Jerusalem - The Charedi Wunderkind Who Preformed A Siyum HaShas At His Bar Mitzvah |
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News Source: Reprinted With Permission From Sha'ah Tovah Magazine English Edition
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The Admor of Toldos Aharon, Rav Sholom Mordechai Hoffman, accompanied by his son, Chaim Zanvil who finished Shas to his Bar Mitzvah. Photo Credit: Shaah TovahJerusalem - The time: Friday, the first day of the Hebrew month of Elul. The place: Kollel “Ohr HaZohar”, above the tomb of Rabi Shimon bar Yochai. The Admor of Toldos Aharon was observed waiting with barely concealed excitement. The few chassidim who had accompanied him to Meron to participate in the Rosh Chodesh morning davening had no idea of the reason for the rebbe’s anticipation. The rebbe’s face expressed seriousness and awe for the occasion he was about to witness.
The tense atmosphere could be cut with a knife. It was evident that the admor was awaiting an extremely important guest, whose identity even the gabbaim did not know.
The mystery was soon resolved, with the appearance at the door of Rav Sholom Mordechai Hoffman, a respected member of the Toldos Aharon chassidus in Yerushalayim, accompanied by his son Chaim Zavil. The faces of the two shone with the ethereal joy of the performance of a rare mitzvah. Chaim Zavil, his youthful countenance framed by a Yerushalmi kaftan and a bar mitzvah boy’s shtreimel atop his head, smiled shyly at those present. He was clearly thrilled at this opportunity to have a personal meeting with the rebbe.
And then the amazing happened, causing the eyes of the gabbaim and of all those assembled to widen in astonishment. Upon noticing the young bachur standing at the entrance to the room, the rebbe immediately rose to his feet in a show of respect. The face of the bar mitzvah boy showed his discomfort and embarrassment at this scene, in which his his spiritual master and teacher, in whose path he followed and whose ways he tried to emulate, rose to his feet for him, a mere boy of thirteen. The rebbe then sat down at the head of the table and motioned to the bachur to take a place next to him. A large Gemara was brought to the table and placed before Chaim Zavil, as he is affectionately called, and he opened its well-thumbed pages, leafing through to the final daf. His sweet voice began reading the age-old words, enunciating each one with great care as a person might count gold pieces, as he completed his study of the entire Shas. Midway his voice suddenly faltered, shaking as he grasped the magnitude of the event, but the pure eyes of the rebbe, gazing upon him with a blend of admiration and encouragement, gave him the strength and determination to continue with the reading of the Hadran, in an even stronger and louder tone. Tears now appeared in the eyes of the assemblage, awestruck as they realized what they had just witnessed; a young bar mitzvah boy, accepting upon himself the yoke of Torah and mitzvos with all of Shas in his hands… “Who is like your People, Yisrael!”
Two of Chaim Zavil brothers now approached the table in turn, and each opened a Gemara and completed a masechta himself. The first was the eldest brother, Meir Yehudah, 17, and then came their ten year old brother, who showed by his fluent reading of the lengthy ‘Hadran’ that he too was accustomed to completing masechtos. After reciting the Kaddish d’Rabbanan, the Rebbe sat down for a l’chaim of cake and schnapps in honor of the doubly joyous occasion; the bar mitzvah and the Siyum haShas. In contrast to his usual custom, the rebbe drank the entire becher of wine with great enthusiasm, and the chassidim looked on with surprise: “The rebbe always drinks wine extremely sparingly, even on Shabbos,” remarked one quietly. “The rebbe is immersed in simcha like I have never seen before,” replied another. “This expression of spiritual hisorerus is something exceptional.”
“Whoever undertakes to complete a tractate of Talmud, will receive a special blessing from me,” the rebbe suddenly announced. This pronouncement created an electrical charge in the air; it is not every day that the rebbe makes such an unequivocal offer. Ten enthusiastic young scholars who were present jumped at the opportunity and immediately committed themselves to studying and completing various masechtos. All those present then sat down to a festive Rosh Chodesh meal, which had been prepared before the unique character of the occasion had been publicized, and the atmosphere at this seudah was indescribably uplifting. The rebbe did not cease from conferring brachos and promising yeshuos, his eyes occasionally pausing to rest on his young chassid, who had given him so much nachas . The rebbe continually displayed his admiration for the bachur, warmly praising his fine character and accomplishments. The chassidim later related that it had been a very long time since the rebbe had displayed such pleasure and satisfaction.
At the rebbe’s side was another prominent figure - Rav Yechezkel Roth, the Gaavad of Karlsburg, who gazed upon the young talmid with admiration. The Karlsburger Rav even went to the extent of presenting the young bachur with a symbolic gift of twenty dollars, in fulfillment of the verse “Praise it, and it shall uplift you” - an exhortation to honor the Torah and those who study it.
The Mara d’Asra of Meron, Rav Meir Stern, then approached Chaim Zavil and kissed his hands, as if kissing a living sefer Torah.
After the l’chaim and the words of praise and admiration that the admor heaped upon the bar mitzvah’s head, Chaim Zavil and his father, R’ Mordechai Shlomo slipped out of the room into an adjoining chamber, also above the kever of Rabi Shimon bar Yochai, where ten close family members awaited them. Chaim Zavil had earlier expressed his wish that his seudas bar mitzvah, the required festive meal on this occasion, be held at this holy site. As the chosson bar mitzvah began to weave the intricacies of his dvar Torah, the guests sat full of wonder at both the breadth and the depth of knowledge and understanding the thirteen-year-old displayed in numerous sugyos of the Talmud. Hills and mountains of chiddushim were constructed before them, and then the door suddenly opened. It was the Admor of Toldos Aharon, who also wanted to participate in this more intimate celebration of the simchah shel mitzvah.
From time to time the small crowd would begin singing the songs that traditionally interrupt the speech of a bar mitzvah, allowing him to gracefully take his seat; but again and again the rebbe shushed their disruptive song, transfixed by the dvar Torah the young bachur was delivering. He wished to hear the pilpul Chaim Zavil had prepared until its very end. When he finished, the rebbe warmly took his and his father hands into his own, and gave his blessing that the bar mitzvah bachur should merit to become a ‘mighty oak’ in Torah and yiras Shamayim, in accordance with his own pure hopes and desires. The sight left a deep impression in the hearts of all those present at this unique occasion.
In an exclusive interview granted to Sha’ah Tovah following the siyum, the father of the bachur, Rav Sholom Mordechai Hoffman, still sounded extremely emotional. The interview, conducted by telephone, was interspersed with moments of silence as the father choked up in emotion and found it hard to continue. “I myself would not have chosen to make such a big deal. My eldest son, Meir Yehudah, also completed the study of the entire Talmud, and we held the ceremony quietly and privately. This was how we planned the present siyum as well. However, when the Karlsburger Rav - who spends much of his time in Meron - heard about the upcoming siyum, he approached me saying, ‘Reb Sholom Mordechai, one does not keep such a momentous achievement secret. On the contrary, you should make a large seudah. Your son will also benefit from this, for it is important that he appreciate what he has accomplished.’”
Despite his desire for anonymity, Chaim Zavil siyum has turned him into a symbol of the chassidus, and many young boys and bachurim have established study sessions in the hours preceding and following their formal studies, in the hope of themselves completing Shas before their own bar mitzvah, or at the very least before marriage.
“I named him Chaim Zavil after the previous Ribnitzer Rebbe ztz”l,” says the proud father, R’ Sholom Mordechai, “and more than anything else, I pray that he should be a yirei Shamayim like his namesake.”
We were allowed a brief conversation with Chaim Zalman himself, who, though reticent, was glad to share a few words with us, words which he hopes will encourage others to begin, and to fulfill, their own quest for Torah scholarship - on the condition that they too are willing to prioritize and to sacrifice: “Everything begins the night before,” he says. “My parents insisted that we go to sleep early, no later than 9:30, so that we would have the strength to study the next day.”
To our question as to whether his classmates share the goal of completing the study of the Talmud, Chaim Zavil answers matter-of-factly: “Of course they do. Everyone wants to finish Shas - but first one must study Shas! Only after that can one finish!”
What did you do on the Shabbosim when everyone went to the mass demonstrations against the decisions of the Yerushalayim Municipality and its mayor Nir Barkat? Didn’t you want to go and demonstrate along with the rest of your friends?
Chaim Zavil answers simply: “The greatest weapon in the battle with the anti-religious Zionists is to sit and study Torah, not just to go to demonstrations. Demonstrations don’t make a person a talmid chacham. The greatest zealotry is to be found in the pages of the Gemara. Who has time to go and demonstrate on Shabbos afternoon, when Hashem has given us the gift of Shabbos, which can be used properly to ‘gather up another bundle’ of pages of Gemara?”
Reprinted with permission from Sha’ah Tovah Magazine—English edition
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Read Comments (69) — Post Yours »
1
Sep 23, 2009 at 03:44 PM gush katif Says:Report as Inappropriate
Kinas sofrim Tarbah chuchmah
2
Sep 23, 2009 at 03:42 PM Think Tank Says:Report as Inappropriate
Thank you for this uplifting story!
3
Sep 23, 2009 at 03:42 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
Wow! Wow! Wow! Mazel tov wooooooow!
4
Sep 23, 2009 at 03:35 PM Askupeh Says:Report as Inappropriate
I’m dumbstruck and speechless. I know a few who finished Shas before their Chasuneh, but never heard of anyone finishing Shas to his Bar Mitzvah. For that we need to go back 200 years where we had many who did so, although it was then still a big deal.
I remember once reading that in about 1870 an eight year old boy in Der Lita (Lithuania) had completed 600 pages of the Talmud and it was major news at the time.
By learning 2 Blatt a day, one can finish Shas in slightly more the 3 and a half years. By learning 1 Blatt a day (Daf Hayomi) it will take slightly over 7 years. It is still heartwarming to hear that Ki MeTzion Teitzei Torah, Udvar HaShem MiYerushalayim.
Der Mussar Haskel Iz: Az Men Lerent Ken Men.
5
Sep 23, 2009 at 03:27 PM haben yakir le Says:Report as Inappropriate
the last paragraph says it all the greatest weapon is torah study , not protesting on shabbos i think the rebbe can learn from this young chasid a thing or two hmm maybe make him the rebbe of shomar amunim he definitely has my vote a gamar chasima tova to all
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Sep 23, 2009 at 03:26 PM kol hakavod Says:Report as Inappropriate
yirbu kmoscha byisroel...gmar chasimah tova.
7
Sep 23, 2009 at 03:25 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
I admire this young bochur's committment to learning but the brainwashing that he has experienced with regard to the shabbos demonstrations and the dismissal of "zionists" is very sad. Apparently, he has read all the shaas but lacks the maturity to apply what he has learned as one would expect from such a young talmid. Hashem should grant him the wisdom to understand and appreciate the diversity within the yiddeshe community.
8
Sep 23, 2009 at 03:46 PM yisroel Says:Report as Inappropriate
Asrecha Yisroel, how lucky are we that there are still members and kids in Klall Yisroel that have such a BREN! thank you VIN for this uplifting article before yom hagodol vehakodosh!
9
Sep 23, 2009 at 04:00 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
ashrei yoladetoi!!!
10
Sep 23, 2009 at 03:59 PM Askupeh Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ I admire this young bochur's committment to learning but the brainwashing that he has experienced with regard to the shabbos demonstrations and the dismissal of "zionists" is very sad. Apparently, he has read all the shaas but lacks the maturity to apply what he has learned as one would expect from such a young talmid. Hashem should grant him the wisdom to understand and appreciate the diversity within the yiddeshe community. ”
Learning the diversity within the Yiddishe community is the easy part, now that the he has already done the hard part. There is a good chance that he has already learned it, as he wasn’t born on mars.
11
Sep 23, 2009 at 03:53 PM yid Says:Report as Inappropriate
doesn't make sense a 13 year old child dealing with issues from noshim! what does he understand about those very things!? anyway yeshar koah
12
Sep 23, 2009 at 03:51 PM Pshischa Says:Report as Inappropriate
This is very inspiring, thank you for posting this amazing precious story. I can't wait to get home and open my current mesechta!
13
Sep 23, 2009 at 04:15 PM Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!! Says:Report as Inappropriate
I'm choked up. Amazing! A huge Mazeltov to you Chaim Zanvil and your Mishpacha! May you grow up to be one of the Gedolei Hadar!!!! Keep it up!
14
Sep 23, 2009 at 04:14 PM Imagine... Says:Report as Inappropriate
the attitude of a child towards his future wife after learning about women at the age of maybe 11 or 12 as objects (no other words to describe it, at that age he was not even feeling as a boy) ... ok so he will respect her like an expensive vase... very useful and costs a lot of money... and then... OY! there is nothing as dangerous as too much information, and all of Shas without maturity and experience is simply too much information!
I feel so bad for them... How about going out and helping people? How about going to the army and being responsible for each other? How about working for a living so we have a sustainable society? And yes! Maybe he is a true tzaddik, and all his life he will learn Torah, Amen Ken Yechi Ratzon! But if not... what a difficult choice the father is making for his sons...
I don't know if i am impressed with the story. It's a huge, a huge effort, an amazing personal achievement... But if this is what we want... this is what Hashem wants...
I don't know I am not convinced
15
Sep 23, 2009 at 04:28 PM Askupeh Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ doesn't make sense a 13 year old child dealing with issues from noshim! what does he understand about those very things!? anyway yeshar koah ”
We learned Kedushin and Kesubess and we understood what we had to understand, while still retaining our innocence.
16
Sep 23, 2009 at 04:28 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
Did he finish Niddah as well? just curiosity!
17
Sep 23, 2009 at 04:41 PM the letzer dor Says:Report as Inappropriate
alter rebbe received semicha at 8 as did the gaon.
18
Sep 23, 2009 at 05:51 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ the attitude of a child towards his future wife after learning about women at the age of maybe 11 or 12 as objects (no other words to describe it, at that age he was not even feeling as a boy) ... ok so he will respect her like an expensive vase... very useful and costs a lot of money... and then... OY! there is nothing as dangerous as too much information, and all of Shas without maturity and experience is simply too much information!
I feel so bad for them... How about going out and helping people? How about going to the army and being responsible for each other? How about working for a living so we have a sustainable society? And yes! Maybe he is a true tzaddik, and all his life he will learn Torah, Amen Ken Yechi Ratzon! But if not... what a difficult choice the father is making for his sons...
I don't know if i am impressed with the story. It's a huge, a huge effort, an amazing personal achievement... But if this is what we want... this is what Hashem wants...
I don't know I am not convinced ”
"How about going to the army and being responsible for each other?"
Unlike you, he learnt the gemara in Kesubos that talks about these inyanim. If you would learn the end of mesechta Kesubos you might just understand.
19
Sep 23, 2009 at 05:50 PM Dr. E Says:Report as Inappropriate
I see an Artscroll biography in the kiid's future.
I think he'd make a great Shidduch with the Religious Zionist girl who recently completed Shas by her Bat Mitzvah (which I think beats the kid by a year) :-)
20
Sep 23, 2009 at 05:11 PM Lawyer Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Did he finish Niddah as well? just curiosity! ”
Isn't Niddah still part of Shas?
21
Sep 23, 2009 at 05:02 PM Askupeh Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ alter rebbe received semicha at 8 as did the gaon. ”
I know that the Gaon learned by the Pnei Moshe on the Yerushalmi, at age eight; but where dio you take that he or the Baal Hatanye got Smichah at eight?
22
Sep 23, 2009 at 04:59 PM Askupeh Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ the attitude of a child towards his future wife after learning about women at the age of maybe 11 or 12 as objects (no other words to describe it, at that age he was not even feeling as a boy) ... ok so he will respect her like an expensive vase... very useful and costs a lot of money... and then... OY! there is nothing as dangerous as too much information, and all of Shas without maturity and experience is simply too much information!
I feel so bad for them... How about going out and helping people? How about going to the army and being responsible for each other? How about working for a living so we have a sustainable society? And yes! Maybe he is a true tzaddik, and all his life he will learn Torah, Amen Ken Yechi Ratzon! But if not... what a difficult choice the father is making for his sons...
I don't know if i am impressed with the story. It's a huge, a huge effort, an amazing personal achievement... But if this is what we want... this is what Hashem wants...
I don't know I am not convinced ”
It seems like you never learned a Blatt Gemorah. Thousands of Gedoilei Yisroel mastered Seder Noshim before their Bar Mitzvah and were the best husbands that could be. Do you think that you are a better husband then the Vilner Gaon? Tipshus also has a Shiyur.
Halevei Oif Mir Gezogt, azelcha Kinder.
23
Sep 23, 2009 at 04:50 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ the attitude of a child towards his future wife after learning about women at the age of maybe 11 or 12 as objects (no other words to describe it, at that age he was not even feeling as a boy) ... ok so he will respect her like an expensive vase... very useful and costs a lot of money... and then... OY! there is nothing as dangerous as too much information, and all of Shas without maturity and experience is simply too much information!
I feel so bad for them... How about going out and helping people? How about going to the army and being responsible for each other? How about working for a living so we have a sustainable society? And yes! Maybe he is a true tzaddik, and all his life he will learn Torah, Amen Ken Yechi Ratzon! But if not... what a difficult choice the father is making for his sons...
I don't know if i am impressed with the story. It's a huge, a huge effort, an amazing personal achievement... But if this is what we want... this is what Hashem wants...
I don't know I am not convinced ”
may you have a refuah sheleima
24
Sep 23, 2009 at 07:05 PM Fat Free Kishka Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ I admire this young bochur's committment to learning but the brainwashing that he has experienced with regard to the shabbos demonstrations and the dismissal of "zionists" is very sad. Apparently, he has read all the shaas but lacks the maturity to apply what he has learned as one would expect from such a young talmid. Hashem should grant him the wisdom to understand and appreciate the diversity within the yiddeshe community. ”
If you read carefully, it says "anti-religious Zionists" -- are you in favor of "anti-religious Zionists"??
25
Sep 23, 2009 at 06:46 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ the attitude of a child towards his future wife after learning about women at the age of maybe 11 or 12 as objects (no other words to describe it, at that age he was not even feeling as a boy) ... ok so he will respect her like an expensive vase... very useful and costs a lot of money... and then... OY! there is nothing as dangerous as too much information, and all of Shas without maturity and experience is simply too much information!
I feel so bad for them... How about going out and helping people? How about going to the army and being responsible for each other? How about working for a living so we have a sustainable society? And yes! Maybe he is a true tzaddik, and all his life he will learn Torah, Amen Ken Yechi Ratzon! But if not... what a difficult choice the father is making for his sons...
I don't know if i am impressed with the story. It's a huge, a huge effort, an amazing personal achievement... But if this is what we want... this is what Hashem wants...
I don't know I am not convinced ”
where exactly does the talmud refer to women as objects?! how about the gemara that says a man has to honor his wife more than himself?
26
Sep 23, 2009 at 07:18 PM ano Says:Report as Inappropriate
#4 and #7 it is amazing how you can always find something negative. shame on you, Rachmunis on your family....
27
Sep 23, 2009 at 07:14 PM Loshon Hora Says:Report as Inappropriate
Here you see the Admor, not at the hafgonos this is the real Toldos aahron chasidim.
Mazal Tov, I wish I would have done it, but maybe over the next 13 years. Bli neder.
28
Sep 23, 2009 at 07:14 PM chaim Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ the attitude of a child towards his future wife after learning about women at the age of maybe 11 or 12 as objects (no other words to describe it, at that age he was not even feeling as a boy) ... ok so he will respect her like an expensive vase... very useful and costs a lot of money... and then... OY! there is nothing as dangerous as too much information, and all of Shas without maturity and experience is simply too much information!
I feel so bad for them... How about going out and helping people? How about going to the army and being responsible for each other? How about working for a living so we have a sustainable society? And yes! Maybe he is a true tzaddik, and all his life he will learn Torah, Amen Ken Yechi Ratzon! But if not... what a difficult choice the father is making for his sons...
I don't know if i am impressed with the story. It's a huge, a huge effort, an amazing personal achievement... But if this is what we want... this is what Hashem wants...
I don't know I am not convinced ”
you soine yiroel..there were plenty from our holy gedolim of yeseryear who know shas at this age.dont you worry your little,head about those things.worry your child should adhere gto those things.the holy tzaddikim gave more kovod for thier wives then you and your kind will ever.
29
Sep 23, 2009 at 06:43 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ the attitude of a child towards his future wife after learning about women at the age of maybe 11 or 12 as objects (no other words to describe it, at that age he was not even feeling as a boy) ... ok so he will respect her like an expensive vase... very useful and costs a lot of money... and then... OY! there is nothing as dangerous as too much information, and all of Shas without maturity and experience is simply too much information!
I feel so bad for them... How about going out and helping people? How about going to the army and being responsible for each other? How about working for a living so we have a sustainable society? And yes! Maybe he is a true tzaddik, and all his life he will learn Torah, Amen Ken Yechi Ratzon! But if not... what a difficult choice the father is making for his sons...
I don't know if i am impressed with the story. It's a huge, a huge effort, an amazing personal achievement... But if this is what we want... this is what Hashem wants...
I don't know I am not convinced ”
i guess you forgot the pasuk vihigisa bo yomam volayla. or maybe talmud torah kineged kulam.
30
Sep 23, 2009 at 06:33 PM Imagine... Says:Report as Inappropriate
All of you should have the merit of trying to embarrass me in public in the Ten Days of Teshuva.... Maybe, just maybe... just maybe, I also learn Day Yomi... I might even sit right next to you...
You are bringing Tzadikim as examples... Amen, he is a Tzaddik. Read what I wrote. Besides, that was the early generation this is now... If you want to know more about the generations and their differing roles, I suggest you look further in your studies. Beyond Rashi and Tosefos and your local establishment.
And I hope I won't flip you out of your comfort zone, but I am almost sure, most of you work for a living and still try to learn. The two is NOT by any means mutually exclusive. You can learn, work, help the other one, go to the army, be responsible for the others by paying for your own (family's) expense... So at least be nice to me and to another Yid, try to think and not just have a brain-jerk reaction.
I won't try to embarass all of you since I think you did a great job at that with your replies.
31
Sep 23, 2009 at 06:32 PM LGFN Says:Report as Inappropriate
Just wondering how b'iyun he learned it all...
(I'm chulileh not trying to degrade this exceptional milestone [halevei I should accomplish a percent of it after a full lifetime!], I'm just asking out of astonishment to what extent he has reached it.)
32
Sep 23, 2009 at 08:10 PM Mazal tov Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Just wondering how b'iyun he learned it all...
(I'm chulileh not trying to degrade this exceptional milestone [halevei I should accomplish a percent of it after a full lifetime!], I'm just asking out of astonishment to what extent he has reached it.) ”
May he always keep on growing!
BTW my teenage brother learns all this stuff about women, yet he still retains respect for us, unusual at his age!
I hope that in this boy's zechus we will have a shana tova!
33
Sep 23, 2009 at 08:19 PM Chani Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ It seems like you never learned a Blatt Gemorah. Thousands of Gedoilei Yisroel mastered Seder Noshim before their Bar Mitzvah and were the best husbands that could be. Do you think that you are a better husband then the Vilner Gaon? Tipshus also has a Shiyur.
Halevei Oif Mir Gezogt, azelcha Kinder. ”
me too,, Halevai that I should have such Yiddishe (and for me specifically) Chasidishe nachas from my boys, like this father has from his,,, makes me want to start to take things upon myself. May we all have a year of gefen, gezunt parnasa, nachas, from ourselves, our children, and from Klal Yisroel. Gmar Chasima Toiva
34
Sep 23, 2009 at 07:43 PM laizer Says:Report as Inappropriate
Incredible amazing astonishing that the Great Toldos Aron rebbe drank his whole glass of wine. who knows what this portends for the world
35
Sep 23, 2009 at 09:41 PM Long Island Bubby Says:Report as Inappropriate
I am not chassidish, I am not chareidi. I am a modern Orthodox Zionist who finds the achievements of this young man remarkable !!
Not living the lifestyle or even approving the lifestyle does not negate the enormous achievement of this young man. May he continue to learn and accumulate knowledge and may he use it for the benefit of Klal Yisroel.
36
Sep 23, 2009 at 09:38 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ All of you should have the merit of trying to embarrass me in public in the Ten Days of Teshuva.... Maybe, just maybe... just maybe, I also learn Day Yomi... I might even sit right next to you...
You are bringing Tzadikim as examples... Amen, he is a Tzaddik. Read what I wrote. Besides, that was the early generation this is now... If you want to know more about the generations and their differing roles, I suggest you look further in your studies. Beyond Rashi and Tosefos and your local establishment.
And I hope I won't flip you out of your comfort zone, but I am almost sure, most of you work for a living and still try to learn. The two is NOT by any means mutually exclusive. You can learn, work, help the other one, go to the army, be responsible for the others by paying for your own (family's) expense... So at least be nice to me and to another Yid, try to think and not just have a brain-jerk reaction.
I won't try to embarass all of you since I think you did a great job at that with your replies. ”
first you make a disgustingly negative statement about a wonderful kiddush hashem which it is regardless if you think people should go to work or the army. then on top of that you wish bad on fellow yidden because they embarassed you. stop while you can your just digging a deeper hole and embarassing yourself. be happy that things like this are going on. be positive.
37
Sep 23, 2009 at 10:01 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ All of you should have the merit of trying to embarrass me in public in the Ten Days of Teshuva.... Maybe, just maybe... just maybe, I also learn Day Yomi... I might even sit right next to you...
You are bringing Tzadikim as examples... Amen, he is a Tzaddik. Read what I wrote. Besides, that was the early generation this is now... If you want to know more about the generations and their differing roles, I suggest you look further in your studies. Beyond Rashi and Tosefos and your local establishment.
And I hope I won't flip you out of your comfort zone, but I am almost sure, most of you work for a living and still try to learn. The two is NOT by any means mutually exclusive. You can learn, work, help the other one, go to the army, be responsible for the others by paying for your own (family's) expense... So at least be nice to me and to another Yid, try to think and not just have a brain-jerk reaction.
I won't try to embarass all of you since I think you did a great job at that with your replies. ”
dont be silly..'embaress me in public'...who are you ?embarress a faceless, nameless person?...but you do mock the ways of our holy tzaddikim of all generation..so you have plenty to fret..
38
Sep 23, 2009 at 09:17 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ the attitude of a child towards his future wife after learning about women at the age of maybe 11 or 12 as objects (no other words to describe it, at that age he was not even feeling as a boy) ... ok so he will respect her like an expensive vase... very useful and costs a lot of money... and then... OY! there is nothing as dangerous as too much information, and all of Shas without maturity and experience is simply too much information!
I feel so bad for them... How about going out and helping people? How about going to the army and being responsible for each other? How about working for a living so we have a sustainable society? And yes! Maybe he is a true tzaddik, and all his life he will learn Torah, Amen Ken Yechi Ratzon! But if not... what a difficult choice the father is making for his sons...
I don't know if i am impressed with the story. It's a huge, a huge effort, an amazing personal achievement... But if this is what we want... this is what Hashem wants...
I don't know I am not convinced ”
When one has the fire and brains to learn like this Bar Mitzva boy then he should be supported to learn all his life. It is those who sit and learn because it is easier or that is the thing to do and they just turn the gmoro pages, for them it is questionable if that is the proper life to lead.
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Sep 23, 2009 at 08:35 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ If you read carefully, it says "anti-religious Zionists" -- are you in favor of "anti-religious Zionists"?? ”
I am in favor of ANY yidden no matter what their derech...this wonderful yinglach has been taught to hate the hundreds of thousands if not more than a million secular jews in EY who consider themselves Zionists but who resent the increasing role of the orthodox in limiting what they percieve as their individual liberties.
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Sep 23, 2009 at 08:30 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ alter rebbe received semicha at 8 as did the gaon. ”
"alter rebbe received semicha at 8 as did the gaon."
For those of us who don't know who you are talking about, which "alte rabbi" and which "gaon" are you referring to??
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Sep 23, 2009 at 10:08 PM chaim Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ the attitude of a child towards his future wife after learning about women at the age of maybe 11 or 12 as objects (no other words to describe it, at that age he was not even feeling as a boy) ... ok so he will respect her like an expensive vase... very useful and costs a lot of money... and then... OY! there is nothing as dangerous as too much information, and all of Shas without maturity and experience is simply too much information!
I feel so bad for them... How about going out and helping people? How about going to the army and being responsible for each other? How about working for a living so we have a sustainable society? And yes! Maybe he is a true tzaddik, and all his life he will learn Torah, Amen Ken Yechi Ratzon! But if not... what a difficult choice the father is making for his sons...
I don't know if i am impressed with the story. It's a huge, a huge effort, an amazing personal achievement... But if this is what we want... this is what Hashem wants...
I don't know I am not convinced ”
#14 such immature statement ' what if ,fi, fi what if..!!! what has that got to do with this article
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Sep 23, 2009 at 10:06 PM chaim Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ All of you should have the merit of trying to embarrass me in public in the Ten Days of Teshuva.... Maybe, just maybe... just maybe, I also learn Day Yomi... I might even sit right next to you...
You are bringing Tzadikim as examples... Amen, he is a Tzaddik. Read what I wrote. Besides, that was the early generation this is now... If you want to know more about the generations and their differing roles, I suggest you look further in your studies. Beyond Rashi and Tosefos and your local establishment.
And I hope I won't flip you out of your comfort zone, but I am almost sure, most of you work for a living and still try to learn. The two is NOT by any means mutually exclusive. You can learn, work, help the other one, go to the army, be responsible for the others by paying for your own (family's) expense... So at least be nice to me and to another Yid, try to think and not just have a brain-jerk reaction.
I won't try to embarass all of you since I think you did a great job at that with your replies. ”
#30 you cant sit next to me in bais hamedrish because my bais hamedrish doesnt cater to such kind.you can learn all you want with daf yomi, if there's no yirahs shomayim the rule is 'uler... amar elokim mah lecha lesaper es chiku'
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Sep 23, 2009 at 10:12 PM chaim Says:Report as Inappropriate
#14 #30 ..ahem, just figured out what stechs you...ths holy clothing the beard and peyous ....
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Sep 23, 2009 at 10:25 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
There is nothing wrong that a child should learn about all the nushim stuff.
Before the age of 13 15 they anyway don't have filings for it. After this age most teenagers find out all this stuff from bad friends.
Better teach them when they r young and let them know that its USIR to think and do this stuff then not telling them nothing and then they find out from bad friends about it and they do things that they r not supposed to do.
When u make an issue of this and u r not suppose to talk about it then when they find out they r going in to this deeper and deeper. But if u speak with your kids about this and u tell them that we as children of god we r different from the goim and we r not doing all this things they understand and the kids behave good
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Sep 23, 2009 at 10:14 PM chaim Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ "alter rebbe received semicha at 8 as did the gaon."
For those of us who don't know who you are talking about, which "alte rabbi" and which "gaon" are you referring to?? ”
the alter rebbe usually refers to the 'bal hatanye', the gaon usually refers to the 'villner gaon
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Sep 23, 2009 at 10:43 PM HaLeiVi Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ the attitude of a child towards his future wife after learning about women at the age of maybe 11 or 12 as objects (no other words to describe it, at that age he was not even feeling as a boy) ... ok so he will respect her like an expensive vase... very useful and costs a lot of money... and then... OY! there is nothing as dangerous as too much information, and all of Shas without maturity and experience is simply too much information!
I feel so bad for them... How about going out and helping people? How about going to the army and being responsible for each other? How about working for a living so we have a sustainable society? And yes! Maybe he is a true tzaddik, and all his life he will learn Torah, Amen Ken Yechi Ratzon! But if not... what a difficult choice the father is making for his sons...
I don't know if i am impressed with the story. It's a huge, a huge effort, an amazing personal achievement... But if this is what we want... this is what Hashem wants...
I don't know I am not convinced ”
I'm not trying to guess your nationality or anything, but other than in Nazi Germany, I do not know of a modern army that accepts 13 year olds.
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Sep 23, 2009 at 10:56 PM shaff Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ It seems like you never learned a Blatt Gemorah. Thousands of Gedoilei Yisroel mastered Seder Noshim before their Bar Mitzvah and were the best husbands that could be. Do you think that you are a better husband then the Vilner Gaon? Tipshus also has a Shiyur.
Halevei Oif Mir Gezogt, azelcha Kinder. ”
"Tipshus also has a Shiyur"
Actually Einstein once said "The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits."
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Sep 24, 2009 at 06:16 AM yid Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ All of you should have the merit of trying to embarrass me in public in the Ten Days of Teshuva.... Maybe, just maybe... just maybe, I also learn Day Yomi... I might even sit right next to you...
You are bringing Tzadikim as examples... Amen, he is a Tzaddik. Read what I wrote. Besides, that was the early generation this is now... If you want to know more about the generations and their differing roles, I suggest you look further in your studies. Beyond Rashi and Tosefos and your local establishment.
And I hope I won't flip you out of your comfort zone, but I am almost sure, most of you work for a living and still try to learn. The two is NOT by any means mutually exclusive. You can learn, work, help the other one, go to the army, be responsible for the others by paying for your own (family's) expense... So at least be nice to me and to another Yid, try to think and not just have a brain-jerk reaction.
I won't try to embarass all of you since I think you did a great job at that with your replies. ”
brilliant!!! thank you for giving us some hizuk!
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Sep 24, 2009 at 03:24 AM berel Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Just wondering how b'iyun he learned it all...
(I'm chulileh not trying to degrade this exceptional milestone [halevei I should accomplish a percent of it after a full lifetime!], I'm just asking out of astonishment to what extent he has reached it.) ”
#31 mes. avodah zarah 19a 'gorsa v'acher kach tochna'
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Sep 24, 2009 at 07:06 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
Yehi Chelki Imo and I'm already 40
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Sep 23, 2009 at 11:14 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ the attitude of a child towards his future wife after learning about women at the age of maybe 11 or 12 as objects (no other words to describe it, at that age he was not even feeling as a boy) ... ok so he will respect her like an expensive vase... very useful and costs a lot of money... and then... OY! there is nothing as dangerous as too much information, and all of Shas without maturity and experience is simply too much information!
I feel so bad for them... How about going out and helping people? How about going to the army and being responsible for each other? How about working for a living so we have a sustainable society? And yes! Maybe he is a true tzaddik, and all his life he will learn Torah, Amen Ken Yechi Ratzon! But if not... what a difficult choice the father is making for his sons...
I don't know if i am impressed with the story. It's a huge, a huge effort, an amazing personal achievement... But if this is what we want... this is what Hashem wants...
I don't know I am not convinced ”
First of all, learning Torah is above all. Second, why is going to the army the only good thing a person must do? I think you should read a little of the history of zionism, how it was founded and why. Then you will understand why the frum chareidim are against it. Its unbelieveable the hate I see against frum people. Now I understand what sinas chinum truely means. Hate for no reason at all.
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Sep 23, 2009 at 11:10 PM tora is different Says:Report as Inappropriate
The chazon ish, when asked if young boys should learn noshim used to say that 'Divrei tora can't be mazik'
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Sep 24, 2009 at 07:16 AM Sara C. Says:Report as Inappropriate
What a wise boy at just 13 years of age. Mazel tov, Mazel tov. May his parents have much yidishe & chasidishe nachas from him. What a beautiful story. I had tears in my eyes.
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Sep 24, 2009 at 08:12 AM BEREL Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ the last paragraph says it all the greatest weapon is torah study , not protesting on shabbos i think the rebbe can learn from this young chasid a thing or two hmm maybe make him the rebbe of shomar amunim he definitely has my vote a gamar chasima tova to all ”
#5 and i think you can learn more than a thing or 2 from this chassid..lets start with a major thing like yiras shomayim
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Sep 24, 2009 at 08:02 AM berel Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ First of all, learning Torah is above all. Second, why is going to the army the only good thing a person must do? I think you should read a little of the history of zionism, how it was founded and why. Then you will understand why the frum chareidim are against it. Its unbelieveable the hate I see against frum people. Now I understand what sinas chinum truely means. Hate for no reason at all. ”
# 51 why is it ubbelievable..'gedole sinas am arertz l'talmud chachem yoser misinas akum l'yisroel'
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Sep 24, 2009 at 08:55 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ I admire this young bochur's committment to learning but the brainwashing that he has experienced with regard to the shabbos demonstrations and the dismissal of "zionists" is very sad. Apparently, he has read all the shaas but lacks the maturity to apply what he has learned as one would expect from such a young talmid. Hashem should grant him the wisdom to understand and appreciate the diversity within the yiddeshe community. ”
This young bocher it seems has more seichel than you! I will not waste anymore words as this says it all!
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Sep 24, 2009 at 09:07 AM Impressed Says:Report as Inappropriate
Mazal Tov! Can I ask him for some help in Maseches Niddah? ;-)
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Sep 24, 2009 at 09:39 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ All of you should have the merit of trying to embarrass me in public in the Ten Days of Teshuva.... Maybe, just maybe... just maybe, I also learn Day Yomi... I might even sit right next to you...
You are bringing Tzadikim as examples... Amen, he is a Tzaddik. Read what I wrote. Besides, that was the early generation this is now... If you want to know more about the generations and their differing roles, I suggest you look further in your studies. Beyond Rashi and Tosefos and your local establishment.
And I hope I won't flip you out of your comfort zone, but I am almost sure, most of you work for a living and still try to learn. The two is NOT by any means mutually exclusive. You can learn, work, help the other one, go to the army, be responsible for the others by paying for your own (family's) expense... So at least be nice to me and to another Yid, try to think and not just have a brain-jerk reaction.
I won't try to embarass all of you since I think you did a great job at that with your replies. ”
Soooo, let me get this straight. It's ok for you to embarrass this young Talmid Chochom, but it's not ok when the tables are turned on you?
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Sep 24, 2009 at 11:21 AM Askupeh Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ me too,, Halevai that I should have such Yiddishe (and for me specifically) Chasidishe nachas from my boys, like this father has from his,,, makes me want to start to take things upon myself. May we all have a year of gefen, gezunt parnasa, nachas, from ourselves, our children, and from Klal Yisroel. Gmar Chasima Toiva ”
For you, and all those who want to have children like this, and are ready to take things upon yourself, I’ll attempt to give some advice as to what to take upon yourself. I’m not into Chinuch, but it’s based on personal experience. Fregts Nisht Kein Kashos as I want to stay anonymous; it’s healthy for the soul.
The key in my opinion is the “mother”. Without a mother like Chani of #33 who wants this more then anything else in the world, it is a non starter. But for those who are ready to do something for it, I’ll try to lay out some points.
Although the father is important, in almost every case of such a kid, it is the mother that is the real reason for it. The father only sees his child, but the mother nurtures him Begashmiyus Uberochniyus. A mother who wakes him up every morning (Fartogs), and never accepts any excuse for missing or coming late even one day. No excuse for not Davening three times a day with Minyan (if over 11-12 to get him used to it). Every time the child comes home with a note, certificate, degree or Matonah for any Rochniyusdiga achievment, the biggest deal should be made of it, as if they had won the lottery, and the child should be kissed and told without mincing any words, that “this means to us the world”. And lastly the Treren (tears) by Licht Bentchen, pleading with Hashem for good children, sets the agenda of the child. If a child sees their mother crying for good children, it penetrates their mind and permeates their soul as nothing else.
May you all be Zoicha to Guta Kinder with a lot of Nachas from them.
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Sep 24, 2009 at 11:13 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ All of you should have the merit of trying to embarrass me in public in the Ten Days of Teshuva.... Maybe, just maybe... just maybe, I also learn Day Yomi... I might even sit right next to you...
You are bringing Tzadikim as examples... Amen, he is a Tzaddik. Read what I wrote. Besides, that was the early generation this is now... If you want to know more about the generations and their differing roles, I suggest you look further in your studies. Beyond Rashi and Tosefos and your local establishment.
And I hope I won't flip you out of your comfort zone, but I am almost sure, most of you work for a living and still try to learn. The two is NOT by any means mutually exclusive. You can learn, work, help the other one, go to the army, be responsible for the others by paying for your own (family's) expense... So at least be nice to me and to another Yid, try to think and not just have a brain-jerk reaction.
I won't try to embarass all of you since I think you did a great job at that with your replies. ”
Not everyone disagrees with you. I, for one agree with you and I find it highly skeptical that this young boy accomplished what the adults in his life claim he has accomplished while at the same time going to cheder and supposedly doing the other things a boy does to grow up. How could a young child begin to comprehend the complicated marriage laws in yevamos? Or the spread of tumah in ohalot? Highly skeptical indeed!
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Sep 24, 2009 at 10:38 AM Askupeh Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ I am not chassidish, I am not chareidi. I am a modern Orthodox Zionist who finds the achievements of this young man remarkable !!
Not living the lifestyle or even approving the lifestyle does not negate the enormous achievement of this young man. May he continue to learn and accumulate knowledge and may he use it for the benefit of Klal Yisroel. ”
We need more Jews like you.
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Sep 24, 2009 at 11:26 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
To #14:
Sorry, but your way of thinking is totally screwed up!
Let's take one thing, you say he should go to the army, what about the woman in the army?
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Sep 24, 2009 at 11:35 AM torah yid Says:Report as Inappropriate
all those suggesting the 13 year old go to the Zionist army why dont they send there children and how about themselfs
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Sep 24, 2009 at 01:07 PM Moty Says:Report as Inappropriate
taka, u should stand up for a nebach!!! there is no way this kid knows shakul vtarya of the majority of any mesechtas so what can b considerted lerning for a siyum? reading it like a storybook? but im not surprised, its the overall attitude of eretz yisroel where the kids hav absolutely no outlets and sit and learn 24 7 until they finally burn out at the age of 15, kids need kosher outlets and should not b pushed into such hasmoda at such young ages it is not good mentally or emotionally and i hope not but unfortunately the majority end up burning out and end up well behind whre they would have started by not finishing shas by 13...i assume the rebbe is just following in the footsteps of the chazon ish who used to stand up for special children, i hope im wrong but i doubt this kid KNOWS what he learnt more than just scanning pages as a 7 year old and any normal kid will eventually burn out, but i hope im wrong!
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Sep 24, 2009 at 01:29 PM Aim high Says:Report as Inappropriate
The oilom's hasogos here are pathetic. eretz Yisroel has many chadorim- chareidi, chassidshe, and even mizrachi- in which the kinderlach finish- and some memorize- shisha sidrei mishna- as part of regular school, before their bar mitzvah. I've tested kids, and yes,they KNOW and UNDERSTAND oholos and niddah. The melamdim are yorei shomayim and that's how the children learn those subjects as well. They are imbued with the she'ifos to become gedolim. Rav Moshe writes about this- we have to WANT our kids to become gedolim, not stam a talmid chochom- and only then will we PRODUCE gedolim- even in America!
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Sep 24, 2009 at 10:38 PM Mordche Hersh Says:Report as Inappropriate
The world stands only in the merit of Torah learning!
Let's all aspire to learn more this year . . . in good health, happiness, and ahavas chinam for each other!
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Sep 29, 2009 at 08:59 AM berel Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ The chazon ish, when asked if young boys should learn noshim used to say that 'Divrei tora can't be mazik' ”
#52 reference please .I spoke with people who were close to him they dont know of such thing.
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Sep 30, 2009 at 09:40 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
a nachas
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Nov 17, 2009 at 08:41 AM ruthiebeb Says:Report as Inappropriate
A joke for you! What do you call a crazy blackbird? A raven lunatic!
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