Reb Moshe

 

Between Frankfurt and Tzfas -- Boruch Clinton

linked post to Boruch Clinton

It should surprise no one when I note that among Jews – even Torah-loyal Jews – there have always been significant disagreements. Even such seemingly basic texts as Rambam’s thirteen principles have long been the subject of dispute. Safely navigating these disputes can be a challenge. The question I’d like to address in this article concerns whether it’s possible for an individual or community to adopt a philosophical system with a clear and reliable tradition even though it stands at odds with what has become a widely adopted orthodoxy.1

Specifically, I’d like to explore embracing Rabbi S.R. Hirsch’s views on the goals and impact of mitzva observance as opposed to those of the “Tzfas” interpretation of the Zohar and other related works. The differences between these two world-views are far more than purely theoretical and stand close to the very core of how we see our relationship with G-d and the way we approach mitzvos and tefila. Let’s begin by mapping out the key differences.

Hirsch on Mitzvos

Rabbi Hirsch thought of Torah and mitzvos as practical tools created to help us grow into perfect human beings striving to build and maintain perfect communities. He consciously and explicitly avoided any theosophical discussions (or, in other words, any discussion of how performing a mitzva might have some magical effect on either the physical or spiritual world), apparently considering the possibility as a waste of precious time and a distraction from our real goal. Man’s purpose, in Hirsch’s view, is not to see G-d, but to learn to see the world through G-d’s eyes. Why should we care what happens beyond our sphere of knowledge when many very real responsibilities lie waiting for our attention?

Thus, for example, the purpose of the Temple offerings is not to mechanically change (or “fix”) the universe, but to dynamically change ourselves by absorbing the many profound lessons taught by the avoda’s complex symbolic details.

This is nicely illustrated in the fourteenth letter of Hirsch’s Nineteen Letters, where he detailed how each category of Temple service was meant to impress particular thoughts upon us: “The aron represented the concept that the Torah is G-d-given; and the menorah and shulchan, the concept that the physical and mental faculties needed for implementation of the Torah are G-d-given, too.” Individual elements of the avoda served unique educational roles, inspiring our “…consecrating to G-d our life (zerikas ha-dam), our sentiments (ketorus) and, indeed, our entire personality (olah) by fulfilling the Torah.” In the same letter, Hirsch similarly describes prayer as a “cleansing of the thoughts and of the heart” rather than an expression of power.

continue

new and harder trials

Not for his own Goluth but for the Goluth of the Torah does the Jew mourn. And must this morning die away, must the sorrow disappear, must these tears dry up if the nations become more humane and just, if they loosen the chains on the hands and feet of the Goluth-weary Israel, and an emancipated Israel steps into the company of non-Jewish states as a fully-privileged member? Will the Torah be any the less in exile for this? Will the “Goluth of the majesty of God” be brought to an end by this? … Or has it to endure new and harder trials, is it faced with new Goluth sufferings, is it threatened with a new and more painful and bitter exile? 

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, "Av I," Collected Writings, Vol. I, p. 345.

Minhag Ashkenaz Minyan in Lakewood - from Yeshivas Frankfurt A.M A weekly newsletter

Minhag Ashkenaz Minyan in Lakewood - from Yeshivas Frankfurt A.M A weekly newsletter

K’hal Yotzei Ashkenaz of Lakewood, now in its sixth year of perpetuating Mesoras Ashkenaz, hosted its second annual Melave Malka this past Motzaei Shabbos Bo. The event was once again ably chaired by the inimitable Mr. David Klugmann, a prominent member of the Kehilla and son of the unforgettable Mr. Julius Klugmann z”l. 

The Kehilla’s Mara d’Asra, Rav Rafael Bachrach, delivered the first address. He quoted the Gemara, which praises Moshe Rabbeinu for involving himself with the Atzmos Yosef while the rest of Klal Yisroel were occupied with collecting the spoils of Mitzrayim, citing the pasuk in Mishlei, “Chacham lev yikach mitzvos.” The Rav explained that while collecting the spoils was also a mitzvah, special credit is given for the performance of less popular mitzvos, hence the special praise accorded to Moshe. So too, K’hal Yotzei Ashkenaz is a truly unique Kehilla — just one minyan following this mesorah among hundreds in Lakewood, and one of only a handful throughout the rest of America — and those who participate certainly fall into this category of Chachmei Lev. 

Rav Uri Deutsch, Rav of Forest Park, then spoke, drawing on recollections from his youth in the legendary Munk’s Kehilla in Golders Green. He praised how Yahadus Ashkenaz, despite changing times, continues to unapologetically preserve its mesorah —maintaining Botei Knessesios that are paragons of kovod and kedusha, and are reserved exclusively for tefillah, while learning takes places in a separate Beis HaMedrash; upholding absolute reverence for the Rav; and seamlessly weaving tzedakah and chessed into the avodas Beis HaKnesses. He also noted that Motzaei Shabbos Bo, which contains the mitzvah of Vehigadta l’vincha, is a particularly fitting time to celebrate a Kehilla that places such a strong emphasis on mesoras avos. 

Longtime Lakewood resident and Z’kan HaKehilla, Rabbi Avrohom Shereshevsky, was named the Amud HaKehilla honoree, as the Kehilla recognized his dedication as a stalwart member from inception. The Rav concurrently bestowed upon him the title of “Chover” in recognition of his contributions and stature. 

Chazzan Elie Winsbacher, who played an integral role in the establishment of the Kehilla and serves as one of its Yomim Noraim chazzanim, was presented with the Amud HaTefillah award. 

The Rosh HaKohol R’ Aaron Gruenebaum followed with a closing appeal, after which the Kehilla’s Chazzan Chaim Gordimer led the Kehilla in a rendition of Shir Hamaalos. Following bensching, R’ Avi Katzenstein offered words of appreciation on behalf of the board, thanking the many volunteers for their dedication, with special mention of the family of R’ Zeev Rothschild z”l for their ongoing support of the Kehilla. 

A special reprint of the Kehilla’s periodical, Shomer Tziyon HaNe’emon HaChodosh, Chalokim 1–2, was distributed to all attendees. Additional copies of volumes 1-4 as well as the minhagim kuntres are available by contacting the Kehilla at 917-588-5601 or info@ashkenazlkwd.org

About K'hal Yotzei Ashkenaz Founded in 2020, K’hal Yotzei Ashkenaz is dedicated to preserving the rich Nusach HaTefilla and Minhogim of Frankfurt, and is proud to offer daily minyanim, a vibrant weekday and Shabbos morning kollel, and regular shiurim. Drawing inspiration from the Breuer's Kehilla in Washington Heights, the kehillah ensures the continuation of this sacred mesorah for future generations.

Reb Moshe