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
