Read The Rabbi and The Rebbetzin for Free Online Page A

apostates. In Dunberg, the very quality of the worship
itself was compromised.
    Aaron
Adler made his final rationalization at 4:30. His decided that going to Dunberg
on an emergency basis could be justified. As far as religious violations were
concerned, he might be able to influence members of the congregation to mend their
ways. His presence would certainly serve to prevent further deterioration of
the religious standards. On that note, he returned to the study hall.
    Shalom
Pinkes conferred with the Mashgiach for a full hour. At one point in the
conversation, the Mashgiach related to Shalom why he had left the big yeshiva
on the East Coast. It seems that he had advised one student not to pursue
secular education at a local college. The boy’s parents were up in arms and
complained to the Rosh Yeshiva. The dean called him in and told him in no
uncertain terms that the policy of the school was to allow a limited amount of college
studies after school hours. To do otherwise, would cost the yeshiva half of its
enrollment and endanger its existence. Rabbi Kurland would not agree to suppress
his religious convictions, and he and the yeshiva came to a parting of the
ways. “I am telling you this, Shalom, because I want you to understand
something about martyrdom. I have no right to sit here and advise you to martyr
yourself for a cause. I can tell you what I feel is right or wrong and I have
made it clear that I do not believe the yeshiva should send anyone to Dunberg.
If you refuse to abide by the request of the Rosh Yeshiva, however, you will
forfeit your standing and future opportunities at the school. I felt that
martyrdom was called for in my case and I was willing to pay the price. It is
not for me to tell you to suffer the high cost of such an action. You have to
decide for yourself.”
    The
conversation ended on that note, and Shalom went back to his study table to
think. While he was there, Aaron walked in. Shalom approached him and asked him
if it would be all right to discuss their common problem. Aaron consented and
reviewed the thought processes that led him to agree to the assignment.
    Shalom
said, “I can’t accept all of your conclusions, but it is obvious there is
something to be said for them. If going were evil beyond question, I would not
to hesitate to take a stand, no matter how costly the consequences. One who
martyrs himself for a doubtful cause is an idiot.”
    At
that point, the two students went downstairs to advise Rabbi Weiss of their
willingness to spend the holidays in Dunberg, PA.
    When
they left the office, Rabbi Weiss picked up the phone and called Abe Levine. “Abe,”
he said, “I am glad to tell you that our yeshiva stands ready to help you. The
faculty met and gave permission to two of our best students to accept a
position in Dunberg.”
    “That’s
great,” Levine said, but added in a puzzled voice, “I thought I only asked for
one.”
    “You
will only get one,” the director replied. “But tell me, when you have to fill
an important position in your company, do you only interview one candidate?”
    “Of
course not, it’s just that I thought the yeshiva would screen the men and make
the final selection for me. It’s like with temporary help. The agency does the
screening, and we find out if the person is any good only after the fact.”
    “Your
holiday rabbi may only be temporary,” Rabbi Weiss replied, “but he will play a
very important role in the spiritual life of your community. He should be
carefully selected by all parties concerned. The yeshiva feels that the men it
is allowing to apply are both qualified, but we are giving you the opportunity
to meet the men and select the one that is best for you.”
    “I
can’t see that I may decline such an offer. Of course, it does mean that we
will share the burden of any mistake with the school. Don’t forget that we are
only laymen.”
    “You
may be laymen, but you have a better appreciation of what the