It is an experience commonly shared by so many of us. We
visit a family and, during this warm visit, the mantle shelf
in the family living room catches our attention. There we
find, as a majestic story unfolds, the growth of generations.
A place of honor to the grandparents -- and, as our eyes and
heart take note of the rest, we also view the eager faces of
the young ones, the grandchildren and oft, the great-
grandchildren as well.
What is said about a family and its mantle shelf, can also be
said about a community and its corridors of Jewish history.
The eyes roam and the heart tugs, as the writer of these
lines views with sensitivity the specific community history
of the last fifty-five years in the United States.
With gratitude to the Almighty for making this personal view
possible, one approaches the community's mantle shelf with
respect, eagerness and affection. And on this mantle shelf,
one picture stands out. It is indeed, Joe Kaminetsky, the
beloved Dr. Kaminetsky, architect of the Hebrew Day Schools
movement -- its leader from its inception. The gracious Joe,
with whom so much was shared: the agony of the pioneering
years and the heady sense of triumph as we reached the
decades of success.
Dr. Kaminetsky hears all this, sees all this, understands all
this and, guided by his mentors, the founder of Torah
Umesorah, Reb Shraga Feivel Mendelowitz, and the roshei
yeshiva of the Rabbinical Administrative Board, Joe
Kaminetsky marches on. High-spirited, keenly intelligent,
multi-talented, he becomes the bridge-builder par
excellence. He salvages indeed the years of success, out
of the agony and pain.
And so, in the process, he becomes the person who rightfully
assumes the place of honor on the mantle shelf of the history
corridors of the American Jewish community.
It is said in the name of HaGaon HaRav Ruderman, the late
rosh hayeshiva of Baltimore's Ner Israel Yeshiva and
chairman of Torah Umesorah's Rabbinical Administrative Board
for many years, that he viewed Dr. Kaminetsky's tenure in
Torah Umesorah as a special sign of Hashgacha, so as
to make real the achievement and fulfillment of Torah
Umesorah's unique task. Thus, Dr. Kaminetsky's leadership in
the crucial early years, as well as in the years of growth,
is truthfully captioned: "On a note of triumph." This indeed
is the story, in full, of the towering image on our
community's mantle shelf, so rich in history.
Dr. Kaminetsky would translate inspiration to doubting lay
leaders, share courage with hard-working educators, and allow
a glimpse of his vision, intense as it was, to skeptical
Jewish Federation leaders. What made him so successful in his
outreach to all the different strata in the community? His
legendary energy, his loyalty to his beliefs, his marvelous
insight, shepherded as he was by his mentors -- the Roshei
Yeshiva.
And so, in the course of time, the mantle shelf becomes
crowded. When Torah Umesorah was established in 1955 -- with
only three schools outside of New York -- there were a total
of 7,000 students altogether in New York and in schools
outside of New York. Today there are 672 schools and 175,000
students.
Yes, indeed, the pictures begin to crowd each other -- all
brought into life by the life-giving force of Torah Umesorah,
and the years of leadership by Dr. Kaminetsky. There are now
kollelim, mini-kollelim, SEED programs and Teacher
Training institutions, Chavrusa programs, telephone
outreach programs, community development and, as the
generations grow, so does the movement. But, in the center of
the mantle shelf, as it should be, is the image and picture
of Dr. Joseph Kaminetsky.
Dr. Kaminetsky wrote in his book "Memorable Encounters" as
follows: "The total effect of my experiences was a teacher of
encouragement for the tutors -- and all have a sense of
perseverance against overwhelming odds. Schools were built by
a group of die-hards who brooked no discouragement in pursuit
of their objectives. These people are the real heroes of the
Hebrew Day School Story."
So it was. But let it be said that the man at the head of
this period of real heroes was none other than Dr. Joseph
Kaminetsky himself.
And yes, the man at the very center of the mantle shelf in
the very corridors of American Jewish history of the last
fifty some years is none other than Dr. Kaminetsky. Let this
also be said -- yihiyeh zichro boruch. Let his memory
be a blessing.
Rabbi Bernard Goldenberg is National Director Emeritus of
Torah Umesorah of the United States.
