Shmuel Kamenetsky
Lithuanian–American ultra-Orthodox rabbi
Shmuel Kamenetsky (born November 12, 1924) is an American Haredi rabbi . He is the co-founder and rosh yeshiva (dean) of the Talmudical Yeshiva of Philadelphia . He is also a member of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah (Council of Torah Sages).
Early life
Kamenetsky was born in Tytuvėnai , Lithuania to Yaakov Kamenetsky , then that town's rabbi. After the family's emigration in 1937, he attended Eitz Chaim Day Schools in Toronto,[ 1] then studied at Ner Israel Rabbinical College under his father's cousin, Yaakov Yitzchok Ruderman . He went on to study at Lakewood Yeshiva , becoming a primary student of Aharon Kotler , from whom he received rabbinic ordination .
Career
Kamenetsky in 2016
In the mid-1950s,[ 2] Kotler's colleague Nosson Meir Wachtfogel asked Kamenetsky to help establish a yeshiva in Philadelphia, the Talmudical Yeshiva of Philadelphia in the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood.[ 3] In 1956 Schwartzman left to open his own yeshiva in Israel, and Kamenetsky chose Elya Svei [ 4] as co-rosh yeshiva. This arrangement continued until Svei's death in March 2009.
Kamenetsky is a member of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of Agudath Israel of America [ 5] [ 6] and serves on the rabbinical board of organizations including Chinuch Atzmai (Torah Schools for Israel), Torah Umesorah , the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation , and the Association for Jewish Outreach Professionals .
Opinions
Kamenetsky's opinion is frequently sought and quoted on current issues such as same-sex attraction ,[ 7] child molestation ,[ 8] obesity and dieting,[ 9] smoking,[ 10] and drinking alcohol to excess on Purim .[ 11]
Kamenetsky and his wife Temi believe that vaccines are more harmful than the diseases they prevent . He said, "I see vaccinations as the problem. It's a hoax. Even the Salk vaccine is a hoax. It is just big business".[ 12] He has supported the idea that a child cannot be refused entry into a school for refusing to vaccinate.[ 13] During the COVID-19 pandemic , Kamenetsky denied that he ever instructed anyone to refuse to take the vaccine, stating that a letter publicized to this effect was a forgery.[ 14] [ 15] In a rebuttal letter, he stated his opinion that each individual should ask his own doctor.[ 16] [ 17]
In July 2020, Kamenetsky endorsed the Donald Trump 2020 presidential campaign , stating "Yes, I think people should vote for him. He’s done a good job. It’s hakaras hatov ."[ 18]
Personal life
Kamenetsky's wife, Temi, was the daughter of Mordechai Brooks, a cantor . Born c. 1929,[ 19] she grew up in Brooklyn , New York,[ 20] and died on January 10, 2022.[ 21]
In 2023, Kamenetsky was hospitalized after suffering a stroke.[ 22] [ 23] After being released to a rehabilitation facility, he developed pneumonia and was re-hospitalized.[ 24]
References
^ Klein, Devorah (May 24, 2017). "Eitz Chaim Schools to Celebrate 100th anniversary". Community. Hamodia. p. 13. Harav Shmuel Kamenetsky, shlita, an alumnus...
^ Birnbaum, Rabbi Avraham (2011). "Rav Dov Schwartzman, zt"l" . Yated Ne'eman . Archived from the original on April 6, 2012. Retrieved November 26, 2011 .
^ Safier, Dovi (April 3, 2023). "Mother of All Yeshivas" . Mishpacha . Cedarhurst, New York . Retrieved August 2, 2024 .
^ Tannenbaum, Rabbi Gershon (April 1, 2009). "Rabbi Elya Svei (1924–2009) Rosh Yeshiva Philadelphia" . The Jewish Press . Archived from the original on July 13, 2011. Retrieved December 28, 2010 .
^ "Six Gedolim Added To Moetzes Gedolei Hatorah Of Agudas Yisroel" . Yeshiva World News . September 14, 2020. Retrieved November 9, 2020 .
^ By: The “Hamodia Staff” (September 14, 2020). "Moetzes Gedolei Hatorah Call on Community to Achieve Improvements; New Chavrei HaMoetzes Welcomed" . Hamodia . Retrieved November 9, 2020 .
^ Goldberg, Arthur. "A Discussion with Rabbi Shmuel Kamenetsky on 'SSA' " (PDF) . Hakira, the Flatbush Journal of Jewish Law and Thought. Retrieved November 26, 2011 .
^ Berger, Paul (August 2, 2011). "Leiby Kletzky Murder Reignites Fight Over Reporting Abuse" . The Jewish Daily Forward . Retrieved November 26, 2011 .
^ " 'We Have To Control Ourselves': SOVEYA Interview With Rabbi Shmuel Kamenetsky" (PDF) . Switchh . 4 (3). 2010.
^ "Rabbi Shmuel against smoking" . YouTube . Archived from the original on December 15, 2021. Retrieved May 20, 2013 . (video)
^ "New York – Rabbi Shmuel Kaminetsky: 'It is an Aveira to Get Drunk on Purim' " . Vos Iz Neias? . February 12, 2010. Retrieved November 26, 2011 .
^ Bridwell, Lindsey (August 28, 2014) "A Healthy Dose?" , Baltimore Jewish Times . Retrieved December 29, 2021.
^ Blau, Reuven (May 23, 2019). "Anti-Vaccine Rabbi Sits on Prominent Ultra-Orthodox Panel as Measles Spread" . The City . Retrieved March 18, 2022 .
^ "Rav Kamenetsky: My Signature On Anti-Covid Vaccine Propaganda is a Forgery" . Baltimore Jewish Life . December 14, 2020. Retrieved August 2, 2024 .
^ "Forgery: Hagaon HaRav Shmuel Kaminetzky Never Signed Any Letter About COVID Vaccine" . Yeshiva World News . December 14, 2020. Retrieved August 2, 2024 .
^ "Forgery: Harav Shmuel Kamenetzky Disputes Individuals Who Falsely Claimed His Endorsement Against COVID Vaccine" . The Lakewood Scoop . December 14, 2020. Retrieved February 7, 2021 .
^ "Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky Responds to a False Letter Regarding Covid Vaccine, In His Name" . 5 Towns Central . December 14, 2020. Retrieved February 7, 2021 .
^ Hanau, Shira (July 29, 2020). "Leading Orthodox rabbi endorses Donald Trump for reelection" . Jewish Telegraphic Agency . Retrieved March 18, 2022 .
^ Saphirstein, Shabsie (January 12, 2022). "Reflecting on the Life of Rebbetzin Temi Kamenetsky a'h" . Queens Jewish Link . Retrieved August 2, 2024 .
^ Gebber, Leah. "The Rebbetzin's Perspective: A Schmooze with Rebbetzin Temi Kamenetsky". Mishpacha Family First, September 27, 2012, pp. 26–32.
^ (January 10, 2022) "BDE: Petirah of Rebetzin Temi Kamenetsky, A'H, Wife of Maran HaGaon Shmuel Kamenetsky, Shlita" , Baltimore Jewish Life . Retrieved January 11, 2022.
^ "Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky Hospitalized After Suffering Stroke" . Vos Iz Neias? . May 2, 2023. Retrieved May 31, 2023 .
^ "Tehillim: Hagaon HaRav Shmuel Kamenetsky Suffers Stroke; Next 24 Hours Critical" . Yeshiva World News . May 2, 2023. Retrieved May 31, 2023 .
^ "Tefillos for Maran Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky" . Matzav.com. May 20, 2023. Retrieved May 31, 2023 .
External links