Jerusalem - Korean TV Visits Ponevezh Yeshiva To Explore The Study Of Talmud (video) |
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December 23, 2011 12:31 PM
News Source: Arutz 7
News Source: Arutz 7
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Jerusalem - A TV crew from South Korean paid a visit to Ponevezh (Ponovitch) yeshiva in Bnei Brak to film a special about Talmud study. Israel’s Channel 10 TV reported on the visit and followed the Korean crew as they filmed young students studying Gemara and other Jewish texts.
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“The reason why we came was to see the real Talmud. Jewish people are known for [a high percentage of] Nobel prizes. The Korean people are curious about how Jewish people started and why Jewish people are so smart,” the Korean journalist told Channel 10 TV. The TV crew also interviewed the yeshiva’s Rabbi Meir Volk.
Ponevezh is a high level elite school for Talmud study located in Bnei Brak.
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Read Comments (30) — Post Yours »
1
Dec 23, 2011 at 12:06 PM Moish Says:Report as Inappropriate
The Koreans have it all wrong. Nobel Peace prize winners do NOT study Torah. They should go to Bar Ilan University to look at the academics there. Its no different than any other university. But Ponevezh Yeshiva should be offlimits to the outside world. They will never understand it
2
Dec 23, 2011 at 12:09 PM MAYERFREUND Says:Report as Inappropriate
In tehilim kapitel 19 posuk 9 "toras hashem temimu meshivas nufesh machkimas pesi" meaning it makes smart the stupid.
3
Dec 23, 2011 at 12:18 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
Very nice.
4
Dec 23, 2011 at 12:19 PM enlightened-yid Says:Report as Inappropriate
It's funny how the Korean said Jewish people have won a lot of Nobel prizes and they're smart. But he thinks the secret is in yeshiva route learning of gemoras. They forgot to warn him that Jewish Nobel laureates did not sit in yeshivos all day but were actually edemucated in maths, sciences, literature and then attended universities.
5
Dec 23, 2011 at 12:56 PM zeke Says:Report as Inappropriate
Why is it that non-Jews from a foreign country come to Eretz Yisroel to learn Torah, but yet so many Jews (secular) from Eretz Yisroel don't want to learn how to learn Torah. To figure this out requires more logic then the logic how to learn.For a Jew learning shaloi lashmo is better then a goy learning Torah. A goy can't learn lashmo.
6
Dec 23, 2011 at 01:17 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ The Koreans have it all wrong. Nobel Peace prize winners do NOT study Torah. They should go to Bar Ilan University to look at the academics there. Its no different than any other university. But Ponevezh Yeshiva should be offlimits to the outside world. They will never understand it ”
What so special about Ponevezh that is should be "off limits to the outside world"? Yes, its a good yeshiva and has produced many great talmeidei chachamim but so have many other yeshivos. It would be good for the bochurim studying at Ponevezh to have more interaction with the outside world and become more aware of the global society of which they are part. Having a better understanding of the world will only help them in their learning and deepen their hashkafah.
7
Dec 23, 2011 at 01:42 PM victorg Says:Report as Inappropriate
Reply to 1 and 4
There might not be a causitive link but there is definitely a correlation.
The umos haolam can't learn talmud but we can. Even the one who _don't_ learn can learn. And although our learning is not like their learning, perhaps the potential leaves us better able to learn hochmas haolam?
8
Dec 23, 2011 at 01:53 PM Upset Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ It's funny how the Korean said Jewish people have won a lot of Nobel prizes and they're smart. But he thinks the secret is in yeshiva route learning of gemoras. They forgot to warn him that Jewish Nobel laureates did not sit in yeshivos all day but were actually edemucated in maths, sciences, literature and then attended universities. ”
One must remember that every Jew comes from ancestors who did study the Torah and it is in our genes. In addition, the commentators say that King David said in Tehilim that every Jew has a form of Ruach Hakodesh, as it saids "Your holy spirit (Hashem) do not remove from me (and all Jews). Ve'ruach kodshecha al tekach me'meni!"
9
Dec 23, 2011 at 02:46 PM WiseDude Says:Report as Inappropriate
There are several reasons why secular Jews may not want to learn Torah. They may not even realize what is there to learn. They may have misconceptions about it, and also, in this day and age, many have been "turned off" by the antics of the Charaidi fanatics who make Torah appear foolish or cruel.
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Dec 23, 2011 at 02:54 PM UseYourHead Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ One must remember that every Jew comes from ancestors who did study the Torah and it is in our genes. In addition, the commentators say that King David said in Tehilim that every Jew has a form of Ruach Hakodesh, as it saids "Your holy spirit (Hashem) do not remove from me (and all Jews). Ve'ruach kodshecha al tekach me'meni!" ”
Every Jew? Really? I think you're forgetting that Judaism accepts converts. There have been many geirim who became prominent talmidei chachamim (Shmayah and Avtalyon, for example). Also, how do you get "and all Jews" from "me'meni"? It means "from me".
11
Dec 23, 2011 at 03:00 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
I work with allot of Koreans and they are taught that we are special and hold us in high regard
12
Dec 23, 2011 at 06:32 PM shlomo Says:Report as Inappropriate
Unfortunately, I don't think any of those bochurs in the video will ever come close to winning a Nobel Prize.
13
Dec 24, 2011 at 07:56 AM SherryTheNoahide Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ I work with allot of Koreans and they are taught that we are special and hold us in high regard ”
"I work with allot of Koreans and they are taught that we are special and hold us in high regard."
They aren't the only gentiles that hold the Jewish community in high regard! *wink*
Actually, you are very correct that Koreans have seen something "special" about the Jewish Nation, and in fact... a Rabbi who's lectures I listen to often, said that South Koreans STUDY the Gemerah in certain places!
Now, the Rabbi's English is a bit broken... perhaps they only *admire* the Talmud, but the Rabbi thought they meant *study*??
In any case, my question is: Are there Talmud's in Korean dialect? I was under the impression that the Talmud has not been printed in a LOT of different languages, the way that the TaNak has been, because it contains secrets that the great Rabbis & Sages of old didn't want falling into the hands of the general public.
So who's correct? Is it true that any average South Korean (or a gentile from a different part of the world, for that matter), can just go purchase a Talmud online or wherever he\she wants to, and start studying it?!
I would think a person would want the proper tutelage from a Rabbi or Jewish institution of some kind, right??
14
Dec 24, 2011 at 01:42 PM qwe123 Says:Report as Inappropriate
It's very moving. To tears.
Anyway, the Jewish people didn't win more nobel prizes because of more universaties.
Perhaps, because of the Jewish ancestory and tradition, which one can find in Talmud study in yeshivas.
It's also in the genes, since most of us (jews), our parents or grandparents and acestors were very actively engages in Torah and gemoro, and we come from them, even if we wasted it on nobel prizes instead.
15
Dec 24, 2011 at 03:11 PM YJay1 Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Unfortunately, I don't think any of those bochurs in the video will ever come close to winning a Nobel Prize. ”
Why is that "unfortunate"? I never knew that receiving a Nobel Prize is a bigger mitzvah than learning Torah. When you find the source for your wise words please let us know. Thanks.
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Dec 24, 2011 at 03:22 PM YJay1 Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Every Jew? Really? I think you're forgetting that Judaism accepts converts. There have been many geirim who became prominent talmidei chachamim (Shmayah and Avtalyon, for example). Also, how do you get "and all Jews" from "me'meni"? It means "from me". ”
Do you really think that by catching RebYid by the word "every" you debunked his entire argument? Do you know how much percent of Jews are converts? I would venture to say that a of maximum 1 or 2 percent. How would that change anything?
You don't have to agree to his comment, but this idea that the Jews are smart because they are the "people of the book" is supported by lots of thinkers, scientists, historians, etc. If you believe that this theory is flawed, than try to argue it with a valid argument, not some silly words.
You comment betrays your username.
17
Dec 24, 2011 at 07:21 PM Chemist Levi Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ "I work with allot of Koreans and they are taught that we are special and hold us in high regard."
They aren't the only gentiles that hold the Jewish community in high regard! *wink*
Actually, you are very correct that Koreans have seen something "special" about the Jewish Nation, and in fact... a Rabbi who's lectures I listen to often, said that South Koreans STUDY the Gemerah in certain places!
Now, the Rabbi's English is a bit broken... perhaps they only *admire* the Talmud, but the Rabbi thought they meant *study*??
In any case, my question is: Are there Talmud's in Korean dialect? I was under the impression that the Talmud has not been printed in a LOT of different languages, the way that the TaNak has been, because it contains secrets that the great Rabbis & Sages of old didn't want falling into the hands of the general public.
So who's correct? Is it true that any average South Korean (or a gentile from a different part of the world, for that matter), can just go purchase a Talmud online or wherever he\she wants to, and start studying it?!
I would think a person would want the proper tutelage from a Rabbi or Jewish institution of some kind, right?? ”
Yes, they do at least read/learn some Gemora. I did graduate coursework with a Korean student, and she told me stories that she read in elementary school that were from Aggadata! I was in shock!
In addition I found that all my Chinese lab-mates held Jews in high regard. I once explained to one of them that I was Jewish, and his jaw literally dropped! (I guess he had no idea what a Yarmulka was!)
18
Dec 24, 2011 at 07:45 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
Didn't a frum man win a Nobel prize recently? I know of one female Nobel winner whose father-in-law was a talmid chacham (Rosalyn Yalow).
19
Dec 24, 2011 at 07:54 PM WiseDude Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ It's very moving. To tears.
Anyway, the Jewish people didn't win more nobel prizes because of more universaties.
Perhaps, because of the Jewish ancestory and tradition, which one can find in Talmud study in yeshivas.
It's also in the genes, since most of us (jews), our parents or grandparents and acestors were very actively engages in Torah and gemoro, and we come from them, even if we wasted it on nobel prizes instead. ”
You say "wasted" in Nobel prizes. What a dumb comment.
If you really feel this way, then perhaps you should not accept modern medicine if you or one of your family gets ill. Nobel prizes are given for science and that includes medical science. What a dumb concept to say that everything outside your little daled amos is a "waste". And how totally hypocritical since you no doubt benefit in many ways from others' creativity, thinking, and doing that goes on in the "outside" world.
20
Dec 24, 2011 at 08:32 PM Mark Levin Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ What so special about Ponevezh that is should be "off limits to the outside world"? Yes, its a good yeshiva and has produced many great talmeidei chachamim but so have many other yeshivos. It would be good for the bochurim studying at Ponevezh to have more interaction with the outside world and become more aware of the global society of which they are part. Having a better understanding of the world will only help them in their learning and deepen their hashkafah. ”
They don't need to be involved with the outside world. They should keep their noses in the five books of Moses & no where else!
21
Dec 25, 2011 at 01:04 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
I was surprised that the Hanhallah in Ponovezh was willing to be interviewed for this.
22
Dec 25, 2011 at 01:33 AM bigwheeel Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ The Koreans have it all wrong. Nobel Peace prize winners do NOT study Torah. They should go to Bar Ilan University to look at the academics there. Its no different than any other university. But Ponevezh Yeshiva should be offlimits to the outside world. They will never understand it ”
No, Moish. You have it wrong. The Koreans are 100% right. They are on the right track. They feel both, on an intellectual and spiritual level that the source of all knowledge and wisdom is the Torah. They (In the words of the TV crew) are seeking the path to worldly wisdom from the Torah. That should be a ":Mussar Haskel", a point to ponder and introspection for both, the non-religious Jews in Israel, as the Israeli TV anchorman said himself, and the B'nei Torah.
23
Dec 25, 2011 at 01:36 AM bigwheeel Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ It's funny how the Korean said Jewish people have won a lot of Nobel prizes and they're smart. But he thinks the secret is in yeshiva route learning of gemoras. They forgot to warn him that Jewish Nobel laureates did not sit in yeshivos all day but were actually edemucated in maths, sciences, literature and then attended universities. ”
But the genes from previous generations of being conditioned to study Torah are there in their brain, as all Scientific studies have confirmed. Your "Enlightened" skepticism not withstanding.
24
Dec 25, 2011 at 01:50 AM bigwheeel Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ "I work with allot of Koreans and they are taught that we are special and hold us in high regard."
They aren't the only gentiles that hold the Jewish community in high regard! *wink*
Actually, you are very correct that Koreans have seen something "special" about the Jewish Nation, and in fact... a Rabbi who's lectures I listen to often, said that South Koreans STUDY the Gemerah in certain places!
Now, the Rabbi's English is a bit broken... perhaps they only *admire* the Talmud, but the Rabbi thought they meant *study*??
In any case, my question is: Are there Talmud's in Korean dialect? I was under the impression that the Talmud has not been printed in a LOT of different languages, the way that the TaNak has been, because it contains secrets that the great Rabbis & Sages of old didn't want falling into the hands of the general public.
So who's correct? Is it true that any average South Korean (or a gentile from a different part of the world, for that matter), can just go purchase a Talmud online or wherever he\she wants to, and start studying it?!
I would think a person would want the proper tutelage from a Rabbi or Jewish institution of some kind, right?? ”
From what I read and heard, the people of South Korea obtained parts of the Talmud translated into their own language and they actually study it as part of their high school curriculum. You are correct in surmising that one of the reasons the (Many) authors and editors of this all-important and revered document, the Talmud were not eager to popularize it in the (non-Jewish) world is, because there are many passages in there that could --and in fact were-- misinterpreted and taken out of context-- by people of ill will and ulterior motives, in order to propagate hate and prejudice towards the Jews. But today, there are many editions of the Talmud in both English and French, which should still be taught, initially, by efficient tutors who have the necessary background and academic credentials.
25
Dec 25, 2011 at 01:08 PM AnonN Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ But the genes from previous generations of being conditioned to study Torah are there in their brain, as all Scientific studies have confirmed. Your "Enlightened" skepticism not withstanding. ”
genes are arent located in your brain, nor can you be conditioned to have certain genes. I think you should learn something about genetics before you talk, and stop quoting "all scientific studies", when in reality you are expressing what the scientific world believed 200 years ago. A person that conditions himself to study does not pass that trait on to his offspring. That was Lemarks theory of inheritance, which has been disproved numerous times over the last 200 years.
Go read a book.
26
Dec 25, 2011 at 01:44 PM nat101 Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ The Koreans have it all wrong. Nobel Peace prize winners do NOT study Torah. They should go to Bar Ilan University to look at the academics there. Its no different than any other university. But Ponevezh Yeshiva should be offlimits to the outside world. They will never understand it ”
The Koreans (if you listened to what the guy said...) also understand that the seculars don't study Talmud. But, he said we have to go back to the roots. These Nobel Prize winners are children of generations and generations of people that DID study Talmud.
His point, not mine.
However, the Koreans don't yet understand that a Yid has a Neshama that causes 'interesting' things to happen.
27
Dec 25, 2011 at 02:19 PM SherryTheNoahide Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ They don't need to be involved with the outside world. They should keep their noses in the five books of Moses & no where else! ”
"They don't need to be involved with the outside world. They should keep their noses in the five books of Moses & no where else!"
Now just exactly what is THIS comment supposed to mean, Mr. Levin? Are you accusing the students of engaging in "worldly" endeavors, just because another group of admiring students would like to spend a few days checking out what makes the "Jewish mind" tick?
It's a huge Kiddush HaShem that they would come to the Jews to look for guidance on how to properly study & to get ahead in life intellectually! This shows that they already have a certain level of intelligence on THEIR part, that they would be able to right-away recognize just how special the Jewish Nation really is!
Plus... unless you have children in a Yeshiva somewhere... what business is it of yours to talk about other people's kids like this? Assuming none of them are studying properly & that they should just keep their noses in the "5 books of Moses" and NOTHING ELSE?!
Really?! Who came up w\the rule that if you're a Torah student... you have to completely disassociate yourself from the outside world & pretend like other people don't exist?!
Yes they have to study hard...but come on!
28
Dec 25, 2011 at 02:44 PM shlomo Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Why is that "unfortunate"? I never knew that receiving a Nobel Prize is a bigger mitzvah than learning Torah. When you find the source for your wise words please let us know. Thanks. ”
Did I say a Nobel prize is a bigger mitzvah than learning Torah? No. But that doesn't mean Nobel Prizes aren't something good. I'm sure you use and benefit from the impact of Nobel Prize work everyday.
29
Dec 25, 2011 at 03:29 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
It's complimentary yet sorta creepy to think that those Koreans are documenting Jewish culture like it's an anthropological phenomenon.
They're saying that the point is not that Jews are genetically smarter or that the path to Nobel prizes is via yeshiva learning. But rather, to show that the "People of the Book" have developed a long heritage of studying Gemara through analytical discussion and open discourse; parsing out and developing countless interpretations throughout our written and oral literature. He said in the clip that they want to find the roots of the Jewish way of learning and that's in the yeshiva.
In that respect, they are correct. Jews, both secular and observant are products of this heritage and culture. The current yeshiva learning system is the living, breathing evedence of our traditional source of learning.
30
Dec 25, 2011 at 11:23 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
There is a theory that the reason the Jews are so smart is because they valued Torah scholars and wealthy Jews looked to marry their daughters to smart Torah scholars. In this way wealth and scholarship were interrelated and these people were most likely to pass on their genes. On the other hand among the Christians the smartest people became priests and did not pass on their genes at all.