I hate beating a dead horse but the issue refuses to die. And once again it flares up in the suburb of Ramat Bet Shemesh.
Rabbi Chaim Malinowitz, the general editor of the Artscroll Mesorah Shas (which has beautiful approbations from a great many of the Agudah Gedolim) has asked Rabbi Nosson Slifkin to give a Shiur in his Shul in Ramat Bet Shemesh, Beis Teffila. The shiur is unrelated to any of his other controversial writings and is only about zoological topics related to the current Daf Yomi topic dealing with Shofros in Mesches Rosh HaShannah.
There was a Kol Koreh put out by the Kaanoim of Ramat Bet Shemesh that excoriated Rabbi Malinowitz for allowing him to give Shiur. And of course Rabbi Slifkin himself received the usual trashing by these people. How this young man survives under these kinds of constant attacks is a Peleh… a wonder unto itself! I don’t know how he or his family can take it without becoming ill!
Here is an excerpt of that Kol Koreh. Please note the language. This is kind of language that earns these people the well deserved title of “Rotzchim”:
“Therefore, one who follows the Torah and admirably wants to attend a shiur at night, should know that by going to Mr. Natan Slifkin's class he is not only sinning by wilfully exposing himself to heretical thought, but essentially condoning and supporting those who do not listen to, and in fact make a mockery of, the Gedolei Yisrael. Leave his teachings where they belong - with the other animals of his ilk.”
Who is calling the kettle black, here? These “Rotzchim”?! Animals indeed!
I would remind everyone about the genesis of how American rabbinic opposition took place and has grown. Remember that Rabbi Slifkin’s books had Haskamos (approbations) from various members of the Agudah Moetzes themselves. The Agudah Moetzes was originally silent after Rav Elyashiv’s ban. The overall initial reaction here was one of tremendous turmoil even by the right. But after Rabbi Aharon Feldman spoke with Rav Elyashiv he came out against Rabbi Slifkin. The basis of the opposition was not his own understanding that Rabbi Slfkin’s material was heresy. It was based solely in his conversation with Rav Elyashiv. His primary rationale was that one does not go against the Gadol Hador. But, if I recall correctly he also said that Rav Elayshiv did not consider Rabbi Slifkin, himself necessarily an Apikores, only that his writings were, and should not be read.
Then well over a year later (perhaps two years later?) Rabbis Yaakov Perlow and Aaron Schechter came out with some very harsh language about Rabbi Slifkin himself , referring to him in similar terms as does the Kol Koreh. Meanwhile Rav Shmuel Kaminetsky (to his credit) refused to remove his support well after this whole thing blew up. But shortly before the statement by Rabbis Perlow and Schechter, Rabbi Kaminetsky removed his support for Rabbi Slfkin too. Not because of anything heretical contained in his books (as the Kanaim have been saying) but because of an essay by Rabbi Slifkin on a totally unrelated matter, which he felt was heretical.
Contrary to the wishes of Rabbi Slifkin’s critics the opposition was not universally accepted. Rabbi’s Aryeh Carmel and Chaim Malinowitz stood behind Rabbi Slifkin… Rabbi Carmel until his death and Rabbi Malinowitz… to this day. And the same is true of other leading rabbinic figures, well respected by the Moetzes themselves, not the least of which is Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, executive director of the OU. To his credit, Rabbi Weinreb is the only prominent Rav thus far (to the best of my knowledege) to make his support for Rabbi Slifkin known. And in a very public way.
Other supporters chose to remain silent with that support. Although it would be much better for the Torah world if they revealed their names, I understand completely their near morbid fear of the repercussions. And I don’t know if I would have what it takes to do it either. I cannot therefore criticize them. They have families to support. It would take tremendous courage to be able to speak out with the potential of losing one’s job, income, and standing in the Torah world. I therefore salute Rabbi Weinreb for having the courage of his convictions. He is truly a Gibor.
The Kaanaim in Ramat Bet Shemesh reflect the worst of Charedism. And it should be countered. Not with violence, Chas V’Shalom. Not even with opposing Kol Korehs. But by a massive attendance by as many of the residents of Ramat Bet Shemesh as possible of Rabbi Slifkin’s Shiurim. Anyone who has the ability to go hear those Shiurim should do so. And if you are Charedi all the more so. Nothing will work better than this. Now is time to act and this is the best way of doing it. Tzedek, Tzedek Tirdof.
No violence, God forbid. That would be a Chilul HaShem. Just go to that Shiur and show your support for Rabbi Slifkin, and his Rav, Rabbi Malinowitz. Justice and fairness demand it.
