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.

Trump Thanksgiving Turkey Trip Trumps Time

Some Years ago, when President Bush made an unannounced trip to the Gulf to serve turkey to the troops, there was a sense of patriotism shared even among the Democrats.

This time around, they are not so forgiving, especially amidst impeachment hearings.

Yet Time Magazine, in the usual Trump Bashing spirit, claimed that Trump would be spending his vacation golfing.

Sad.

Hero 'Hunt' Helps Hunt Head Honcho

I just love the way President Trump is exploiting the take-down of the ISIS man.

*********************

Update 11/29/2019

Crowds Cheer Canine Conan