איך זעה קיינער האט עס נאכנישט ארויפגעלייגט, לייג איך עס דא ארויף,
דא קען מען זעהן וויאזוי א פרעמדער קוקט אהן די שוידערליכע טאהט פון די ארונים:
EDITORIAL: What Will It Take To Learn?
I don't know how to start. To say that I'm outraged would be an understatement. To say I'm disappointed? Ashamed? Still insufficient. Perhaps it's a word that has yet to exist; I'm simply pained.
We all know that the Churban Habayis was caused by Sinas Chinam. We also know that Chillul Hashem isn't forgiven only by death. But do we really know, or do we pretend to know?
The Chillul Hashem has been going on for 10 years now. The mainstream media has reminded us about this time after time, but we didn't learn. Nothing seemed to be going too far. If it involved anything from desecrating the Torah, Bizayon Talmidei Chachamim, Mesiros to Chillul Shabbos, Nothing held them back. Perhaps they justify themselves by claiming that it is L'shem Shamayim. But what happened this week made me take out the pen I've never used before and write. I am writing because I am hurt.
I won't talk about the pain those nine young Yesomim whose father was taken from this world so suddenly, and was then denied burial are suffering, or the trauma they will live with for the rest of their lives. I believe that is self-understood. Actually, I hope so. I will talk about a different aspect.
We all know that the Torah prohibits leaving a Meis out in the field longer than necessary. Some Poskim and Kehillos support this opinion even when it pertains to Kovod HaMeis. Baruch Hashem, Klal Yisroel, a nation known for its Chessed, has many Askanim and organizations who work with authorities tirelessly around the clock to ensure that proper Kovod HaMeis is met. They sometimes work with people who have never seen an orthodox Jew before, but after ample explanation have come to understand the concept. I will bring an example.
This year, Governor Paterson planned a huge cut for the NYC Medical Examiners office's budget. They responded by threatening to close some of their offices, which would result, according to them, in delaying burial for the Jewish people who make this a major priority. Organizations including the OU, Misaskim, the Chevra Kadisha of the Vaad HaRabbonim of Queens, and the JCRC of New York stepped up their efforts to lobby that it shouldn't be enacted. They explained to officials such as Governor Paterson and then Majority leader Malcolm Smith how important it is for us to dignify a Niftar. They understood and acted accordingly. (See article HERE on YWN)
How is it, may I ask, that people who grew up in a different society, people who don't really understand our unique and special religion, understand this concept, and some of us Rachmanim don't? What are these officials supposed to think when reading the NY Post report? That Jews have a double standard? What explanation will the Askanim give those coroners to avert an autopsy when shown the Times Herald-Record article?
No, I am not blaming anyone here. I am not affiliated with either party, and I am not writing to defend or blame either side. I simply do not understand what they thought - if they thought. The Torah punished its most evil criminals with stoning, yet warned not to delay their burial. What crime did this meis commit other than being part of another faction? Why didn't he deserve to get proper Kovod Ha'achron to his eternal rest just like all of us desire?
We should be ashamed of ourselves, how far we have gone, playing with Neshomos - with fire!
(NOTE: This editorial is in reference to a particular (split) Chassidus which delayed the Kevura of another Jew for an entire day, due to fighting amongst themselves. This incident was reported in the media; NY Post, Times Herald Record, MidHudsonNews and others.)
(Shulem Rosenbaum - YWN)
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