Politicians Penetrate, Pierce Padlocked Public Play Parks

Seems like they are done with Corona in Brooklyn, and the Governor has allowed the parks to open but the Mayor still refuses to let the children play. Some fine vigilantes along with public officials have cut the locks and opened various parks in Boro Park and Flatbush.

Hopefully, this will end the hypocrisy allowing thousands to demonstrate racial equality, but keep kids locked up with nothing to do in the summer.

I am not sure what to make of this. OTOH, we should not be teaching children to flout the rules, but OTOH, when the rules become draconian, one must take a stand.

Kudos to Felder, Yaeger and Eichenstein.

Marc's Malkhei Makes Mark - Iggerot Malkhei Rabbanan

Dr. Professor Marc Shapiro has published a most interesting book. It is comprised primarily of Shaalot and Teshuvot, yet unlike all other Shaalot and Teshuvot which feature a posek responding to many various individuals, this one has questions by one man (Prof Shapiro) asked to many different poskim.

Since the author and many of the poskim are contemporary, this makes for some very fascinating reading. Additionally, Prof Shapiro is currently giving lectures with many insights into the background of the questions; and due to Covid-19, these podcasts can be downloaded free from the TIM website.

HebrewBooks Hosts Helmreich's Hearings

In 1982, Professor William Helmreich released his sociological study of the Yeshiva World, entitled The World of the Yeshiva.  The highlight of this work, were the many interviews he conducted with many of the great Roshei Yeshiva of the era (R Schneur Kotler, R Yaakov Perlow, R Yaakov Weinberg, R Elya Svei, R Aharon Schechter, R Osher Kalmanovitz, R Shmuel Berenbaum, R Yaakov Kamenetzky, R Yitzchak Hutner, R Moshe Feinstein, R Gedaliah Schorr, R Mordechai Gifter and R Henoch Leibowitz).  Unfortunately those recordings were lost, but the transcripts are available on Hebrewbooks.org.  A very worthwhile read.

Professor Helmreich passed away due to Covid-19 complications on March 28 of this year.

Hebrewbooks link

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TWy1BsxlFIOBzgAcxCCAEwjNvm73QlSS/view?usp=sharing

Nach Nafshei Nasi Novominsk

Baal Achrayos, Rov, Rebbe, Rosh Yeshiva, Agudah, Torah Umesorah, TAG, Ichud, Project Witness, Rosh Moetzes, Baal Midos, Peacemaker, Ehrlich, Baal Mechaber, Brilliant, Writer, Orator.

Contagious Chinese Corona Curtails, Cancels - Celebrations, Courses, Customs

It is amazing that a tiny microscopic virus has been able to accomplish Takkanos that were heretofore unheeded in Jewish life.

Rabbonim had asked that we limit size on weddings, limit the opulent spending and limit elaborate vacations etc.

We didn't listen, and now we are being forced to comply.

Wise-men Weigh Whether WZO Warrants WWW Win

The age old question of whether to participate in elections for the World Zionist Organization has once again surfaced.

As this is a very delicate topic, the Moetzes has not issued any opinion one way or the other, as there is disagreement as to which course of action to follow. Should we vote and then have a voice, or do we stay away because we don't want to associate with irreligious organizations?
Both sided have legitimate reason as to why they are correct.

It has been reported that R' Chaim Kanievsky supports voting. This is surprising, considering his past vehement opposition to any Zionist controlled entity.

In any event, ask your LOR.

Dialogue Debates Doctor's Doctrines: Dialogue For Torah Issues and Ideas, Fall 5780/2019 Volume 8

There are not that many events that warrant posting on this somewhat defunct blog. I was tempted to emerge out of semi-retirement to comment on the recent Siyum HaShas, but that will wait for another day.

I was pleasantly surprised, however, to see that Dialogue Magazine has been resurrected with the recent publishing of Volume 8.
I haven't had time to completely review it yet, but highlights include an article by R' Aharon Feldman positing that Yo'atzot Halacha is not a positive enterprise, and a review by R' Herschel Grossman of Dr. Marc Shapiro's Limits of Orthodox Theology. It is also nice to see that they have included an article by a female writer.

Perhaps I will have more to write about this once I read the entire periodical.

Yo'atzot Halacha - Are They Good for Jews? Hamashkif - R' Aharon Feldman
The Nebech Apikores by R' Dovid Jaffee
Review of Marc Shapiro's The Limits of Orthodox Theology - R' Herschel Grossman
The Debate over Emunah Education - R' Dovid Sapirman
The Conceptual Journey of a Ba'al Teshuva - Nesanel Yoel Safran
The Doorway to Wisdom - R' Aharon Feldman
Hakafos, Pi and Yichud Hashem - Eli Katz
Suffering, Sin and the Ways of God - R' Yitzchok Oratz
Privacy, Confidentiality and Classified Information - R' Moshe Walter
How to Choose a Kosher Book - Nechama First
Bringing Mesivta High Schools to a Higher Level - R' Yerachmiel Garfield
Letters to the Editor

For some reason, the new volume is not listed on their website (www.dialoguemagazine.org).
The address is listed as 85-22 122nd Street, Kew Gardens, NY 11415
Telephone: 909.353.3509

Disclaimer: I am not associated in any way with this magazine.