdos.

Tonight: Sunday Febuary 3, 2013

Yeshiva gedolah of Bayone  22nd Annual Dinner 
Torah V'yirah Hall 54th Street fort Hamilton Brooklyn, NY
 Email: Ygobdinner@gmail.com

Yeshivas Telshe Alumnai Riverdale -32nd Annual Dinner
Doubletree Hotel, Tarrytown, NY 455 South Broadway
Email: Ytadinner@gmail.com

Six Months since the Siyum Hashas

Its been Six full months Since we stood together for the Siyum Hashas at Metlife stadium. We all came away inspired and secretly took something upon ourselves to take home with us. As Rabbi Frand and Rav Yitzchok Sheiner inspired and encouraged all to take something with us. Many started their first cycle of the Daf Yomi. We are deep in Masechtes Shabbos with 36 days left to masechtes Eruvin. Its not easy and many have the thought of dropping out- Yet as we think back to the Siyum and the chizuk we got as we made a commitment it helps us and motivates us to continue on. May hashem give strength to all of us to continue and have Hatzlacha in our learning and Yiras shamayim. Click HERE to watch a video- highlights of the historic Siyum hashas  program of Agudath Israel of America 2012.

Agudah to launch website??

In an effort to increase communication with its members, the Agudath Israel of America Director of communications sent out a survey HERE. Some of the questions posed were:
 How likely are you to check an Agudath Israel website?  
How likely are you to download an Agudath Israel app on your mobile device?  
How likely are you to subscribe to an RSS feed of Agudath Israel news?
It appears that allthough it maybe from the few remaining jewish organizations not to have a website, The Agudah may decide its time to launch their own website. In an Article HERE we explained why a Agudah website would be important. Of course it will be up to the Moetzes to make the call.

Link HERE