Showing posts with label slifkin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label slifkin. Show all posts
Dec 22, 2014
Touring Eretz Yisrael: The Biblical Museum of Natural History
Yesterday I took my family to The Biblical Museum of Natural History.
The museum is in the Bet Shemesh [Northern] Industrial Zone and is a gem.
The entire family (we were a group of about 25 family members from under 3 years of age until mid-60s) enjoyed the visit to the museum.
The museum was founded and is operated by Rabbi Natan Slifkin. While some might worry about the old cherem on some of his works, they can rest assured that he has kept all controversial materials out of his museum in order to keep the museum in the consensus, and so that everybody can enjoy and learn..
The tour starts with a presentation by Rabbi Slifkin in which he talks about some of the issues the museum deals with, the types of animals and displays, some of the biblical discussions of animals, and the like, and ends with a video of Rabbi Slifkin "in the wild" with the king of the animal kingdom.
From there the tour moves on to the room with all the displays. On display is a variety of taxidermied animals alongside live animals and pieces of animals, as well as his famous display of exotic shofars. He has some items on display that is just mind-boggling how he got those items, at all, and specifically to Israel.
Rabbi Slifkin leads the tour through the displays, stopping at each item and explaining its history, its relevance in the Tanakh and often some discussion around it, such as analysis of the name, how the animal came to Israel or how it was indigenous to Israel but no longer is, debates over names of animals on the Torah and what they might refer to, and the like. Some of the displays can be held by the people, such as snakes and reptiles, as well as some others. The tour is both exciting and fascinating.
At the end, they have a small petting zoo of rabbits and guinea pigs and chicks outside that the kids can play with for a while.
Everybody had a great time.
Not only should you include a visit to the Biblical Museum of Natural History on your touring itinerary, but schools should make this site a regular visit on their annual schedule of educational sites.
Here are some pictures from our visit:
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The museum is in the Bet Shemesh [Northern] Industrial Zone and is a gem.
The entire family (we were a group of about 25 family members from under 3 years of age until mid-60s) enjoyed the visit to the museum.
The museum was founded and is operated by Rabbi Natan Slifkin. While some might worry about the old cherem on some of his works, they can rest assured that he has kept all controversial materials out of his museum in order to keep the museum in the consensus, and so that everybody can enjoy and learn..
The tour starts with a presentation by Rabbi Slifkin in which he talks about some of the issues the museum deals with, the types of animals and displays, some of the biblical discussions of animals, and the like, and ends with a video of Rabbi Slifkin "in the wild" with the king of the animal kingdom.
From there the tour moves on to the room with all the displays. On display is a variety of taxidermied animals alongside live animals and pieces of animals, as well as his famous display of exotic shofars. He has some items on display that is just mind-boggling how he got those items, at all, and specifically to Israel.
Rabbi Slifkin leads the tour through the displays, stopping at each item and explaining its history, its relevance in the Tanakh and often some discussion around it, such as analysis of the name, how the animal came to Israel or how it was indigenous to Israel but no longer is, debates over names of animals on the Torah and what they might refer to, and the like. Some of the displays can be held by the people, such as snakes and reptiles, as well as some others. The tour is both exciting and fascinating.
At the end, they have a small petting zoo of rabbits and guinea pigs and chicks outside that the kids can play with for a while.
Everybody had a great time.
Not only should you include a visit to the Biblical Museum of Natural History on your touring itinerary, but schools should make this site a regular visit on their annual schedule of educational sites.
Here are some pictures from our visit:
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Mar 12, 2007
Jan 25, 2007
interview awaiting Rabbinical decision
The interview I posted about earlier is now under Rabbinic advisement and awaiting a decision if and how to continue it.
If you already posted questions, do not worry, they are not deleted. I have them saved elsewhere and will use them if the interview continues.
If you already posted questions, do not worry, they are not deleted. I have them saved elsewhere and will use them if the interview continues.
interview awaiting Rabbinical decision
The interview I posted about earlier is now under Rabbinic advisement and awaiting a decision if and how to continue it.
If you already posted questions, do not worry, they are not deleted. I have them saved elsewhere and will use them if the interview continues.
If you already posted questions, do not worry, they are not deleted. I have them saved elsewhere and will use them if the interview continues.
Jan 22, 2007
interview with the Zoo Rabbi - R' Natan Slifkin
Due to the recent flare-up in the Slifkin controversy, I have collaborated with R' Natan Slifkin in an interview in the attempt to answer some of the many questions and unclarities people have regarding the controversy.
Q: How did you become the "Zoo Rabbi"? And how do you make all those connections - you walk into a zoo and say I love animals, can I get into the lion cage - how do you convince them to let you behind the scenes?
NS: I've had a lifelong passion for animals, but as I grew up, I thought that I would never be able to make a career out of it. Then when I was in yeshivah, it occurred to me to start looking into what the Torah says about the animal kingdom. The rest is history...
The pictures and videos of me with wild animals are mostly from a private ranch in California where they train animals for work in movies. It's just a matter of paying a lot of money and signing a release of liability in case I get mauled! Occasionally, my connections to the Biblical Zoo have enabled me to go behind the scenes in some zoos in the U.S., and I also have some friends who work in various zoos.
Q: Has the controversy affected your book sales and speaking schedule? Have sales gone up? Gone down?
NS: Baruch Hashem, my book sales have gone way, way up. In terms of speaking engagements, while there are some places that will no longer invite me, this is far outweighed by the number of places that heard of me as a result of the controversy and davka want to invite me.
It's interesting; when Darwin's book originally came out, the Gedolim in Europe met to decide upon a response. They decided that it would be a very bad idea to place a ban on reading it, as it would merely encourage interest in it.
Q: How has the controversy around your works affected your and your families daily life?
NS: Well, it's already mostly died down. But for the first eight months or so, it completely and utterly took over my life. Aside from the time juggling emails and phone calls, it was extremely stressful and it took a great toll on me and my wife emotionally (fortunately our children are far too young to be affected).
It was especially difficult on my parents, who live in Bayit Vegan. There were posters all over Bayit Vegan - as if anyone there is even buying my books! My father (who is currently in a very grave situation in hospital) would go out every day to tear them down, and my mother was utterly distraught to the point that she was in tears frequently and couldn't bring herself to go to social events. I wonder if those who signed against my books gave any thought to their responsibilities in terms of causing tzaar to my family (or any other of the negative consequences of the ban, such as the massive chillul Hashem and the causing of many sincere people to move away from the yeshivah world).
Q: Do you ever get tired of it - either the job itself or the controversy - and just say I have had enough and will now do something else, like be the Plant Rabbi for example? Do you have other interests that take up your time?
NS: I was very sick of the controversy at the beginning, and I was desperate for it to be over. It was especially upsetting with those who attacked me personally and were motzi shem ra against me. But now it's died down a lot, and I've learned to handle it emotionally a lot better, so it doesn't bother me so much. My main frustration now is how so many people throw out charges against me which would be easily answered if they would just take the time to carefully read my book or my website.
The job and topic itself is certainly not something that I get tired of. It's a source of endless fascination for me. Additionally, there are constantly different aspects of it to focus on. For example, I spent much of the last few months intensively researching hilchos shofar, and writing new chapters for the new edition of Mysterious Creatures.
Q: How do you suggest lay people like me answer those who blankly ban your books without reading them? those who simply follow other rabbis like sheep, how do I respond (not start-up) as to why I want to read it - regardless of my agreeing with his answers?
NS: Well, if they are simply following their rabbis, you can say that you are simply following yours! You could say that you know that there are serious talmidei chachamim who endorse this approach, and that you have no chiyyuv or reason to follow these other people's rabbonim.
Q: Why is there so much hate toward you book and ideas, when you obviously have ma'are mekomos to back you up? Why has your work turned into such a wildfire? Why has it garnered the reaction it did, rather than just be shrugged off?
NS: That's a very interesting question. There are really two issues here - the question of why the ban caused such a backlash, and the question of why there is so much hate towards me. The answer to the first is that the ban was not just directed against me or my works, but against anyone who has ever used these approaches - which is tens of thousands of people. All these people felt like they had personally been condemned. A lot of people bemoaned the criticisms or even leitzonus against the Gedolim that erupted after the ban. I don't think that they realize how these people issuing the letzonos were, in many cases, extremely personally hurt by the ban. This isn't to justify the extreme reactions, but when you effectively tell a large group of people that they are apikorsim, without even giving any reasons, it's inevitable that this will cause tremendous resentment.
The reason why there is such hate towards me and my books is, I think, not so much due to what's in my books - after all, many of those who despise me have never even read my books. Rather, I think that it is for the most part due to my reaction to the ban i.e. defending myself very successfully on my website. If you consider the latest poster against me that was put up in RBS, the main reason why they said that people should not go to my shiurim was not so much the concern of "heresy", but rather that by doing so, people would be showing support to someone who is "defying the Gedolim."
Over a year ago, a certain rabbi told me that I was attacking the Gedolim on my website. I protested that I have always been very careful, as have been those supervising what I put on my website, that there should be nothing that attacks them and that I am only defending myself from their attacks on my work. His reply was very interesting and revealing. He said, "Defending yourself against the Gedolim is by definition attacking them." Now, that is something that sounds ludicrous, but what I think that he subconsciously meant is that his personal sense of identity was threatened when his image of the Gedolim and the universal acceptance of their rulings is shaken, because he draws his own sense of self-esteem from his idea of the Gedolim (which doesn't include the Gedolim that I follow!).
Q: Do you have a base of support that helps you get through the hard times?
NS: Baruch Hashem my family, rebbeim and community have been very supportive. I also have a file that is stuffed with hundreds of letters of support that I have received.
Q: How did you come to the conclusions that you came to that got you in trouble rather than follow other resolutions to the questions? Did those answers simply make more sense to you? Why have you been so adamant that your conclusions are correct, in spite of the rabbinic opposition to your solutions?
NS: When it comes down to it, we are talking about two very simple things - is the universe very old, and do creatures spontaneously generate. I've studied a fair amount of science and I am convinced that the universe is very old and that creatures do not spontaneously generate. My rebbeim in these matters have always told me that these conclusions are perfectly theologically acceptable, and that is what is written in the sources that I have collected. I investigated all the various answers to these and other questions, and the approach that I eventually took was the one that both made the most sense to me and that my rebbeim preferred. I have never been given any reason to tell my rebbeim that they were wrong, to ignore the sefarim that I studied, or to reject what I have learned about the natural world. It's not as though any of the Gedolim who banned my works gave any alternative answers to the problems that my books deals with.
You know, many people are under the impression that my books list dozens of cases where Chazal made mistakes in science. But the truth is that I only use that approach in THREE CASES! Mice growing from dirt, lice from sweat, and salamanders thriving only in fire. In each case, I was quoting other authorities, but the point is, throughout this whole controversy, not one of my opponents has said how they would explain these problems, let alone why my approach is wrong.
Q: Do you feel you are on equal footing with Rabbonim the likes of Rav Elyashiv, Rav Lefkowitz, the Novominsker Rebbe and others that you feel you can oppose them when they say you are wrong?
NS: I suggest that you look at what I wrote at http://www.zootorah.com/controversy/authority.html to see why I am not following their opinion; this is a very important page that I added recently to explain precisely this point.
Q: Why do you continues to "peddle" your ideas, in light of the fact that the overwhelming majority of Chareidi Rabbonim oppose them.
One would expect that even if you feels you are right, you should "go underground" for some years, spend his time delving into more traditional subjects, and then when older, wiser, and more mature, return to these issue.
As an objective observer, regardless of the issue themselves, it seems very haughty on your part, at your age, to continue on, knowing that so many great people oppose his books.
Why do you continue on?
NS: Again, this relates to what I posted at http://www.zootorah.com/controversy/authority.html.
I do accept, though, that these rabbonim have the right to say that they don't want this approach for their communities, which I am trying to make clear in the way that I am republishing my books.
Q: Were you disappointed when your fellow landsman David Beckham decided to leave English footbal and take up American soccer?
NS: I have absolutely zero interest in sports and I didn't even know that he left football - in fact, I'm not exactly sure who he is!
Q: And finally, when is your next book coming out, And what will the topic be (if you can reveal it)?
NS: It's a completely revised and vastly expanded edition of Mysterious Creatures, to be entitled Sacred Monsters. It will also include discussions of giants, dwarfs, the shamir, and two-headed people! It will hopefully be out by summer.
Thank you R' Slifkin for the interview. I learned a lot from it. I hope others did as well. And Refuah Shleimah to your father.
For further information and more details of the whole controversy, clcik on the Controversy link on the ZooTorah website
Q: How did you become the "Zoo Rabbi"? And how do you make all those connections - you walk into a zoo and say I love animals, can I get into the lion cage - how do you convince them to let you behind the scenes?
NS: I've had a lifelong passion for animals, but as I grew up, I thought that I would never be able to make a career out of it. Then when I was in yeshivah, it occurred to me to start looking into what the Torah says about the animal kingdom. The rest is history...
The pictures and videos of me with wild animals are mostly from a private ranch in California where they train animals for work in movies. It's just a matter of paying a lot of money and signing a release of liability in case I get mauled! Occasionally, my connections to the Biblical Zoo have enabled me to go behind the scenes in some zoos in the U.S., and I also have some friends who work in various zoos.
Q: Has the controversy affected your book sales and speaking schedule? Have sales gone up? Gone down?
NS: Baruch Hashem, my book sales have gone way, way up. In terms of speaking engagements, while there are some places that will no longer invite me, this is far outweighed by the number of places that heard of me as a result of the controversy and davka want to invite me.
It's interesting; when Darwin's book originally came out, the Gedolim in Europe met to decide upon a response. They decided that it would be a very bad idea to place a ban on reading it, as it would merely encourage interest in it.
Q: How has the controversy around your works affected your and your families daily life?
NS: Well, it's already mostly died down. But for the first eight months or so, it completely and utterly took over my life. Aside from the time juggling emails and phone calls, it was extremely stressful and it took a great toll on me and my wife emotionally (fortunately our children are far too young to be affected).
It was especially difficult on my parents, who live in Bayit Vegan. There were posters all over Bayit Vegan - as if anyone there is even buying my books! My father (who is currently in a very grave situation in hospital) would go out every day to tear them down, and my mother was utterly distraught to the point that she was in tears frequently and couldn't bring herself to go to social events. I wonder if those who signed against my books gave any thought to their responsibilities in terms of causing tzaar to my family (or any other of the negative consequences of the ban, such as the massive chillul Hashem and the causing of many sincere people to move away from the yeshivah world).
Q: Do you ever get tired of it - either the job itself or the controversy - and just say I have had enough and will now do something else, like be the Plant Rabbi for example? Do you have other interests that take up your time?
NS: I was very sick of the controversy at the beginning, and I was desperate for it to be over. It was especially upsetting with those who attacked me personally and were motzi shem ra against me. But now it's died down a lot, and I've learned to handle it emotionally a lot better, so it doesn't bother me so much. My main frustration now is how so many people throw out charges against me which would be easily answered if they would just take the time to carefully read my book or my website.
The job and topic itself is certainly not something that I get tired of. It's a source of endless fascination for me. Additionally, there are constantly different aspects of it to focus on. For example, I spent much of the last few months intensively researching hilchos shofar, and writing new chapters for the new edition of Mysterious Creatures.
Q: How do you suggest lay people like me answer those who blankly ban your books without reading them? those who simply follow other rabbis like sheep, how do I respond (not start-up) as to why I want to read it - regardless of my agreeing with his answers?
NS: Well, if they are simply following their rabbis, you can say that you are simply following yours! You could say that you know that there are serious talmidei chachamim who endorse this approach, and that you have no chiyyuv or reason to follow these other people's rabbonim.
Q: Why is there so much hate toward you book and ideas, when you obviously have ma'are mekomos to back you up? Why has your work turned into such a wildfire? Why has it garnered the reaction it did, rather than just be shrugged off?
NS: That's a very interesting question. There are really two issues here - the question of why the ban caused such a backlash, and the question of why there is so much hate towards me. The answer to the first is that the ban was not just directed against me or my works, but against anyone who has ever used these approaches - which is tens of thousands of people. All these people felt like they had personally been condemned. A lot of people bemoaned the criticisms or even leitzonus against the Gedolim that erupted after the ban. I don't think that they realize how these people issuing the letzonos were, in many cases, extremely personally hurt by the ban. This isn't to justify the extreme reactions, but when you effectively tell a large group of people that they are apikorsim, without even giving any reasons, it's inevitable that this will cause tremendous resentment.
The reason why there is such hate towards me and my books is, I think, not so much due to what's in my books - after all, many of those who despise me have never even read my books. Rather, I think that it is for the most part due to my reaction to the ban i.e. defending myself very successfully on my website. If you consider the latest poster against me that was put up in RBS, the main reason why they said that people should not go to my shiurim was not so much the concern of "heresy", but rather that by doing so, people would be showing support to someone who is "defying the Gedolim."
Over a year ago, a certain rabbi told me that I was attacking the Gedolim on my website. I protested that I have always been very careful, as have been those supervising what I put on my website, that there should be nothing that attacks them and that I am only defending myself from their attacks on my work. His reply was very interesting and revealing. He said, "Defending yourself against the Gedolim is by definition attacking them." Now, that is something that sounds ludicrous, but what I think that he subconsciously meant is that his personal sense of identity was threatened when his image of the Gedolim and the universal acceptance of their rulings is shaken, because he draws his own sense of self-esteem from his idea of the Gedolim (which doesn't include the Gedolim that I follow!).
Q: Do you have a base of support that helps you get through the hard times?
NS: Baruch Hashem my family, rebbeim and community have been very supportive. I also have a file that is stuffed with hundreds of letters of support that I have received.
Q: How did you come to the conclusions that you came to that got you in trouble rather than follow other resolutions to the questions? Did those answers simply make more sense to you? Why have you been so adamant that your conclusions are correct, in spite of the rabbinic opposition to your solutions?
NS: When it comes down to it, we are talking about two very simple things - is the universe very old, and do creatures spontaneously generate. I've studied a fair amount of science and I am convinced that the universe is very old and that creatures do not spontaneously generate. My rebbeim in these matters have always told me that these conclusions are perfectly theologically acceptable, and that is what is written in the sources that I have collected. I investigated all the various answers to these and other questions, and the approach that I eventually took was the one that both made the most sense to me and that my rebbeim preferred. I have never been given any reason to tell my rebbeim that they were wrong, to ignore the sefarim that I studied, or to reject what I have learned about the natural world. It's not as though any of the Gedolim who banned my works gave any alternative answers to the problems that my books deals with.
You know, many people are under the impression that my books list dozens of cases where Chazal made mistakes in science. But the truth is that I only use that approach in THREE CASES! Mice growing from dirt, lice from sweat, and salamanders thriving only in fire. In each case, I was quoting other authorities, but the point is, throughout this whole controversy, not one of my opponents has said how they would explain these problems, let alone why my approach is wrong.
Q: Do you feel you are on equal footing with Rabbonim the likes of Rav Elyashiv, Rav Lefkowitz, the Novominsker Rebbe and others that you feel you can oppose them when they say you are wrong?
NS: I suggest that you look at what I wrote at http://www.zootorah.com/controversy/authority.html to see why I am not following their opinion; this is a very important page that I added recently to explain precisely this point.
Q: On your website you say that the Rabbonim refused to meet with you to allow you to explain your position. There is/was a rumor that Rav Moshe Shternbuch had agreed to meet with you. Supposedly he even agreed to meet with you on your own terms, yet supposedly you refused at the last minute.
Is there any truth to this rumor? Why would you not meet with him if he was willing? Can you deny the validity of the rumor?
NS: I have never heard anything like that (I haven't even heard a rumor like that!). Someone offered to arrange a meeting with him, after he had already written his letter. They hadn't spoken to him at all. I asked one of my rebbeim who is extremely close with Rav Sternbuch, and he couldn't see any point at all. After all, he had already made a public statement.
Q: Why do you continues to "peddle" your ideas, in light of the fact that the overwhelming majority of Chareidi Rabbonim oppose them.
One would expect that even if you feels you are right, you should "go underground" for some years, spend his time delving into more traditional subjects, and then when older, wiser, and more mature, return to these issue.
As an objective observer, regardless of the issue themselves, it seems very haughty on your part, at your age, to continue on, knowing that so many great people oppose his books.
Why do you continue on?
NS: Again, this relates to what I posted at http://www.zootorah.com/controversy/authority.html.
I do accept, though, that these rabbonim have the right to say that they don't want this approach for their communities, which I am trying to make clear in the way that I am republishing my books.
Q: Were you disappointed when your fellow landsman David Beckham decided to leave English footbal and take up American soccer?
NS: I have absolutely zero interest in sports and I didn't even know that he left football - in fact, I'm not exactly sure who he is!
Q: And finally, when is your next book coming out, And what will the topic be (if you can reveal it)?
NS: It's a completely revised and vastly expanded edition of Mysterious Creatures, to be entitled Sacred Monsters. It will also include discussions of giants, dwarfs, the shamir, and two-headed people! It will hopefully be out by summer.
Thank you R' Slifkin for the interview. I learned a lot from it. I hope others did as well. And Refuah Shleimah to your father.
For further information and more details of the whole controversy, clcik on the Controversy link on the ZooTorah website
Jan 21, 2007
Slifkin situation clarification
Since I posted the information on the most recent incident in the Slifkin saga I have seen a bit of an increase in page hits. Many of those hits come from local RBS residents. The reason I know this is because many people over the weekend have come over to me telling me they saw my blog, etc..
Aside from the above, many people have asked me to help them understand the situation. The main question being the situation with Rav Malinowitz seemingly opposing Rav Elyashiv in this whole deal. Another main question was did Rav Malinowitz really write the letter in response or was that a forgery as well - this theory even got posted on a couple other blogs..
First, I will deal with the second question (not a problem of answering out of order, because I chose the order to write them) . Let me say that Rav Malinowitz's letter is not a forgery. He made that very clear.
I was present when someone asked Rav M if he really thought Rav P's letter was a forgery. He responded by saying, "Isn't that what I wrote in my letter? It says it right in the letter." He was a bit evasive and curt on the issue and he made it clear that the letter was written tongue-in-cheek and "hameivin yavin".
I then gave Rav M a ride and took the opportunity to discuss with him the first question I mentioned above. He told me that he has no problem arguing with Rav Elyashiv on this, just like people argue with him in halacha, people can argue with him in hashkafa as well.
That being said, he explained there is no difference between them on this issue. As I mentioned in the comments of the earlier post, Rav Elyashiv never put Rav Slifkin in cherem, rather condemned those specific books that dealt with the issues under debate. Rav M added that he too never gave Rav S a haskama on those books (not sure if that was because he disagrees with the points made in the book or because he was not Rav Slifkins rav at the time) and Rav S does not lecture on those topics (at least in the current series of shiruim by Rav S in the shul).
That being said, Rav M then explained to me how the whole thing erupted. Rav S wrote his book and had the approval and haskamos of many Rabbonim in America. Rav Elyashiv in Israel opposed the book at the time. Rav Aharon Feldman, Rosh Hayeshiva of Ner Yisrael, went to Rav Elyashiv when he was in Israel and asked about Slifkin.
Rav Elyashiv explained to him why he is against, and based on that Rav Feldman retracted his haskamah and withfrew his support, which led to the other rabbonim falling into line as well.
Rav Elyashiv based his opposition on his own chiddush. His chiddush is that once contemporary rabbonim rule overwhelmingly in favor of one hashkafic opinion (not sure when this ruling ever took place), any opposing hashkafic view, even if based on sources in rishonim and achronim as is the case in the Slifkin saga, is kefira and minus (heresy).
This is truly a chiddush and has never been used prior to this situation. Rav M said that he argues completely on that idea, and we never see it in play anywhere else throughout Jewish literature.
A hashkafic thought based on sources in the Rishonim is considered kefira because a contemporary Rav does not agree with it.
That is the source of the controversy.
Aside from the above, many people have asked me to help them understand the situation. The main question being the situation with Rav Malinowitz seemingly opposing Rav Elyashiv in this whole deal. Another main question was did Rav Malinowitz really write the letter in response or was that a forgery as well - this theory even got posted on a couple other blogs..
First, I will deal with the second question (not a problem of answering out of order, because I chose the order to write them) . Let me say that Rav Malinowitz's letter is not a forgery. He made that very clear.
I was present when someone asked Rav M if he really thought Rav P's letter was a forgery. He responded by saying, "Isn't that what I wrote in my letter? It says it right in the letter." He was a bit evasive and curt on the issue and he made it clear that the letter was written tongue-in-cheek and "hameivin yavin".
I then gave Rav M a ride and took the opportunity to discuss with him the first question I mentioned above. He told me that he has no problem arguing with Rav Elyashiv on this, just like people argue with him in halacha, people can argue with him in hashkafa as well.
That being said, he explained there is no difference between them on this issue. As I mentioned in the comments of the earlier post, Rav Elyashiv never put Rav Slifkin in cherem, rather condemned those specific books that dealt with the issues under debate. Rav M added that he too never gave Rav S a haskama on those books (not sure if that was because he disagrees with the points made in the book or because he was not Rav Slifkins rav at the time) and Rav S does not lecture on those topics (at least in the current series of shiruim by Rav S in the shul).
That being said, Rav M then explained to me how the whole thing erupted. Rav S wrote his book and had the approval and haskamos of many Rabbonim in America. Rav Elyashiv in Israel opposed the book at the time. Rav Aharon Feldman, Rosh Hayeshiva of Ner Yisrael, went to Rav Elyashiv when he was in Israel and asked about Slifkin.
Rav Elyashiv explained to him why he is against, and based on that Rav Feldman retracted his haskamah and withfrew his support, which led to the other rabbonim falling into line as well.
Rav Elyashiv based his opposition on his own chiddush. His chiddush is that once contemporary rabbonim rule overwhelmingly in favor of one hashkafic opinion (not sure when this ruling ever took place), any opposing hashkafic view, even if based on sources in rishonim and achronim as is the case in the Slifkin saga, is kefira and minus (heresy).
This is truly a chiddush and has never been used prior to this situation. Rav M said that he argues completely on that idea, and we never see it in play anywhere else throughout Jewish literature.
A hashkafic thought based on sources in the Rishonim is considered kefira because a contemporary Rav does not agree with it.
That is the source of the controversy.
Jan 18, 2007
upcoming interview - R' Natan Slifkin
In an attempt to get some clarity on the issues, I will be interviewing R' Natan Slifkin. I do not have an exact timeframe due to some external and personal issues. It might be within a couple of days or might be a bit longer.
So, if you have any questions you ever wanted to ask of the Zoo Rabbi, whether about the controversy surrounding him or about the animal kingdom, or anything else (but let's try to keep away from questions about science and Torah, specifically age of the universe :-) ) send them to me.
Either post them in the comments, email me - israeli.jew at gmail dot com - or send them to me by telepathy, just get them to me quickly... I will select a number of them, probably the ones I consider the best and most relevant and interesting, and will include them in the interview..
So, if you have any questions you ever wanted to ask of the Zoo Rabbi, whether about the controversy surrounding him or about the animal kingdom, or anything else (but let's try to keep away from questions about science and Torah, specifically age of the universe :-) ) send them to me.
Either post them in the comments, email me - israeli.jew at gmail dot com - or send them to me by telepathy, just get them to me quickly... I will select a number of them, probably the ones I consider the best and most relevant and interesting, and will include them in the interview..
Jan 15, 2007
And the Slifkin saga continues....
Bet Shemesh is a home to many local rags. Everybody looking to make a buck puts out a weekly advertising magazine. The Haredi community is no different and have their own local rags just like evrybody else. One of those rags is called "Chadash".
"Chadash" is mostly advertising, with some articles and news items affecting the Haredi community of Bet Shemesh. I am told that even a majority of the "articles" are also really paid advertisements by the shul/school/person in the article.
In this past Friday's edition of "Chadash" there was a letter from Rabbi Perlstein printed on the first page, right where it would be most visible. I do not have a copy of the letter to upload and I do not have it in front of me, so I will recap the content of the letter briefly from my memory.
"Chadash" is mostly advertising, with some articles and news items affecting the Haredi community of Bet Shemesh. I am told that even a majority of the "articles" are also really paid advertisements by the shul/school/person in the article.
In this past Friday's edition of "Chadash" there was a letter from Rabbi Perlstein printed on the first page, right where it would be most visible. I do not have a copy of the letter to upload and I do not have it in front of me, so I will recap the content of the letter briefly from my memory.
I just found a copy. here it is. Click on it to enlarge...
Translation: Regarding the question about Natan Slifkin, it is definitely prohibited to participate in the lectures of one who castrates the words of Chaza"l. Woe to the ears of one who hears such nothingness, and specifically all the Gedolei Yisroel of both Israel and America have declared that it is rohibited to read his books and to listen to his lectures, and it has already been publicized many times, who would not be careful from keeping his distance from him. When the expert doctors warn someone from eating something specific because of possible danger, who would dare eat it, and this is a "Kal V'chomer" that the gedolei yisroel have said with definity that his writings are prohibited and his words are suspect of containing heresy, who would want to lose his world and destroy his portion and abandon the source of pure spring water [a euphemism for the Torah], at a time when the torch that was given to Moshe and passed through the generations via our sages, etc. therefore I say faithfully, to hear lectures only from those who are confirmed in their Torah and fear of God and the words of chaza"l are embedded in their hearts like nails. , etc.
I have been told by a reliable source that someone contacted the publisher of the rag and asked how he could print such a letter (I am not sure what the basis of the question was, considering the magazine is published by people with similar styles and concerns as the author of the letter) and asked if they endorsed the etter or was it a paid advertisement.
The response of the publisher was that he could not refuse to publish it. Rav Perlstein (or maybe it was one of his goons) called and told him to put it in. He could not refuse considering who Rav Perlstein is. It was not paid for but is also not endorsed (i.e. is not an article printed by) by the editor.
Rav Malinowitz, the Rav of the shul I, and Rav Natan Slifkin, daven in, issued a response to the above letter.
Rav Malinowitz has been a supporter of Slifkins and has been with him through the whole fight. He has not wavered in his support of Slifkin and is aware of every detail of the issue.
I am posting his letter here (converted to jpg, so it loses some quality) and will translate it below:
{It starts with some abbreviations...}
About the question regarding the letter publisheda few days ago in a local RBS publication, as if it had been written by a local Rav ABD (av beis din) against R' Natan Slifkin. It is obvious and clear that the letter is a forgery, as I will show. And it is a shame for the honor of said Rav ABD that has been desecrated by this forgery, as if it emanated from him, that contains within it things that never happened.
- The letter is forged by its content, as is clear from the wording of the letter that the forger never actually checked the facts of the situation (as will be explained). Even in regards to HKB"H it says in Breishis 11:5 and in Rashi in brieshis 18:21, etc, "And Hashem went down to see... this teaches us that a judge cannot convict until he goes down to see and understand." See Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat 10:1 and 17:5-8
- The facts are that the Rabbonim Gedolei hador have paskened for those who follow their words that they shall not read the science books of R' Natan Slifkin because those books deal with questions as if there is a contradictions between science and Torah, and R' Slifkin attempts to resolve the questions. Our Rabbis have taught that these books should not be read except by those disturbed by such questions (and some have said nobody should read these books); They have clearly stated (to all those who have asked) that they are not dsqualifying (passuling) chas v'shalom the person [R' Slifkin] himself and not his other books on subjects other than science, only those science books do they instruct not to read. The forger has contradicted the words of our Rabbis that "things that will be revealed to all, a person will not lie about". All this can be clarified to anybody who checks, and it is clear this is a forgery.
- As well, R' Natan gives lectures (on the topic of the wonders of creation) in the English language, and those who attend the lectures are those who speak and understand English. The letter had been written in Hebrew and was placed in a magazine whose readership is the Hebrew speaking public. Had it been a serious psak, it should have been wirtten in English and publicized in a publication dediated to the English speaking public. This is another proof that the letter was forged and simply for the purpose of causing argument.
- As well, the letter was written as if R' Slifkin is giving lectures on science topics, and just the opposite, because the Rabbonim have decreed that his words on science should not be read or listened to, R' Slifkin is careful in his lectures (which are for the Haredi public in RBS as well) to only lecture on topics of wonders of creation and thereby increase the glory of Hashem and love and fear of Hashem. The forger of the letter claims otherwise, and that is further proof to the forgery.
There is no need to lengthen the topic, and I write and sign in protest against the great desecration of the honor of the Rav AB"D whose name was forged in the letter.
[signed by] (HaRav) Chaim Zev HaLevi Malinowitz, RBS A
Jan 3, 2007
new incident in R' Nosson Slifkin controversy!
R' Nosson Slifkin is scheduled to give a shiur tonight in RBS in the shul I daven in. R' Slifkin is a member of the same shul. R' Slifkin is starting a series of shiurim on the animal kingdom in Torah thought (not the exact title of the shiur, but the idea of it). The topic of tonight's shiur is exotic shofars.
Tonight's shiur is the first in the series, and that is why the newest incident just happened.
Some people among those who oppose R' Slifkin have posted signs around the neighborhood warning people to not go to the shiur. The contents of the letter include the original letters against R' Slifkin along with a new letter. The new letter states:
ZOO TORAH - TELL IT TO THE ANIMALS!
Not long ago, the Gedolei Yisrael came out with an edict that Mr. Natan Slifkin's books should not be read. This is due to various reasons which are well known, including the statement by the Gedolim that some of this thoughts constitue Apikorsus (heresy). The Gedolim also explicitly stated that he is forbidden to teach Torah even in a kiruv program, which is the reason why he is described as "formerly a Rebbe at Ohr Somayach."
Instead of humbling himself to the Gedolei Yisrael and admitting the error of his ways, Mr. Slifkin fought (and continues to fight) tooth and nail like a trapped animal, primarily through postings on his website. Calling himself "post-Chareidi" and other such terms, he has clearly led a battle to discredit the Gedolei Yisrael, becoming popular among those of the same sentiments.
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.
R' Slifkin has responded and commented within the letter: here it is again with R' Slifkins comments (R' Slifkins comments are in parentheses and in blue):
ZOO TORAH - TELL IT TO THE ANIMALS! (they have a sense of humor!)
Not long ago, the Gedolei Yisrael came out with an edict that Mr. Natan Slifkin's books should not be read (they took away my semichah!). This is due to various reasons which are well known (actually there are numerous disputes as to what the reasons actually are), including the statement by the Gedolim that some of this thoughts constitue Apikorsus (heresy) (apparently they translated the word for the less learned members of the community). The Gedolim also explicitly stated that he is forbidden to teach Torah even in a kiruv program, (this phrase is highlighted by hand with fluorescent pen in all of the dozens of posters) which is the reason why he is described as "formerly a Rebbe at Ohr Somayach." (Are they implying that I was kicked out of Ohr Somayach due to my hashkafos? That's not the case, I left years earlier when I moved to Ramat Bet Shemesh.)
Instead of humbling himself to the Gedolei Yisrael and admitting the error of his ways (I added an explanation on my website as to why I am not halachically required to do so), Mr. Slifkin fought (and continues to fight) tooth and nail like a trapped animal, primarily through postings on his website (I appreciate the plug, but I wish they would have given the URL!). Calling himself "post-Chareidi" and other such terms (what other such terms?), he has clearly led a battle to discredit the Gedolei Yisrael (actually I defended myself in a campaign led by the Gedolim and kannoim to discredit me), becoming popular among those of the same sentiments. (actually I have become popular even with many people who respect the Gedolei Yisrael)
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, (they should check their facts, these shiurim don't include kefirah even according to their unusual definition) 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. (strangely, the word "animals" has been carefully painted over with Wite-out in every single one of the posters.)
The Rav of Beis Tefilla (the shul involved) was pressured to cancel the shiur. The Rav has been a supporter of Rav Slifkin throughout the whole history of the conflict. Here I present to you the response of the Rav:
Dear ***:
Your "facts" are simply incorrect. Slifkin was never placed in cherem by anyone.
This Shiur is clarifying sugyohs and Rishonim in Maseches Rosh haShanah. I can think of no finer endeavor.
The other classes will be examining nifla'os HaBoray, which, according to Chovohs Halevavohs is imperative and the basis for our avodas haShem.
I indeed recommend Slifkin's book--Nature's Song, on Perek Shirah, and Man & Beast.
His books about science, you takeh shouldn't read. You are not the intended audience. THAT is what the Gedolim said, and it should be adhered to, of course.
R' CZM
Then another letter was put up including a letter from the original controversy from R' Dovid Orlofsky. This letter bashed R' Slifkin in a most demeaning way (I have no intention to post it). R' Slifkin has responded to the new posting with the letter from R' Orlofsky that some of the facts are incorrect, along with the fact that the original letter from R' Orlofsky had been released two years ago. After it had been released, R' Orlofsky issued an apology, saying:
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
Someone is circulating a letter containing personal attacks against Nosson Slifkin purporting to represent me.
I have not authorized ANY letter to be distributed! I am working on a letter relating to this issue. That letter is NOT it. Please send this to whoever has a copy and ask them not to distribute this letter.
I apologize to Nosson and his family for the hurt they must have suffered from this action.
Sincerely,
Dovid Orlofsky
Notice how they use old and outdated information and ignore corrections in their attempts to subdue R' Slifkin.
I am not one to mix into this debate. Many people of greater capacity than me and of greater intellect have debated the subject in blogs, in papers and in other forms in the public sphere. It is not for me to say who is right and who is wrong.
However, the Rav of my shul has given his unwavering support to Rav Slifkin and that is enough for me. Some of the statements he printed that were under criticism, I had already heard from Rabbonim and other sources, so the issue does not bother me. It seems to be more of a personality clash than a fight based on emmes (truth). I therefore support Rav Slifkin and denounce the defaming posters that have gone up around the neighborhood.
I am scheduled to be in Yerushalayim tonight and have to miss the shiur. If I am able to make it though, or if I hear of anything that might occur, I will update you..
Tonight's shiur is the first in the series, and that is why the newest incident just happened.
Some people among those who oppose R' Slifkin have posted signs around the neighborhood warning people to not go to the shiur. The contents of the letter include the original letters against R' Slifkin along with a new letter. The new letter states:
ZOO TORAH - TELL IT TO THE ANIMALS!
Not long ago, the Gedolei Yisrael came out with an edict that Mr. Natan Slifkin's books should not be read. This is due to various reasons which are well known, including the statement by the Gedolim that some of this thoughts constitue Apikorsus (heresy). The Gedolim also explicitly stated that he is forbidden to teach Torah even in a kiruv program, which is the reason why he is described as "formerly a Rebbe at Ohr Somayach."
Instead of humbling himself to the Gedolei Yisrael and admitting the error of his ways, Mr. Slifkin fought (and continues to fight) tooth and nail like a trapped animal, primarily through postings on his website. Calling himself "post-Chareidi" and other such terms, he has clearly led a battle to discredit the Gedolei Yisrael, becoming popular among those of the same sentiments.
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.
R' Slifkin has responded and commented within the letter: here it is again with R' Slifkins comments (R' Slifkins comments are in parentheses and in blue):
ZOO TORAH - TELL IT TO THE ANIMALS! (they have a sense of humor!)
Not long ago, the Gedolei Yisrael came out with an edict that Mr. Natan Slifkin's books should not be read (they took away my semichah!). This is due to various reasons which are well known (actually there are numerous disputes as to what the reasons actually are), including the statement by the Gedolim that some of this thoughts constitue Apikorsus (heresy) (apparently they translated the word for the less learned members of the community). The Gedolim also explicitly stated that he is forbidden to teach Torah even in a kiruv program, (this phrase is highlighted by hand with fluorescent pen in all of the dozens of posters) which is the reason why he is described as "formerly a Rebbe at Ohr Somayach." (Are they implying that I was kicked out of Ohr Somayach due to my hashkafos? That's not the case, I left years earlier when I moved to Ramat Bet Shemesh.)
Instead of humbling himself to the Gedolei Yisrael and admitting the error of his ways (I added an explanation on my website as to why I am not halachically required to do so), Mr. Slifkin fought (and continues to fight) tooth and nail like a trapped animal, primarily through postings on his website (I appreciate the plug, but I wish they would have given the URL!). Calling himself "post-Chareidi" and other such terms (what other such terms?), he has clearly led a battle to discredit the Gedolei Yisrael (actually I defended myself in a campaign led by the Gedolim and kannoim to discredit me), becoming popular among those of the same sentiments. (actually I have become popular even with many people who respect the Gedolei Yisrael)
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, (they should check their facts, these shiurim don't include kefirah even according to their unusual definition) 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. (strangely, the word "animals" has been carefully painted over with Wite-out in every single one of the posters.)
The Rav of Beis Tefilla (the shul involved) was pressured to cancel the shiur. The Rav has been a supporter of Rav Slifkin throughout the whole history of the conflict. Here I present to you the response of the Rav:
Dear ***:
Your "facts" are simply incorrect. Slifkin was never placed in cherem by anyone.
This Shiur is clarifying sugyohs and Rishonim in Maseches Rosh haShanah. I can think of no finer endeavor.
The other classes will be examining nifla'os HaBoray, which, according to Chovohs Halevavohs is imperative and the basis for our avodas haShem.
I indeed recommend Slifkin's book--Nature's Song, on Perek Shirah, and Man & Beast.
His books about science, you takeh shouldn't read. You are not the intended audience. THAT is what the Gedolim said, and it should be adhered to, of course.
R' CZM
Then another letter was put up including a letter from the original controversy from R' Dovid Orlofsky. This letter bashed R' Slifkin in a most demeaning way (I have no intention to post it). R' Slifkin has responded to the new posting with the letter from R' Orlofsky that some of the facts are incorrect, along with the fact that the original letter from R' Orlofsky had been released two years ago. After it had been released, R' Orlofsky issued an apology, saying:
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
Someone is circulating a letter containing personal attacks against Nosson Slifkin purporting to represent me.
I have not authorized ANY letter to be distributed! I am working on a letter relating to this issue. That letter is NOT it. Please send this to whoever has a copy and ask them not to distribute this letter.
I apologize to Nosson and his family for the hurt they must have suffered from this action.
Sincerely,
Dovid Orlofsky
Notice how they use old and outdated information and ignore corrections in their attempts to subdue R' Slifkin.
I am not one to mix into this debate. Many people of greater capacity than me and of greater intellect have debated the subject in blogs, in papers and in other forms in the public sphere. It is not for me to say who is right and who is wrong.
However, the Rav of my shul has given his unwavering support to Rav Slifkin and that is enough for me. Some of the statements he printed that were under criticism, I had already heard from Rabbonim and other sources, so the issue does not bother me. It seems to be more of a personality clash than a fight based on emmes (truth). I therefore support Rav Slifkin and denounce the defaming posters that have gone up around the neighborhood.
I am scheduled to be in Yerushalayim tonight and have to miss the shiur. If I am able to make it though, or if I hear of anything that might occur, I will update you..
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