Standing Behind Our President

Upon hearing that a Jew killed Yitchak Rabin, I hoped that would be the last Chillul Hashem that the world would see firsthand. However, recent derogatory statements made by Rabbi Elya Shvei, Rosh Yeshiva of the Philadelphia Yeshiva, at the Agudath Israel Convention against our Rosh Yeshivah and President, Rabbi Lamm, show that segments of Orthodox Judaism are as divided as ever before. Rabbi Shvei called Rabbi Lamm a "Sonai Hashem," a "God hater." His comments were in response to Rabbi Lamm's belief that a compromise must be reached with the Conservative and Reform movements concerning conversion in Israel.

Rabbis have disagreed throughout time immemorial. There were arguments between Beth Hillel and Beth Shammai, Rava and Abbaye, and others; however, each respected the other's greatness. Some might feel Rabbi Lamm is wrong by supporting a compromise, but to hear a world-renowned Rosh Yeshiva embarrass our president is a gross Chillul Hashem. The world looks on and sees that not even our Rabbis can disagree civilly. One might think that we should spit words of hatred toward the Agudah movement, but that would solve nothing. We would just be stooping to their level.

We must stand behind our Rosh Yeshiva who was a student of such luminaries as Rav Soloveitchick and Rabbi Belkin. Rabbi Lamm stands for the powerful ideal of Torah U'Madda. As many of us prepare to enter the business world we are constantly being told that people will measure us, Orthodox Jews, to a higher standard. This philosophy continues as I measure rabbis to a higher standard than myself. I would think that a Rosh Yeshiva of Rabbi Shvei's stature would not publicly embarrass another Rosh Yeshiva by calling him a "Sonai Hashem." Rabbi Lamm is attempting to unite a fragmented world Jewish community on the brink of total assimilation. Whether one agrees with him or not, Rabbi Lamm's opinion does not violate Halacha, it is simply a rabbinic opinion.

Yeshiva University itself is a small community, and when one of our own is embarrassed, it is our duty to support them. As I wonder how much wider the rift between Jews will grow, I understand that we must support each other. As Rabbi Akiva, one of the greatest rabbis ever said, "Love your neighbor as you love yourself." We may not agree with everything someone says or does, but that does not give us the right to publicly embarrass someone. Embarrassing someone in public the way Rabbi Lamm was embarrassed, is almost as bad a Chillul Hashem as the world seeing Yigal Amir kill Yitzchak Rabin.

Gary Strong
YC '98