Our Little Corner

2011-10-24T12:59:00.001+01:00

An Orthodox existence on the hill

By Andrew Gimson Last updated at 00:00am on 05.03.01 Appeared in the Eveining Standard: http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-938778-an-orthodox-existence-on-the-hill.do

Ita Symons arrived in England with 300 other Jewish children from Poland in 1946. She and her parents, who were able to follow her to London two years later, had survived the Holocaust by fleeing to Russia, but about 50 members of her family perished in it.
She went to live with relatives in Stamford Hill, which over the last century has developed into the greatest stronghold of Orthodox Jewry in Britain, the men immediately recognisable from their beards, black hats and long, black coats.
As Paul Lindsay has written in his book The Synagogues of London, "These Chasidic groups seem to create self-imposed ghettos and seek to maintain the kind of life which existed in the shtetl of Eastern Europe. They speak Yiddish as well as English, and religious duties and practice are at the centre of their lives." Shtetl is a Yiddish term for a small town or village.
Mrs Symons is a restlessly energetic woman who has seven children, "well over 20" grandchildren and is chief executive of the Agudas Israel Housing Association, which provides 400 dwellings for Orthodox Jews, mostly in Stamford Hill but also in Manchester. Unlike many Orthodox Jews, she is not in the slightest bit shy of talking to the Press.
When she received me in her office, she was helping a scribe to find a home for himself and his very large family: many members of the community have 10 or 12 children and she estimates that, including children, it now numbers 16,000 in Stamford Hill, with all its members living within walking distance of their small, informal synagogues, where they pray three times a day.
"The average number of children in this community is about eight," Mrs Symons said. "The youngsters just have lots of children irrespective of their financial constraints. We look on children as blessings. God will provide. What is special about this community is its commitment to the religious way of life, not letting go of a way of life that has existed for over 3,000 years. Though we have a few rich members of the community, who are all in property, most of the children come from very poor families, but they are educated in a very rich culture.
"We educate them that this is the way of life. It's not negotiable. It gives the children a sense of security. The Ten Commandments are the framework. From the Ten Commandments spring 613 do's and don'ts. It's the acceptance, not just the observance, of these 613 commandments that describes an Orthodox Jew. What it means in practical terms is the acceptance of kosher food and the observance of the Sabbath."
The children are educated at private schools, of which at least 25 are scattered across Stamford Hill. These are named after towns and rabbinical dynasties in Poland, Russia, Romania and Hungary. Boys and girls are educated separately. At the Belz school, 15 rabbis, or teachers, give instruction to 250 boys. I saw a lively class of 11-year-olds, wearing skull caps and sidelocks, learning the scriptures in Hebrew and Aramaic from their rabbi, with Yiddish as the medium of instruction. At the end of the day the boys do an hour of English and maths.
Like most of the Jewish schools in Stamford Hill, the actual building, which also houses the Belz community's synagogue, is dilapidated far beyond what would be acceptable in even the most rundown state school. The presence just inside the front door of a peddler selling the sort of small items that might be found in an ironmonger's increased the feeling of stepping back into the 19th century.
Menasche Scharf, a member of the Belz congregation, said: "We do not allow the children to have the influence of the television and the media." He added with a smile: "And we do not even allow them to read the Evening Standard.
"Two-hundred years ago, we started in Belz, in Poland, and, under four generations of rabbis, people came from all over the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The hats we wear were fashionable 100 years ago. The Jews had to keep up with the fashion. We stay with what we came with from Poland. That's why you see different hats. The flat hat is from Hungary, the tall hat is from Poland, you have the one that is plain material from Russian Poland and the west European Jews go with one that is bent down at the front. But it doesn't have any religious significance. I wear a skull cap underneath so that when I take off the hat my head is still covered as a mark of respect towards God."
It would be unimaginable to omit the Stamford Hill Jews from a survey of ethnic London, but one should note that many other Jews would be upset if this particular community were to be taken as typical of British Jewry in general, much of which is highly assimilated.

YOM TEFILLAH

2011-10-05T17:37:00.000+01:00

By C. S. Teitelbaum

Hundreds of local cheder boys joined an awe-inspiring gathering this Tuesday in the majestic Bobov Shul on Egerton Road.

Over twenty years ago gedolim in America initiated this special annual Yom Tefillah whereby yiddishe kinderlach assemble during the aseres yemei teshuva using the power of their innocence and purity as a means of praying on klal yisroel's behalf. Established seven years ago locally, the cheder boys came to the event en masse davening minchah and reciting chapters of tehillim and selichos. They were joined by many Rabbonim, fathers and rebbeim who were keen to join this rare opportunity of davening with the huge crowd of tinnokos shel beis rabon.

Rabbi Yeshaya Schlesinger, Rosh Kollel Chaim Ozer, opened the program with an emotionally charged address about tefillah, noting its significance especially during these days when even the individual tefillah is as valuable as with a tzibbur. He kept his young audience riveted with examples from the Gemara, how Reb Chiya and his sons managed to transform the weather dramatically with the intensity of their kavannah at the words mashiv horuach umorid hageshem and how the earth trembled before they reached the words mechayeh meisim for fear of the outcome. Rabbi Schlesinger further emphasized that the boys should daven for extra siyatta d'ishmaya in contending with today's great struggle against the infiltrating spiritual dangers.

Rabbi Ahron Fischel, menahel of Skver cheder, recited six kappitlech tehillim that have been singled out by the gedolim at the original founding decades ago. Emotions ran high as the boys' honeyed voices rang out, movingly chanting passuk by passuk, intermingled with the many adults who were lining the shul's circumference. Mincha was followed by a responsive recitation of Avinu Malkeinu led by Rabbi Betzalel Kamionka, before which Rabbi Osher Schapiro reminded the boys to beseech passionately at the words shelach refuah sheleima. Indeed, at the intensity of those words participants noted that they were assured the childrens' cries pierced right through the domed roof to the skies, where the shechina awaits them now more than ever.

Rabbi Eliezer Dovid Friedman was honoured with pesicha for selichos, which was then recited by Rabbi Avrohom Moshe Krausz, renowned baal Tefillah from America.

The event was organized by Rabbi Schapiro, Reb Menashe Scharf and Reb Aryeh Deutsch. The experience left the boys both humbled and emotionally uplifted, the inspiration of the moment making an everlasting impression.

This article first appeared in the Jewish Tribune, 06 October 2011

Torah Way update Adar 5766

2011-10-04T13:09:00.000+01:00

Torah Way North London Update, Adar 5766.

by Menasche Scharf

Listeners to the Torah Way North London programme on Kol Haloshon, as well as the regular visitors to the Biala Shtiebel in Castlewood Road in South Tottenham were treated to an extraordinary discourse on Emunoh, Bitochon and Divine Intervention (lit. Hashgocho Protis).

The speaker was octogenarian Rabbi Yitzchok Wiesenfeld, acting Rabbi and spiritual leader to the New Shul's Minyan at the Victoria Community Centre in Egerton Road.

Spiced with sayings of our sages from previous generations and punctuated with his own insights, he skilfully wove a chain through the Parshyios relating our Egyptian stay and subsequent sojourn in the wilderness.

Regular fans will notice the growing number of recorded Shiurim on the Kol HaLoshon system, which has now reached over thirty. These include sessions on Sundays and Thursdays, mostly delivered by local Rabbonim on a one-off basis.

Rabbi Yaakov Mordechai Gee will deliver the coming Sunday's drosho (05/03/2006), followed by Rabbi Yechiel Fogel on the Sunday after (12/03/2006).

A new system is G-D willing now being introduced whereby there will be a regular speaker on Thursdays, every three to four weeks. Each contributor will focus on a particular area in the vast expanses of Torah: the weekly Parsha, History, Hashkofo etc. - all with the aim to enrich the lives of our ba'aley battim and enhance their day in a Torah-dige fashion.

We now have the privilege of introducing some of the regular Maggidey Shiur for alternating Thursdays: Rabbi Mordechai Fine, Rabbi Gavriel Menashe Lamm, Rabbi Yechiel Fogel and Rabbi Yerachmiel Tzvi Halpert.

The beauty of Torah Way is that it becomes contagious; people tell their friends, who relate their new-found experience to family, who in turn make sure to bring along yet another newcomer-friend. Indeed - regulars are being reminded to be generous, to share the joy and spread the word about the wonderful, uplifting words of wisdom they acquire in these short sessions with long ranging effect.

A special guest speaker is planned for Purim day - start it the Torah Way. Watch out for more details on the Shul noticeboards and in the news.

As has been previously reported, Yiddish-speaking listeners have not been left out - tune in on Kol HaLoshon and dial extension 3111 to hear the legendary Rabbi Hershel Eckstein every Thursday evening between 20:20 to 23:05 on the Mekadhsey Shevi'i channel.

Torah Way , the daily morning Shiur started two years ago in North Manchester and now operates in North and North West London.

We are now in the process of publishing a Torah Way Diary, an A4 flyer listing forthcoming Shiurim until Erev Rosh HaShana. For further details, call Menasche Scharf on 07974 160 252.

Communicated:

1 Adar 5766 (27/03/2006)

Fwd: Activity Report

2011-09-23T13:32:00.001+01:00

Very Successful Event for Aish HaTorah in Stamford Hill

For immediate release:
London, 26/03/2009
Q. English speaking presentation on Kiruv in the heart of Ultra-Orthodox
Stamford Hill?
A. In what can be described as a shift in public attitude, the Aish HaTorah
evening proved just that!
The response from the attendants and enquiries that kept pouring in during
the run-up to - and after the event, filed the organisers with confidence.
The Aish HaTorah gathering was dedicated to the revered memory of its
founding father and world renowned mentor to thousands of devoted Talmidim,
the late Rabbi Noach Weinberg OB"M, who was Niftar recently.
It was chaired by Rabbi Chazkel Dovid Halberstam who eloquently explained
the theme of this symposium: Our generation's ignorant Jew can be likened to
the fourth son in the Hagadda, who doesn't ever realise that there are
questions that need asking; that there are answers to be had.  Indeed,
fourth-generation immigrants to countries outside of Eastern Europe have
lost their centuries long hallowed ID somewhere between Hamburg and Ellis
Island or in the choppy waves linking Gdansk with Hull.
The main guest speaker Dayan Yonason Abraham Shlita, of the London Beth Din
enthralled the assembled crowd with his masterly crafted appreciation of the
"Noach" of our generation, who single-headedly established a global
organisation dedicated to Kiruv.
The Dayan mesmerised all present with his heartfelt plea to enlist in the
mammoth task of helping to save precious Jewish souls from being left behind
in their ignorant lifestyle.
Explaining the meaning of VeOhavto - the first word in the second verse of
the Shema, he read out the words of the Rambam: Your love of HaShem should
reach such a level that it will compel you to constantly expound on HaShem's
goodness, causing others to love Him too.
In quoting the promise of the Torah "Kee Lo Yedach Memenoo Nedach" כי לא ידח
ממנו ידח that in these words the Holy Creator has codified a message for
generations to come, that come what may, no נשמה may be given up as lost to
the Jewish people.
When describing Rabbi Weinberg's virtues, he presented the words of the
Chovos HaLevovos that: those who bring people nearer to HaShem are on a
higher level than the Nevi'im (Prophets)!
Rabbi Weinberg Ztzl, was attuned to the voice emanating from Sinai, the cry
to arms for every Jewish person: "woe to those who let the Torah lie on the
sidelines in shame".  He felt the heartbeat of the Jewish people as a whole,
he listened to the spiritual cries of millions of our brethren who were born
into an environment devoid of any vestige of Yiddishkeit.
In closing, the Dayan impressed upon his audience to take the cue from Reb
Noach, become synthesised to the metaphysical sound waves wafting through
the Jewish world, to constantly be 'online' and pick up the silent,
passionate appeals for meaningful attention form our non-frum
co-religionists.  When travelling, shopping or going about your life in
general, know that whomever you meet has the potential to become Torah
observant - without you as much opening your mouth! Your actions speak more
than you could ever imagine.
By encouraging each and every one attending this auspicious meeting to
become an ambassador for the Torah and its relevant-to-life teachings, the
speaker then closed with an emotionally charged story, which brought home
the concept that you don't have to be a Kiruv Professional to be Mekarev the
Children to their Forefathers.
Rabbi Shimshon Silkin of Aish HaTorah UK took the floor for the remainder of
the evening.
He welcomed the esteemed guest, Rabbi Yosef Dov Babad Shlita, Rav of the
Belz Kehilla in London, who took time off his busy schedule to encourage
such important cause.
Rabbi Silkin then launched in a Halachic discourse, proficiently
demonstrating the many Halachic sources one can find that point to this
important life-saving act of leading Jews who are astray onto the right path
of Torah and Mitzvos.  He stressed the many Mitzvos and Chiyuvim DeOraisoh
involved in Kiruv Rechokim – including the Rambam (Mitzvas Ahavas HaShem
based on Gemoroh in Yuma and the Sifri) that to properly fulfil Ahavas
HaShem one must demonstrate it by making Him beloved amongst the people. He
also quoted the Rambam that the mitzvah of Kiddush HaShem means to spread
awareness of HaShem amongst the people and to strengthen their Emunoh. Also
the Chofetz Chaim in Chizuk HaDas says someone who wants to be respected in
the next world will be asked if he was concerned for HaShem's Kovod in this
world by disseminating the reality of His Metzius. Furthermore, Rabbi Silkin
mentioned the Gemoroh in Rosh HaShana that a person can make Kiddush for
another person even if already made Kiddush, because the responsibility of
Kol Yisroel Areivim Zeh LoZeh goes so far as to say that if one person has
not fulfilled the mitzvah then in a sense neither have I - even if a person
has one Esrog but he knows of another town that does not, according to the
Mogen Avrohom he must send his Esrog to them and borrow someone else's. Also
the Shelo"h in Kedoshim says "Lo Sa'amod Al Dam Re'echoh" – "do not stand
idly by when another Yid is dying", all the more so applies to saving his
Neshomoh from Aveiroh; the Minchas Chinuch agrees to this and adds that if
there is a Chiyuv DeOraisoh of returning a lost item, how much more so a
lost soul; also the Chofetz Chaim quotes the Rambam that if one does NOT
prevent a fellow Jew from sin when he could have, he is considered to have
committed that very sin himself and according to the Ramban he falls into
the category of Orrur, Chas VeSholom.  Rabbi Silkin finished this part of
his presentation with the Pituchei Chosom of the Chasam Sofer who says that
Avrohom Ovinu did not manage to achieve the spiritual heights he would have
liked because he was too busy being Mekarev Rechokim. So HaShem said
"Hamechaseh Ani MeAvrohom?" Should Avrohom lose out? He was saving my
children!" therefore HaShem gave him special Siyata DiShmaya to achieve
those heights as a gift - so too, anyone 'losing out' their own learning or
Shteiging by doing Kiruv, will be guaranteed by HaShem to achieve those
levels anyway – he cannot lose out.
Rabbi Silkin then went on to describe practical methods for getting more
involved based on the acronym I-N-S-P-I-R-E. I- he said, stood for Impress.
The most important thing is to be a Kiddush HaShem, make a good impression;
N- nurture – make sure to take care of Talmidim, they are not scientific
specimens but rather people deserving real Ahavas Yisroel; S- Shabbos, there
is nothing like a Geshmakeh Shabbos meal. For those people reluctant to
invite secular people into their homes for Shabbos, Rabbi Silkin suggested
inviting them over during the week after the children are asleep; P-
publications, give them books to read and inspirational CD's to listen to;
send them something inspiring before Yom Tov; I- interest, take genuine
interest in their lives; hear the questioner behind the question, try to
understand what their lives are like and what they are going through; R-
relationships; demonstrate to them how a Torah lifestyle is the answer to
the broken world of relationships – and perhaps try and help them with
theirs, E- email; a constant contact medium that's not too invasive and
gives time for them to learn without being put on spot.
The evening culminated with the screening of the audio-visual presentation
"Inspired Too" which brought home the message that every observant Jew is
capable of sparking interest in unaffiliated, seemingly uninterested people.
The video described numerous examples of "chance" encounters which led to
incredible results, demonstrating how easy it is to make a difference.
People out there are just waiting for someone to talk to them in a friendly
way. A few minutes conversation with a fellow passenger on a plane can
change his life and that of his descendants LeDoros, earning the catalyst
untold Zechusim. That plane trip might turn out to be a passport to more
unexpected places than either had imagined.
Special thanks were expressed to the many contributors: the shopkeepers who
graciously spared precious window space, the cake and refreshments were
likewise donated by Renbake and Carmel respectively, the management of the
Shul who hosted the event and at last: the selfless volunteers who
tirelessly helped with the logistics!
The organisers are now preparing the sequel to this successful endeavour.

You may have seen the above press release before, still we need urgent input as there are many concerned people who will put in many hours in order to help further this cause.

Menasche Scharf

07974 160 252

What nails?

2011-07-10T20:02:00.001+01:00

http://www.haaretz.com/israeli-convert-from-judaism-named-to-catholic-church-s-highest-court-1.365676

http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/experts-question-claims-of-crucifixion-nails-discovery-1.359256

I think both news item converge to remind me of the story I heard about the retired builders merchant, Mark Steinberger whose son decided to expand the business. Whilst his father reclined in Miami, he went on an advertising spreee, putting up huge billboards in all airports across the united states. The posters depicted yoshkee on the x, with a message emblazoned underneath: "he's still ahnging on there, because they used Steinberger's nails". A huge rucus breaks out, condemning Steinberger Builders Merchants for insulting the "hooley fate" Steinberger senior gets a call from his stockbroker, requesting him to jump on the first plane to N. Y., to sort out the mess. Descending from the plane, his face turns ashen as he realises what his boytchik has done to him. Storming into the CEO's office he forces his son tor order a complete recall of the advert IMMEDIATELY! His son complied and the father returned to his hole in California hoping to put the fiasco down to his son's lack of tarining. Now that his son got the message he looks forward to a restful summer, only to be calledback again. This time his trusted advisor begs him in a hoarse voice to please come back and try to explain to his son why the new advert is even worse than the original one. Before he has a chance to ask about it, the 'phone at the other end is terminated and he's left booking a return ticket to N.Y., where upon arrival he manages to read the following message whilest the plane is slowly taxiing to the terminal: "he's not hanging anymore, because they didn't use Steinberger's nails". This time though the x is empty and yoshkee's crumpled body is seen, lying on the ground, face down . . .

Beis Yaakov Girls School

2011-07-01T13:27:00.000+01:00

Date: 20 June 2011 17:52

By: Menasche Scharf

The newly formed Beis Yaakov Girls School in Stamford Hill will be holding its first reception on Sunday Parshas Chukas 26^th June. The Bays Yaakov Maydel Schule, as it is fondly called by the locals, has gained its sterling reputation in no small part because Yiddish is part of the curriculum. The recent Ofsted inspection vindicated the schools' founders and supporters when the inspectors gave the school a resounding thumbs up

The school was founded by a group of young askanim who felt the acute pain and heartbreak of many a parent in our midst whose child could not be placed in a Jewish school, as an attempt to address the lack of space in all the girls' schools.

This much needed facility is now turning to the community for help in ensuring the material requirements are met for both the long and short term future.

A fund raising evening will be held at the home of Mr Shlomo Sinitsky, who is a trustee of this new school, in addition to his other communal commitments.

Dayan Padwa, shlita, the nasi of the school, will be in attendance to promote the core values of the school, which are being staunchly upheld by the staff and Acceptance Committee. The financial burden is carried by the school's finance committee whose tireless efforts have kept the school afloat, while the disproportionate expenses versus pupil ratio are currently unsustainable, due to the small number of children enrolled.

The school's management committee is full of hope that the community will take up this chance to help a new school with small beginnings which is set to grow into an award-winning educational powerhouse, producing real Yiddishe Mammes to shine forth in Klal Yisrael.

The planned September intake will reach the legal space limitation of the currently premises and the Building Committee is actively looking for larger premises for possible purchase in the near future.

Appeared in HaModia & The Jewish Tribune Parshas Chukas 5751 Edition

BYGS Fundraising Evening

2011-06-15T13:41:00.002+01:00

- DRAFT -

For immediate release

London, 14/06/2011

BYGS Fundraising Evening

Beis Yaakov School growing by leaps and bounds

The newly formed Beis Yaakov Girls School will be holding its first reception on Sunday Parshas Chukas (26/06/2011)

The Bays Yaakov Maydel Schule, as it is fondly called by the locals, has gained its sterling reputation in no small part because Yiddish is part of the curriculum. The recent OfstEd isnpection vindicated the most convicted cynics, when their inspectors gave the school a resounding thumbs up with 104 out of 108 points gained.

The school was founded by a group of young askonim who felt the acute pain and heartbreak of many a parent in our midst whose child could not be placed in a Jewish school.

This Much needed facility is now turning to the community for help in ensuring the material requirements are met for the short and long future.

A fund raising evening will be held at Mr Shlomo Sinitski's home who has agreed to become a trustee of this new school, in addition to his other communal commitments

Dayan Padwa, the Nossy of the school will be in attendance to promote the core values of the school, which are being staunchly upheld by the staff and Acceptance Committee.

The Financial burden is carried by Yitzchok Stern and Shmuel Yitzchok Salzman whose tireless efforts have kept afloat the school, whose disproportionate expenses versus pupil ratio are currently unattainable, due to the small number of children enrolled.

The school's management committee is full of hope that the community will take up this chance to help a new school with small beginnings which is set to grow into a award-winning educational powerhouse producing real Yiddishe mommes to shine forth in Kelal Yisroel.

The planned September intake is to reach the legal space limitation of the currently premises and the Building Committee is actively looking for larger premises for possible purchase in the near future.

- DRAFT -

Menasche Scharf

Chanukas HaBayis for Beis Yaakov Girls School in Stamford Hill

2011-04-08T13:46:00.002+01:00

Beis Yaakov Girls School celebrated a chanukas habayis on Sunday. It is the first non-affiliated school to open in Stamford Hill since Beis Chinuch Lebonos opened some twenty-five years ago. The Chairman, Mr Shia Chaim Grussgott greeted everyone on behalf of the committee, He began by observing that the school had been blessed with tremendous siyatta di’shmaya, and continued with a tefilla that this would should continue enabling the school to flourish. He said a vort on the very appropriate pasuk “Ko somar lebeis Yaakov vesaged livney Yisrael”

He then invited the Nasi of the school, Rabbi Yosef Padwa, shlita, Dayan of the UOHC to address the assembly.

Dayan Padwa expressed his appreciation for the committee members and especially the ladies’ committee, who have invested so much their time and effort in setting up the school as an excellent place to have our children grow up into Jewish women of worth.

The Dayan then gave a historical overview of the Torah-view on opening schools for girls, an element of Chinuch that – whilst nearly unheard of until WWI– became a necessity after WWII. Whereas there was vehement opposition to the Beis Yaakov school movement in the years between the two world wars, the idea took root after the great churban of Europe, when it was unanimously agreed that having a girls’ school is a necessity for the upkeep of Yiddishkeit – as much as opening chadorim for the boys. Indeed, the hashkafah of our Gedolim was that if we want to merit Yiddishe kinderlach, we must invest in the future mothers of Klal Yisrael.

The Dayan then explained that although much of the child’s formal Jewish education comes from the school, ultimately it is a shutfus – a partnership between the school and the parents. There is a well known maamar Chazal: “Ein adam moyrish sheker levonov” – a person does not want his children to live their life with a false legacy. Even though we may sometimes look the other way when tending to our own spiritual needs, no normal parents would knowingly teach a child the wrong way of life.

It is this message that parents should remember: be part of the education which the girls receive throughout the day and augment it with ideas of your own.

In closing the Dayan benched the school that it should flourish from small beginnings into a large and beautiful stronghold of Torah and chinuch al taharas hakodesh to benefit the Klal.

The mara de’asra, Harav Efrayim Padwa, shlita, then spoke, quoting the pasuk “Ko somar lebeis Yaakov vesaged livney Yisrael.” He cited the famous Rashi quoting the maamar Chazal that Beis Yaakov refers to the womenfolk and Bnei Yisrael means the men. In line with the day’s agenda the Rav quipped that the simplest explanation to this seemingly anomaly – of giving the men second mention – is to emphasise the importance of our new Beis Yaakov School.

The apparent difficulty – of placing the ladies before the men – can be explained by the idea that when we want to have ehrliche generations of youngsters following the path of the Torah, it is the Eym BeYisral who looks after her children, nurturing their neshamos with the stamina required to grow up Jewishly. To understand this better the Rav discussed the story of Kimchis, quoted in the Gemara, who merited to bring up seven sons all of whom served as Kohein Godol in the Beis HaMikdaosh. When asked what her secret was, she answered: the walls of my house never saw the hair of my head – alluding to the fact that she was extremely modest – even within the confines of her own home. Whilst we could accept this explanation as a valid trait to become worthy of such prodigious sons, the question that begs an answer is this: why was she approached in the first place, when there was a father involved; wasn’t her husband involved in the success of their seven holy sons? Apparently – the Ravad concluded – as the meforshim explain: when it comes to seeking the cause of holy children, the source will generally be the mother. She is the one who looks after their well-being in and around the home, whose tears and prayers are observed from the child’s first days until he walks to Shul holding his father’s hand.

The Rav thanked the originator of the whole idea, Reb Shea Yaakov Lipchitz, saying that without him we would not be standing here. His invaluable input and astute foresight enhanced our Kehillah with another holy mosad.

Before leaving the Rabbi Padwa affixed a mezuza that was removed by the decorators.

The Chairman thanked the Vaad Hachinuch who spent countless hours preparing the schools ethos. He concluded the event by thanking his fellow committee members Messrs Mordechei Bodner, Mordechei Grosskopf, Shmuel Saltzman, Menasche Scharf and Yitzchok Stern.

A grateful grandfather of a pupil in the school commented that the warm atmosphere made him feel as though he was at a family simcha and that the event was a real Kiddush Hashem.

New Premises for Beis Yaakov in Stamford Hill

2011-04-08T13:44:00.002+01:00

The Beis Yaakov Girls’ School in Stamford Hill has moved to new premises. The school opened after Sukkos, hoping to ease the current pressure for places in local primary schools and caters for girls from across the spectrum of the local kehillah. It has the backing of local rabbanim including Rabbi Yosef Padwa, shlita, who is actively involved in deciding on issues which require daas Torah.

The school is now housed in a beautiful building with a garden and great potential to develop as the school itself grows. The dedicated staff are working together with the parents to create a warm and friendly atmosphere, combined with an excellent standard of education in both Kodesh and chol. Beis Yaakov parents have formed both a men’s and ladies’ committee who are all working hard for the benefit of the school. The school will, iy”H, be marking its move with a chanukas habayis in the very near future.

Re: Be a pioneer in a new crowd-driven Jewish Q&A site

2010-08-13T15:05:00.000+01:00

From: Isaac Moses (LinkedIn Messages) <messages-noreply@linkedin.com>
Date: 15 January 2010 15:31
Subject: RE: Be a pioneer in a new crowd-driven Jewish Q&A site
To: Menasche Scharf menasche.scharf@gmail.com

Menasche,

Thanks very much for your thumbs up. Have you seen the new site? If not, would you like an invitation?

Thanks very much for your advice.

1) The new site is not intended to provide professional rabbinic advice (pesak). At the top of every page, it says that and "Treat our information like it came from a crowd of your friends." If we had rabbinic authorities as users (which we probably will eventually), it would still not be appropriate for them to offer pesak on the site or via any such website. If there is public criticism about pesak on the site, I would be most likely to respond by doing more to prevent solicitation or provision of pesak on the site.

2) I'm not sure what you mean by "create a feed from." Pages from the websites you list have already been linked in questions and answers on the new site. They are excellent resources, so I expect that they'll continue to be reference frequently.

3) The new website has an associated free-form forum in which people could start a conversation like the one you suggest.

Thanks very much again and Shabbat Shalom,

Isaac

Fwd: Be a pioneer in a new crowd-driven Jewish Q&A site

2010-08-13T15:02:00.000+01:00

On 01/15/10 5:55 AM, Menasche Scharf wrote:
--------------------
Dear Isaac,

Firstly a big thumbs up for your very valuable work.

Secondly, please take on board my advice, which I hope will make sense to you:
1. Before going public, ensure you have at least one Rabbinic authority on your roster, so that you will eliminate any possible criticism from the public.
2. It would be nice if you could create a feed from askmoses.com, aish.com, chabad.org, brijnet.org (since 1990) and others who have been conributing to the web in a Jewish way for over a decade
3. Following on from the previous point, may I suggest the following: you will see that many respondents to your LinkedIn invitation are professionals who are very savvy with web technologies. Perhaps you can create a forum in your new website for us lot to 'congregate' with the aim of planning the next generation internet for the whole Jewish community worldwide. More details are available if you're game . . .

Thanks and good luck!

Menasche Scharf

1000 Shiurim on Start Your Day the Torah Way דרך התורה !

2010-08-08T18:31:00.001+01:00

From: menasche scharf <menasche.scharf@gmail.com>
Date: 28 Jul 2009 18:50
Subject: Re: 1000 Shiurim on Start Your Day the Torah Way דרך התורה !
To: hamodiaads@gmail.com

This Wednesday, Erev Tisha BeAv we will be privileged to hear the Number One Thousand Shiur in Start Your Day the Torah Way - North London.

SHIURIM IN ENGLISH AT BIALA BEIS HAMEDRASH - at 110 CASTLEWOOD ROAD N15 - EACH MORNING 9:10AM to 9:50AM - Plenty of parking.

To listen in live to our Shiurim, please call Kol HaLoshon on 0161 798 5500 - our Shiur extension is: 1 for English, then press 9, for Torah Way and finally press 4 for North London.

You can download the Shiurim from http://www.kolhaloshon.com/Eng/ShowDownloadFiles/strSearchValue/derech/RavID/6148/strSearchLang/English/

For Hebrew interface, see: http://www.kolhashiurim.com/Heb/ShowDocII/ID/922/

We are preparing a nice lineup of speakers for the summer holiday, splease inform all North London visitors!

Fwd: Photo's from NW London's TorahWay 2nd Anniversary

2010-08-08T18:29:00.001+01:00

From: Jonathan Rabson <jrabson@torahway.org.uk>
Date: 19 Nov 2007 18:36
Subject: RE: Photo's from NW London's TorahWay 2nd Anniversary

PS – if you are featuring this story this week, please could I make 2 important amendments which were my errors:

Reb Menashe Scharf is the founder and leader of SYDtTW in Stamford Hill – they were the first programme in London after Manchester
Reb Menachem Dovid Saltzman's name should NOT be associated with Etz Chaim high school in Manchester – he is certainly still a leading Manchester Askan!

Happy to see a draft article – but as I am abroad Tuesday-Thursday I may not be able to get you feedback in time.

Many thanks

Jonathan Rabson

www.torahway.org.uk

Fwd: Tehillim - תהלים

2010-08-08T18:25:00.001+01:00

From: menasche scharf <menasche.scharf@gmail.com>
Date: 22 Jul 2009 19:48
Subject: Tehillim - תהלים

Tehillim - See attached

מצורף בזה תהלים לחדש אב

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

Other items of import

הקונטרס "ומקדשי תיראו" נתפשט כבר ברחבי העולם ובאתרים "לדעת" ו"שטייגען", ויותר ממאתיים אנשים כבר הורידו הקונטרס

ואני מצרף גם קטע ממה שנאמר אתמול בקו הציבור

Mincha Guide - update the guide with your minyonim during the summer holidays - eMail: calloosh@googlemail.com or call Oosh on 07870 MINCHA 646 242
Please kindly ask all your like-minded friends to join EdgwareK - tell them to visit: http://edgwarek.com/auth/registration.php

========================================================

Listen live Kol Haloshon LIVE on 0161 798 5500 - enter code 1-9-1 followed by # batch number - shiur number
FOR MORE INFO CALL 07976 805 755
Listen to the shiurim or download them free www.torahway.co.uk

The following is in Hebrew from Kol HaLoshon: (apologies if you either have already received this message or you don't understand it)

NEW: You can now watch the Shiurim on web video: http://www.kolhashiurim.com/Eng/ShowDoc/ID/1171/
DOWNLOAD THOUSANDS OF KOL HALOSHON SHIURIM FOR FREE
One Step easy download - just bring your USB key or MP3 player to MH

========================================================

איך מרבים תורה בעולם בלחיצת כפתור?

ניתן להאזין לכל שיעורי קול הלשון (כ150 אלף שיעורים חיים ומוקלטים) במספרי הטלפון הבאים

קווי זהב 072-274-1111 (חינם! למנויי קווי זהב)

גלובקול 073-724-1111 ( חינם! למנויי גלובקול)

אקספון 078-818-1111 (חינם! למנויי אקספון!)

בזק 03-6171111

מחיר מנויי בזק לכל החברות והמספרים בעלות שיחת בזק!

גזרו ושמרו!

________________________________________________
ולצרף לזה עיצה אישית

מי שאין לו שירות של מ7-7 (בו השיחות בלילה חינם)

כדאי שנדע!

עדיף להתקשר ממספרי החברות האחרות.!!!!

הם נתנו את הקוים ללא עלות, ומחיר השיחות חינם ללקוחותיהם!!!

הגיע הזמן שבזק יתנו גם שירות לכל כך הרבה אנשים שמשתמשים ב"קול הלשון"!

הם גובים מקול הלשון המון כסף על הקוים!
הם גם גובים מהמשתמשים מחיר מלא!

הבה נהיה שותפים ללחץ שיבהיר להם בשטח, שהמתקשרים משתמשים יותר בשאר החברות, לחץ שיוביל אולי אותם למסקנה הנכונה!!!

--
ו.. חדשה מרגשת יותר!
כל השיעורים ניתנים להאזנה דרך הרשת בכתובת הבאה

http://www.kolhashiurim.com/ Heb/

שם תוכלו להוריד שיעורים חינם! ואם תרצו גם להתקין את "אוצר קול הלשון" חינם במחשבכם

וחדש מהשבוע!
חלק גדול מהשיעורים בקול הלשון, ניתנים להאזנה בשידור חי ברשת!
הדף החל להיות פעיל מאתמול.
קישור לדף בעברית http://www.kolhashiurim.com/Heb/ShowDoc/ID/1119/

העבירו לחברים, שלחו לאתרים, ותרוויחו לזכותכם עוד מאות אלפי ורבבות שעות של לימוד תורה!

בברכת ונראה בנחמת ציון וירושלם

מנשה שארף

Fwd: A Must Hear!

2010-08-08T18:23:00.001+01:00

Date: 3 Dec 2007 19:17
Subject: A Must Hear!

Check this out! You are probably tired of listening to non-quality music tapes. But listen to this! There is a new star emerging from the wood works, and his name is Eliezer Hersh Rosenfeld. He is by far one of the few people that I know, (including you, of course) that has so much talent and toichen. A lot of work and effort went into making this tape, and it shows! Take a few minutes to immerse yourself in the most enjoyable music your ears has heard in a very long time. Of course, this clip is just a few minutes long, and you will want to hear the entire tape/CD! So, go out and buy it as a treat for yourself, and for every music lover you know in your family and friends as a Chanukah present. As you are surly aware though, to produce a tape cost lots and lots of money, so please don't copy it for or from anyone, just buy it, it is worth every penny, and even much more!

P.S. Do you want to be mehane your friends and family? Spread the word! Forward this clip, for them to listen and enjoy as well!

--
הצלחה וברכה
גרשון ציננער

Fwd: Activity Report

2010-08-08T18:21:00.001+01:00

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: menasche scharf <menasche.scharf@gmail.com>
Date: 15 Jun 2009 19:26
Subject: Activity Report
To: info@projectinspire.com

Dear Vicky,

Your telephone number was printed in last week's HaModia (British Version, Section C, Page 4,5 & 11), where the writer who apparently works for Aish managed to rekindle my enthusiasm in working alongside, with or through Aish's various programmes.

Below you will find some infromation of what we have done since the פטירה of Rabbi Weinberg זצ"ל. I would like to know what we could do to turn our intentions into actions, given that we are limited in scope (the UK is minute in comparison to the US) reach and finances (especially in the current financial climate.

Whilst going through my previous eMail messages, I noticed that I've sent you a short update of our activities about a month ago.

Here goes:

"Subject: Very Successful Event for Aish HaTorah in Stamford Hill
For immediate release:
London, 26/03/2009
Q. English speaking presentation on Kiruv in the heart of Ultra-Orthodox
Stamford Hill?
A. In what can be described as a shift in public attitude, the Aish HaTorah
evening proved just that!
The response from the attendants and enquiries that kept pouring in during
the run-up to - and after the event, filed the organisers with confidence.
The Aish HaTorah gathering was dedicated to the revered memory of its
founding father and world renowned mentor to thousands of devoted Talmidim,
the late Rabbi Noach Weinberg OB"M, who was Niftar recently.
It was chaired by Rabbi Chazkel Dovid Halberstam who eloquently explained
the theme of this symposium: Our generation's ignorant Jew can be likened to
the fourth son in the Hagadda, who doesn't ever realise that there are
questions that need asking; that there are answers to be had.  Indeed,
fourth-generation immigrants to countries outside of Eastern Europe have
lost their centuries long hallowed ID somewhere between Hamburg and Ellis
Island or in the choppy waves linking Gdansk with Hull.
The main guest speaker Dayan Yonason Abraham Shlita, of the London Beth Din
enthralled the assembled crowd with his masterly crafted appreciation of the
"Noach" of our generation, who single-headedly established a global
organisation dedicated to Kiruv.
The Dayan mesmerised all present with his heartfelt plea to enlist in the
mammoth task of helping to save precious Jewish souls from being left behind
in their ignorant lifestyle.
Explaining the meaning of VeOhavto - the first word in the second verse of
the Shema, he read out the words of the Rambam: Your love of HaShem should
reach such a level that it will compel you to constantly expound on HaShem's
goodness, causing others to love Him too.
In quoting the promise of the Torah "Kee Lo Yedach Memenoo Nedach" כי לא ידח
ממנו ידח that in these words the Holy Creator has codified a message for
generations to come, that come what may, no נשמה may be given up as lost to
the Jewish people.
When describing Rabbi Weinberg's virtues, he presented the words of the
Chovos HaLevovos that: those who bring people nearer to HaShem are on a
higher level than the Nevi'im (Prophets)!
Rabbi Weinberg Ztzl, was attuned to the voice emanating from Sinai, the cry
to arms for every Jewish person: "woe to those who let the Torah lie on the
sidelines in shame".  He felt the heartbeat of the Jewish people as a whole,
he listened to the spiritual cries of millions of our brethren who were born
into an environment devoid of any vestige of Yiddishkeit.
In closing, the Dayan impressed upon his audience to take the cue from Reb
Noach, become synthesised to the metaphysical sound waves wafting through
the Jewish world, to constantly be 'online' and pick up the silent,
passionate appeals for meaningful attention form our non-frum
co-religionists.  When travelling, shopping or going about your life in
general, know that whomever you meet has the potential to become Torah
observant - without you as much opening your mouth! Your actions speak more
than you could ever imagine.
By encouraging each and every one attending this auspicious meeting to
become an ambassador for the Torah and its relevant-to-life teachings, the
speaker then closed with an emotionally charged story, which brought home
the concept that you don't have to be a Kiruv Professional to be Mekarev the
Children to their Forefathers.
Rabbi Shimshon Silkin of Aish HaTorah UK took the floor for the remainder of
the evening.
He welcomed the esteemed guest, Rabbi Yosef Dov Babad Shlita, Rav of the
Belz Kehilla in London, who took time off his busy schedule to encourage
such important cause.
Rabbi Silkin then launched in a Halachic discourse, proficiently
demonstrating the many Halachic sources one can find that point to this
important life-saving act of leading Jews who are astray onto the right path
of Torah and Mitzvos.  He stressed the many Mitzvos and Chiyuvim DeOraisoh
involved in Kiruv Rechokim – including the Rambam (Mitzvas Ahavas HaShem
based on Gemoroh in Yuma and the Sifri) that to properly fulfil Ahavas
HaShem one must demonstrate it by making Him beloved amongst the people. He
also quoted the Rambam that the mitzvah of Kiddush HaShem means to spread
awareness of HaShem amongst the people and to strengthen their Emunoh. Also
the Chofetz Chaim in Chizuk HaDas says someone who wants to be respected in
the next world will be asked if he was concerned for HaShem's Kovod in this
world by disseminating the reality of His Metzius. Furthermore, Rabbi Silkin
mentioned the Gemoroh in Rosh HaShana that a person can make Kiddush for
another person even if already made Kiddush, because the responsibility of
Kol Yisroel Areivim Zeh LoZeh goes so far as to say that if one person has
not fulfilled the mitzvah then in a sense neither have I - even if a person
has one Esrog but he knows of another town that does not, according to the
Mogen Avrohom he must send his Esrog to them and borrow someone else's. Also
the Shelo"h in Kedoshim says "Lo Sa'amod Al Dam Re'echoh" – "do not stand
idly by when another Yid is dying", all the more so applies to saving his
Neshomoh from Aveiroh; the Minchas Chinuch agrees to this and adds that if
there is a Chiyuv DeOraisoh of returning a lost item, how much more so a
lost soul; also the Chofetz Chaim quotes the Rambam that if one does NOT
prevent a fellow Jew from sin when he could have, he is considered to have
committed that very sin himself and according to the Ramban he falls into
the category of Orrur, Chas VeSholom.  Rabbi Silkin finished this part of
his presentation with the Pituchei Chosom of the Chasam Sofer who says that
Avrohom Ovinu did not manage to achieve the spiritual heights he would have
liked because he was too busy being Mekarev Rechokim. So HaShem said
"Hamechaseh Ani MeAvrohom?" Should Avrohom lose out? He was saving my
children!" therefore HaShem gave him special Siyata DiShmaya to achieve
those heights as a gift - so too, anyone 'losing out' their own learning or
Shteiging by doing Kiruv, will be guaranteed by HaShem to achieve those
levels anyway – he cannot lose out.
Rabbi Silkin then went on to describe practical methods for getting more
involved based on the acronym I-N-S-P-I-R-E. I- he said, stood for Impress.
The most important thing is to be a Kiddush HaShem, make a good impression;
N- nurture – make sure to take care of Talmidim, they are not scientific
specimens but rather people deserving real Ahavas Yisroel; S- Shabbos, there
is nothing like a Geshmakeh Shabbos meal. For those people reluctant to
invite secular people into their homes for Shabbos, Rabbi Silkin suggested
inviting them over during the week after the children are asleep; P-
publications, give them books to read and inspirational CD's to listen to;
send them something inspiring before Yom Tov; I- interest, take genuine
interest in their lives; hear the questioner behind the question, try to
understand what their lives are like and what they are going through; R-
relationships; demonstrate to them how a Torah lifestyle is the answer to
the broken world of relationships – and perhaps try and help them with
theirs, E- email; a constant contact medium that's not too invasive and
gives time for them to learn without being put on spot.
The evening culminated with the screening of the audio-visual presentation
"Inspired Too" which brought home the message that every observant Jew is
capable of sparking interest in unaffiliated, seemingly uninterested people.
The video described numerous examples of "chance" encounters which led to
incredible results, demonstrating how easy it is to make a difference.
People out there are just waiting for someone to talk to them in a friendly
way. A few minutes conversation with a fellow passenger on a plane can
change his life and that of his descendants LeDoros, earning the catalyst
untold Zechusim. That plane trip might turn out to be a passport to more
unexpected places than either had imagined.
Special thanks were expressed to the many contributors: the shopkeepers who
graciously spared precious window space, the cake and refreshments were
likewise donated by Renbake and Carmel respectively, the management of the
Shul who hosted the event and at last: the selfless volunteers who
tirelessly helped with the logistics!
The organisers are now preparing the sequel to this successful endeavour.

You may have seen the above press release before, still we need urgent input as there are many concerned people who will put in many hours in order to help further this cause.

If your remit only covers the US, you may forward this to the UK office. I left them a message last Friday and i'm waiting for someone to return my call.

Menasche Scharf

07974 160 252

--
www.aish.com
www.hidabroot.org

Fwd: Kol Haloshon LIVE schedule of shiurim (Rev 21)

2010-08-08T18:17:00.001+01:00

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Kol Haloshon (KHL) <kolhaloshon@gmail.com>
Date: 15 Mar 2009 04:33
Subject: Kol Haloshon LIVE schedule of shiurim (Rev 21)

This week we celebrate 4 years of Kol Haloshon in the US. This is truly something to celebrate as we recognize how much Kol Haloshon is part of the daily lives of thousands of people worldwide. Kol Haloshon works very hard to bring the very best maggidei shiurim and make it available on the phone, on the internet, with free download at our website (kolhaloshon.com) or at our kiosks. Our latest feature, we began videoing our shiurim and posting them to our website as well. These video shiurim are also available with free download.

We are currently testing a new version of our phone system software. The new version adds features as multiple bookmarks and also finding out where a live shiur is being recorded in the archive. As we test, you may find the feature being disabled every now or then to correct an issue.

To use our multiple bookmark feature, instead of just hanging up, press 20 and listen for the bookmark feature. Also, while listening to any LIVE shiur, press 1 to hear the location where it is being saved into our archive.

Attached is our latest LIVE schedule. This only represents a partial listing of the more than 150 maggidei shiurim here in the US.

We LOVE to hear you feedback, good or bad, so let us know by emailing info@kolhl.com

If you enjoy our shiurim, there are 2 things you can do to get involved.

The first involves pledging money to our maggidei shiurim who are all so caring and give up so much of their time to give us their shiurim. Pledges can be made on our website at www.kolhaloshon.com and click the Keren Kayemes tab.

The second involves letting others know about Kol Haloshon. We are sure many others like yourself can benefit from all the learning and chizuk you get while hearing the shiurim. So let others know about us. You, too, will share in this great mitzvah of harbotzas Torah. In the zechus of all this learning, may be merit Moshiach speedily in our days.

User instructions for: Kol HaLoshon

2010-08-08T18:16:00.001+01:00

From: menasche scharf <menasche.scharf@gmail.com>
Date: 11 Apr 2008 15:08
Subject: Re: Kol HaLoshon
To: Lawrence Davidson lawrence@edgwarek.com

User instructions for: Kol HaLoshon

"Kol HaLoshon created a locally installed program that you can use to download the MP3 files or listen to Kol Haloshon shiurim. This program is very similiar to the kiosk or Torah ATM machines that are available in some locations.

Please visit http://www.kolhashiurim.com to get your copy of the MP3 download software.

Below Are the installation instructions.

Installation instructions:
1)   Download the Kol Haloshon MP3 Download Program zip file by clicking on the link at http://www.kolhashiurim.com.
2)   Run the setup.exe.
3)   If the program is already installed on your system, you will have to go to Control Panel and go to Add or Remove Programs. Once there, find KolHalshon - MP3 Loader program and uninstall it.   You may go ahead and install it once again.
4)   To start the program, click Start, then Programs, then click Kol Halashon and click the program called ATM Web Download.
5)   Choose the appropriate language for the program.
6)   This Kol Haloshon MP3 Download Program allows you to download the MP3 files to a local folder on your computer called c:\KolHalashon. In this folder you will find the files you have chosen to download.
7)   Alternatively, the Kol Haloshon MP3 Download program allows you to interactively play the MP3 without downloading the MP3 to the computer's C Drive. Be aware that if your internet connection speed is slow, the shiur may sound "choppy".
8)   On the main screen, you will see 3 buttons. The first button allows you to choose by Language. The second button allows you to choose by Lecturer and the third button allows you to choose by topic.
9)   By going through the menus, you will have the ability to make a selection - happy listening!

That's it really!

We value your comments. If you have any issues about the Kol Haloshon MP3 Download program, please email info@kolhl.com with the subject "re: Kol Haloshon MP3 Download program."

Brought to you courtesy of Start Your Day The Torah Way North London.

Again, thank you verty much for allowing this message onto your board - it will surely enhance the Torah-leaning experience of many memebrs.

Menasche Scharf

Co-ordinator

Great news from Kol HaLoshon

2010-08-08T18:10:00.003+01:00

From: menasche scharf <menasche.scharf@gmail.com>
Date: 11 Apr 2008 18:03
Subject: Great news from Kol HaLoshon

We created a locally installed program to download MP3 files or listen to Kol Haloshon shiurim. This program is very similiar to the Torah ATM machines that are available in some locations.
Visit http://www.kolhashiurim.com to get your copy of the MP3 download software.
Installation instructions:
1) Download the Program file by clicking on the link at http://www.kolhashiurim.com
2) Run the setup.exe
3) To start the program, click Start, then Programs, then click Kol Halashon and click the program called ATM Web Download.
4) Choose the appropriate language for the program
5) This Kol Haloshon MP3 Download Program allows you to download the MP3 files to a local folder on your computer called c:\KolHalashon
6) Alternatively, the Kol Haloshon MP3 Download program allows you to interactively play the MP3 without downloading the MP3 to the computer's C Drive. Be aware that if your internet connection speed is slow, the shiur may sound "choppy".
7) On the main screen, you will see 3 buttons. The first button allows you to choose by Language. The second button allows you to choose by Lecturer and the third button allows you to choose by topic.
8) By going through the menus, you will have the ability to make a selection - happy listening!
We value your comments. If you have any issues about the Kol Haloshon MP3 Download program, please email info@kolhl.com with the subject "re: Kol Haloshon MP3 Download program"

Fwd: Summary & Photos for press from 2nd Anniv. NW TWay

2010-08-08T18:10:00.001+01:00

---------- Forwarded message ----------

Sent: Sunday, November 18, 2007 11:56 PM

Subject: RE: Photo's from NW London's TorahWay 2nd Anniversary

Here are the headlines for your news articles this week… **Yankey Wiesenfeld can fill in the details about the shiurim themselves

NW London's Start Your Day the Torah Way – the programme that pioneered daily shiurim by leading speakers every weekday morning - celebrated their 2^nd anniversary on Sunday 18^th November with a specially extended programme of shiurim to mark this special milestone at their regular venue Kehillas Ohel Moshe in Golders Green.
Special Guest Speaker was Rabbi Pinchos Schneebalg, Rosh Yeshivas Vizhnitz in North London and son of Manchester's Dayan Schneebalg whose warm and entertaining words and stories contained the more serious message about **; the 2^nd speaker was Torah Way regular, Rabbi Dovid Roberts, Rav of Kehillas Netzach Yisroel in Edgware and one of London's most dynamic and popular darshonim. His shiur focussed on the **
Event took place in the presence of the founder of SYDtTW in Manchester, Reb Menachem Dovid Saltzman – a leading Manchester Askan and governor of Etz Chaim high school who created the innovative shiur concept some 4 years ago; and Reb Menashe Scharf who coordinates SYDtTW in Stamford Hill, alongside the local team of organizers and supporters…
A vote of thanks was given on behalf of the regular attendees by Reb Doody Rosenberg who voiced the huge appreciation for SYDtTW by the many who attend each morning in person and the many more nationally and around the world who listen live via kol haloshon or who download from the archive at www.torahway.org. MD Saltzman was presented with a commemorative book containing all the eye-catching posters from the last year that are the unique hallmark of the SYDtTW programme. Thanks were also extended to the local organizers; to Reb Yankey Wiesenfeld who presents the daily Halocho shiur before the main shiur; to the technical team who tape and upload shiurim and to the sponsors.
This weeks programme – in true style – contains a varied mix of speakers and subjects – which continue to fascinate and inspire the wider kehilla – Rabbi Shmuel Baron, Rosh Yeshivas Ohr Shmuel, Jerusalem; Rabbi Mendy Chissick of Menorah Grammar School; Rabbi Raphy Garson of Ohr Yisroel, Elstree; Rabbi Aaron Hersh of JLE; and Rabbi Meir Goldberg of Golders Green Kollel. The following week features an array of visiting Roshei Yeshiva including Rabbi Shaya Karlinsky of Yeshivas Darchei Noam in Jerusalem; Rabbi Dovid Koenig of Kollel Halichos Yerusholayim; Rabbi Dr Dovid Gottleib of Ohr Someach and Rabbi Michoel Jablinowitz of Yeshivas Ateres Yerusholayim.
After 2 years and over 620 shiurim, the siyata dishmaya of this Torah programme has meant that SYDtTW looks like remaining a permanent fixture on the NW London communal scene be"h…

Jonathan Rabson

www.torahway.org.uk

Fwd: Exciting News!!! Kol Haloshon MP3 Download program

2010-08-08T18:08:00.001+01:00

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Kol Haloshon Administrator <kolhaloshon@gmail.com>
Date: 24 Apr 2008 02:10
Subject: Re: Exciting News!!! Kol Haloshon MP3 Download program
To: menasche scharf <menasche.scharf@gmail.com>, info@kolhl.com

Thank you for all your comments. Your messages to info@kolhl.com are being routed automatically to the people responsible for the website. They most certainly will make adjustments and correct the issues you mentioned. Many of your comments were suggested by others as well.
-----Original Message-----
From: "menasche scharf" <menasche.scharf@gmail.com>

Date: Wed, 23 Apr 2008 18:01:38
To:info@kolhl.com
Subject: Re: Exciting News!!! Kol Haloshon MP3 Download program

The text at the following url: http://www.kolhashiurim.com/showdoc.asp?id=924 <http://www.kolhashiurim.com/showdoc.asp?id=924>

should also be spell-checked:

* similiar = similar
* Halashon, Haloshon or HaLoshon?

Kosher Web Discussion

2010-08-08T18:07:00.001+01:00

On 02/11/2009, Nathan Alexanders <dirshuuk@googlemail.com> wrote:

WHERE DID U HEAR THAT FROM

2009/11/2 menasche scharf <menasche.scharf@gmail.com>

Rabbi Weiss from Antwerp was onto a solution קפץ עליו רוגזם של היוספים

2009/11/2 menasche scharf <menasche.scharf@gmail.com>

I spoke to him about two years ago,

p. s. please STOP WRITING IN CAPITALS*

*("IF YOU WRITE IN CAPITAL LETTERS IT WILL COME OVER AS SHOUTING!" (SOURCE: sustainability.open.ac.uk/gary/netique.htm)

On 02/11/2009, Nathan Alexanders <dirshuuk@googlemail.com> wrote:

I WRITE IN CAPITALS BECAUSE MOST OF MY EMAILS ARE IN לשון קודש AND I DONT KNOW ANY SHORT CUT TO SWOP BETWEEN THE LETTERINGS

On 02/11/2009, menasche scharf <menasche.scharf@gmail.com> wrote:

SORRY Guv,

(BTW it's "swap" not "SWOP")

Kol Tuv

Menasche

Kever of the Korban Netanel

2010-08-08T18:01:00.004+01:00

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: menasche scharf <menasche.scharf@gmail.com>
Date: 27 Jun 2010 16:10
Subject: Directions to the Kever of the Korban Netanel / Alter Jüdischer Friedhof, 36 Kriegsstrasse, Karlsruhe D-76133, Tel: 0721/72035, eMail: info@jg-karlsruhe.de, Web: http://www.jg-karlsruhe.de

Directions to the place.
You need the following address: Alter Jeudische Friedhof 36 Kriegsstrasse Karlsruhe D-76133

Location: http://local.google.co.uk/maps?q=36+Kriegsstrasse+KARLSRUHE+D-76133,,,&ie=UTF8&hl=en&view=map. See the attached picture "korbennesanel", you will see my father standing next to the gates.

>> Is the cemetery accessible to anyone or do you need a key? If so how can this be obtained?

You can collect the key from the Police office Karlsruhe Beiertheimer Allee 16 KARLSRUHE 76137 - Tel: 0049721939-3 (consult this url for opening hours: http://www.polizei-karlsruhe.de/ppkarlsruhe/seiten/default.aspx)

There is also a contact number publicised in Michelstadt - at the Kever of the Ba'al Shem - to call for the key to this Cemetery - unfortunately I don't have this number.

>> Is the kever easy to locate within the cemetery?

Once you are inside the gates, turn left and walk straight towards the far end of the cemetery (parallel with the road) and you should find the Matzeva on your right, about three rows from the wall. See the attached picture "KARLSRUHE MAY 06 003", you will see me standing next to the Matzeva with the building outside the cemetery in the background.

>>How long should I leave to travel between the Frankfurt airport and Karlsruhe?

For this, you need to see Directions: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&q=frankfurt%20airport%20map&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl

What are the different ways to get there? By train or by car, both are quite straightforward.

Parking is available.

If you need any more details, you can contact me on: 00447974160252 or you can contact Rabbi Mendelsohn on 00491733035781 who is the Chabad Shaliach there. The Kehilla is on 0721/72035 / info@jg-karlsruhe.de / http://www.jg-karlsruhe.de

>>Thanks so much!!!!

My pleasure, whilst you're there, make time to visit the Museum which is open normal times during weekdays.

Wishing you a pleasant trip,

Menasche Scharf

South Tottenham

England

Fwd: Kol Haloshon LIVE schedule of shiurim (Rev. 17)

2010-08-08T18:00:00.001+01:00

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: menasche scharf <menasche.scharf@gmail.com>
Date: 30 Nov 2007 15:03
Subject: Re: Kol Haloshon LIVE schedule of shiurim (Rev. 17)

Dear Kol HaLoshon,

Please tell others that here in London we have kiosk in Golders Green
(North West London) up and running and we are in the process of
setting up one in Stamford Hill and South Tottenham - both in North
London.

The File Name issues need to be resolved as some iPods cannot accept
Hebrew names and others cannot accept English names.

People are constantly asking for :

1. Daf Yomi Shiurim that can be searched according to every blatt -
like Kol HaDaf
2. Mishnayos that can be searched according to every Masechta - like Kol HaDaf
3. Better structure of Shiurim - across countries, as overseas callers
want to follow certain Shiurim and every location hgas a different
structure/numbering system
4. Paper based guide to help navigate the Shiurim

Please ask users for thei opinions, not just for their hakoras hatov....

Gut Shabbos and lechtige Chanuka

Menasche

Ko HaLoshon - North London

From Ash to Aish

2010-04-19T19:53:00.012+01:00

London, 19/04/2010 - day FIVE of Volcanic Ash Episode

For release

From Volcanic Ash to Fiery Torah Aish
Since the outbreak of the Volcanic (Ash) Age era, many Yehiva-Bochurim (Students) are stranded without a readily available solution to their travel arrangements.

A bit of background first:
The usual procedure is for students to break up at the end of Adar and make it back to their respective Yeshiva (Talmudical College) before Rosh Chodesh Iyar, so that they are ready to start the Zman (study term) in good order.
However as the Rebbe of Belz conducts a communal Seder for over 1000 Bochurim (see picture - to follow) the students stay on in Belz for another three weeks, so that they can partcipate in this lofty experience.
Since they arrive three weeks later than most students of other Yeshivas, they also plan their return journey for a week later than the others.

Ad-hoc planning
Once reports started coming in about trouble in the air, all traveling plans were cancelled and about 50 boys are looking forward to an uncertain future: every day the news updates postpone the departure by another six hours - by six hour-intervals . . .
We therefore decided to open up a branch of the Belz Yeshiva in London, as a satellite branch of the Belz Higher Talmudical College Network in Israel, which consists of around half a dozen branches in Jerusalem, Haifa, Bene Beraq, Ashdod, Telz-Stone and Bet Chilkiya.

Nostalgia
This move reminds many old-timers in London of the Belz Yeshiva that opened in the sixties, when circumstances brought about by the six-day war brought about an unflux of Belz Bochurim - who were advised by their respective countries to leave the war zone. The Yeshiva only lasted for about a decade, after it closed for lack of students, due to the overwhelming success of its sister-Yeshiva in Jeruslaem.
Fulfilled expectations
The students proved loyal to their study regimen and showed up on Sunday for the morning session, which culminated with a Shiur (lecture) given by one of the older students. In order to encourage attendance, the Shiur was recorded onto the Kol Haloshon system so that students can now review the lecture at any given time.
The afternoon session similarly ended after a local Rabbi delivered another Shiur which was well attended too.

The same setup is also going on in Manchester and elsewhere, students are itching to return to their places of study and for lack of an alternative they "set up shop" wherever they are. This is in line with their upbringing that the "sitting idle is not in itself considered a sin; however the worst sins could come about from sitting idle" these words were uttered by one of the earlier Hassidic leaders and hold true in this day and age as much as then - if not more!
Wishes and Requests
For now the students have settled in a routine, however their constant worry is not to be starnded without their study partners and spiritual mentors who are going about their regular life without this experience.
Some even contemplates back packing or traveling by car all the way to Greece and from there they would board a ship bound for Israel. Nevertheless, the majority have made peace with the 'matzav'.
As word goes around - more study books are required to cater for the influx of students of other Yeshivas who flock to the new Yeshiva on the Common.

For more on Belz Chassidus (Hassidic Sect) see: http://www.jewpi.com/belz-bar-mitzvah-5770-small-celebration/

FAQ:
Q. How long has this Yeshiva been open:
A. According to our Sefira, it is now Day # 3 of our Yeshiva
Q. Number of boys:
A. between 30 - 40
Q. Where are they from:
A. The overwhelming majority is from Stamford Hill, some are from Clapton and a ouple from South Tottenham.

Some more details:
The Bochurim of the Belz Yeshiva who are stuck in Antwerp also have a Yeshiva, where a steady Magid-Shiur (Lecturer) gives daily Shiurim and meals are provided mornings and afternoons - a proper setup.

There are similar Yeshivas in:
- 27 St Kilda's Road for Bochurim from other Yeshivas
- Sadigura Beis Medrash in Golders Green Road for Mirrer Bochurim

20/04/2010 - Day # 3
Flash update:
Rabbi Moshe Mordechai Eichenstein, The Trisker Rebbe is going to give 'Divrei Chizuk' to the boys and explain the situation from a Torah Perspective. Venue: 98 Clapton Common main Beis Hamedrash, 12:30

21/04/2010 Here is a TxT message that was sent to me at 3:54AM this morning:
"Your son has been confirmed on the ly318 2230 from heathrow
tonight 21 apr . Please confirm you got my text. Thanks "
>From Danny Feld of Feldan Travel< It seems that there is some movement in the air, so I hope to see my son off to Yeshiva tonight, together with his compatriots and pray that they all arrive safely in Eretz.

Menasche

= = =

23 May 2011 12:09 For immediate release, following the Ash Release: Update on Mahara"m Ash Yeshiva, founded during the icelandic Volcanic Ash Eruption in 5770. This is to inform would be students of our temporary Yeshiva, aptly named Yeshivas Mahara"m Ash (the last 'M' stands for my first name...) that this year we will not be able to accommodate any new students. Any bochur looking for action should refrain from creating more Ash - especially near the Pond off the Belz Compound.