"May Hashem continue giving His nation tools to enhance and enrich Torah life, and the ability for us each to make the right choices in their use"
Re your nice Pesach edition article about the Yekkehs who came to the Mir, I would like to share a story I heard from my uncle, Rav Shamshon Refael Weiss:
On his way to the Mir from Germany, he visited the Chofetz Chaim for a brachah. The Chofetz Chaim inquired where he was from and where he was heading. Upon hearing his response, the Chofetz Chaim began stroking his hand, saying, “I always had a question. Chazal teach us that Torah machzeres al achsaniah ahelah — Torah returns to the place it was hosted. Germany was historically home to great Torah giants. Why is it that intense Torah learning has not returned to Germany? My child, the hand of Torah is bloody from banging on the closed door trying to return to Germany. You will open the door!”
Indeed, Rav Weiss was instrumental in bringing to the Mir other German talmidim such as Rav Binyomin Zeilberger, Rav Uri Hellman, Rav Naftoli Neuberger and (his brother-in-law) Naftoli Carlebach.
Rav Weiss had great nachas when his son, Rav Yisroel Meir, rosh yeshivas Nachlas Halevi’im, married the daughter of Rav Chaim Shmulevitz, the Mirrer rosh yeshivah.
Rabbi Moshe Halberstadt
Thanks for capturing the lovability and simchah of Avrumi and Shea Berko. I just wanted to note that although Shea Berko is one of the most popular and sought-after wedding singers out there, and an amazing performer, his price is reasonable.
It was my dream to have him sing at my wedding — I wanted the energy that he brings to a room — but I didn’t even think of calling, because he’s one of the “brand names” and therefore I assumed not in my budget. I did end up calling a few weeks before the wedding, and was shocked at the reasonable price (although, he wasn’t available anymore).
Some singers charge insane amounts of money per gig, just because they can. Shea is definitely one of the singers that can charge a fortune and still get booked. But he doesn’t, and that proves a level of menschlichkeit that really impressed me.
H. S.
I am a great fan of the Berko brothers, especially of the simchas hachayim series; I was so excited to read about them. Even more exciting was to figure out the E flat minor used for “tinosen li” — such genius!!
Mendy Kantor, 12 years old, flute, guitar, and piano player
I read about the COVID heroes with interest. The heroes for our family were those who pivoted and designed special Zooms for our children, providing them with kosher, educational, good, clean fun.
I nominate Rabbi Ari Schonfeld of Night Seder America, for his wonderful program that he continues until today. His lessons are fun, inviting, and interesting. His innovative game “That’s My Psak” is the highlight of our week. Rabbi Schwartz from Camp Romimu hosted a Jewish trivia game show two nights a week with a fun leaderboard and great interactive Torah topics. Sara Younger of Summer Playland hosted dance parties and kids’ exercises.
Menucha Classrooms featured great guest author interviews, lessons with Morah Tirtza, and singing lessons with Devorah Schwartz. The great people behind TorahAnytime and the other great Jewish apps provided us with insightful Torah content.
Then there were the businesses that pivoted in a heartbeat, like Elisheva Perlman from the Anelis Group, who took Ohr Naava’s Brooklyn Market and got it virtual in a matter of days.
These people took life’s lemons and turned them into actual lemonade.
We are not a technology-rich family and although its use for me was bittersweet, I have to say our communities rallied together and really made lockdown with kids tolerable and memorable.
May Hashem continue giving His nation tools to enhance and enrich Torah life, and the ability for us each to make the right choices in their use.
M. G.
Create a free account to keep reading.
