The Mother-Of-All-Pashkevilim!


A “Pashkevil” is a printed notice, particularly used in Orthodox Jewish communities, which is glued on walls and notice boards in public areas.

Announcements can be that someone has died, or that a certain rabbi will be speaking, or, more controversially, derogatory announcements against this or that behaviour or particular individual. Usually these notices are anonymous, or are apparently signed by rabbinical leaders, but whose signatures are often not authentic.

Here in Ramat Bet Shemesh, pashkevilim recently went up around town, denouncing the establishment of a yeshiva here which, alongside torah studies, also teaches secular studies.

I recently wrote about Rav Soloveichik's sermon, in which he criticised another Pashkevil, which was rare or unique, in that the distasteful Pashkevil was apparently published by National Religious activists.  

As a response to the phenomenon of pashkevilim, Rabbi Yaakov Haber, together with members of his Kehilat Shivtei Yeshurun community, have prepared and published the ultimate paskevil.

This Mother-Of-All-Pashkevilim http://www.torahlab.org/haberblog  extensively quotes the Chafetz Chaim’s denouncement of Pashkevilim, and imitates the style and format of conventional paskevilim.


















As a footnote, I note that the Yiddish word “pashkevil” is derived from the French “Pasquil" – meaning, a lampoon, parody or satirical piece of writing, posted in a public place.

Therefore, I think this anti-pashkevil-pashkevil is more authentic than any other pashkevil I've seen. 

Comments

  1. Toras HaShem Tmima7 June 2010 at 17:30

    Thank G-d RBSA finally has rabbonim who are talmidei chochomim, baalei sechel and true leaders.
    With more such rabbonim perhaps we can return to true Avodas HaShem with pure intentions and not suffer from the whims of some ego maniacs.
    We shoul support these brave men and the emes that thye represent.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ephraim7 June 2010 at 18:30

    Rav Haber joins a small elite of Rabbonim in RBS who are willing to take a courageous stand and denounce the behavior of extremists.

    This pashkevil is wise, creative & smart.

    Kehilas Shivtei Yeshurun have chosen an exceptional leader.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Soon to Join KSY7 June 2010 at 19:15

    It is obvious that Rav Haber's popularity is spreading beyond his shul.
    His stimulating shiurim open to all,founding of a youth group and involvement in Lema'an Achai are proof that he is here for the good of everyone in RBSA.
    Chazak V'Amatz to him and his wise kehilla.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Mordechai Y. Scher8 June 2010 at 07:09

    Actually, the best pashkevilim I ever read appeared in Yerushalayim about 25 or 30 years ago. Whenever it was that the comedian John Belushi died. The word is that some guys from Gruss wrote them. One was a 'mourning notice' on the passing of Yohanan Belushi. Another was on the 'severe prohibition against learning Tanach'. They were both brilliant. I wish I had copies.

    ReplyDelete
  5. toby8 June 2010 at 09:30

    Yashar koach to him, and to you for further spreading the word! What a breath of fresh air.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Kudos8 June 2010 at 17:44

    This is great!
    Kudos to Rav Haber and his whole community!

    ReplyDelete

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