BT In A New Key: gentleman

“This is the final test of a gentleman: his respect for those who can be of no possible service to him.”

-William Lyon Phelps

Key Advice from Rav Yaakov

According to Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky, the goal of the kiruv professional should be simply to help the baal teshuvah take on the mitzvos. He should not impose conformity or eradicate the essence of the person. Rav Yaakov said that it is important that the BT feel normal. He said that, for example, the typical BT will not feel normal if he does not complete his or her college education. Thus, he or she should not be discouraged from doing so.

Reb Moshe Feinstein Zt"l with Reb Yaakov Kamenetsky Zt"l in Camp Ohr Shraga 1969 - YouTube

If not for the Torah

It is taught in the name of Rabbi Meir: For what reason was the Torah given to the Jewish people? Because they are impudent. The school of Rabbi Yishmael taught the following with regard to the verse: “From His right hand went a fiery law for them” (Deuteronomy 33:2); The Holy One, Blessed be He, said: these are fit to be given a fiery law. Some say the ways of these people are fire, as, were it not for the fact that the Torah was given to the Jewish people, (whose study and observance restrains them) no nation or tongue could withstand them. (Beitzah 25b)

BT In A New Key

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Thursday, September 11, 2025

gentleman

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