Interviews and Features by UMCP

Additionally, David completed several interviews, including one conducted by Heidi Rabinowitz wherein David discussed Jewish geneology.[18]

David was interviewed and featured by the University of Maryland, College Park, twice. In the first interview and article, David was noted as an autodidact, who tailor made his studies to focus on Judaica , Library Sciences, and Jewish Studies

David was also feature by the UMCP in devoting his life to the mission of searching for wisdom-understanding-knowledge, to live the life of the mind and hopefully attain intellectual virtue (arete in greek)

Interview with Rabbi Feldman at Tzemach Tzedek Congregation of Baltimore. The transcript is included below:
 
(1) when and why was the congregationj established 
15/16 years ago I was free from my duties at Shearit Yisrael/Glenn Avenue and a group of people wanted to see that I remain in town and they got together and we got this place. 
 
(2) Why was Tzemach Tzedek Chosen 
 
I chose it. (for the Chabad Lubavitch 5th Rebbe). We had a name before that Ahavath Yisrael Tzemach Tzedek. Ahavat Yisrael is a very important part of prayer. There are many congregations that have the name Yisrael. To it. Agudath Yisrael for example. The Ariezal (Rabbi Isaac Luria) says you have to accept upon yourself VeAhavtah et Re-echah Kimochah (And you shall love your neighbor as yourself) before you davon. It’s a very important part of Judaism. 
 
(3) Has the congregation had previous sites? 
The previous congregation named Tzemach Tzedek had Lubavitcher Chabad members. We are different 
 
(4) What makes this congregation unique? 
It was brought into being by a few people who wanted me to stay here. They wanted to have a place of my Rabbonis here in town. They were very consistent and devoted. And thank G-d we were Matzlichah (successful). 
 
The uniqueness of this congregation was brought about by young people who built this congregation for me to stay in Baltimore. 
 
Levy: They are very lucky to have you and your leadership. 
 
(5) Who are the different types of congregants 
Are they professional or Yeshivish? 
 
The original founders dispersed- some when to Israel or dispersed. The congregation is made up of Bnai Torah. (sons of Torah teachings). Professionals. They are a cross of diverse congregants. 
 
(6) What services does the synagogue offer. What types of Shirium 
 
Shirium in gemarah once a week on Monday nights at 8:00. We are learning Betzah now. We have learned Maseket Sanhedrin in the past. There is a Tanya shiur on Saturday nights motzi Shabbos. 
 
(7) What draws you to Tanya by Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi 
 
It is the basis of Torah BiKatav or hasidus Habad. It teaches one to perfect themselves through the mitzvoth. It is a very unique type of Sefer. It deals with the Beoni which means the intermediate type of person but who is really one who has no averoth at all. Beoni is a Tzadik. It is the basic book of Habad. 
 
(8) How would you explain the fact that the Vilna Gaon would not meet with Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi when the Baal haTanya came to Vilna. 
 
There were factions between Hasidim and Mitnagdim at the time. But I can’t understand it. Its inexplicable. The Baal haTanya came to make Shalom. 
 
(9) Berel Wein has phrased it that there were makloket between Hasidim and Mitnagdim but now after the Shoah just to be authentically Jewish unites Hasidim and Mitnagdim and all hatreds are put aside.We need harmony. Just to affirm one’s Jewishness unites one in Yiddishkeit 
 
I agree there is no purpose in the Makloket (quarrels). We find that many of the Minhagim on both sides have emerged. There is no reason for hatreds now. Both Mittnagdim and Hasidim have shown themselves to be in touch with main course of Yiddishket. There is no reason for that bikering now. Years of working together for Yiddishket. 
 
(10) Is this schul a Hasidic Schul? It does take the name Tzemach Tzedek from the 5th Lubavitch Rebbe. There are so many Hasidic sects such as Vishnitz, Bratzlover, Ger, Satmar, Lubavitch, etc. 
 
Basically the nusach is Ashkenaz. Because the founders of the shul were Ashkenaz. They were not used to nusach Ari. I have changed some of the Ashkenaz minhagim to Hasidic minhagim. For example we say Hallel the first night of Pesah. We blow Tekiat in the Shemoneh Ezrah. We say Hoshanot after Hallel. Things like that the Hasidim have accepted. We have some Hasidic leanings. These type of Hasidic incorporations into practice give the Shul some distinction of being unique. 
 
(11) Does the shul celebrate the freeing of Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi from prison as Lubavitch shuls do? 
 
Lubavitcher holidays are well attended and kept by Lubavitch shuls so I didn’t think it was necessary to add this. 
 
(12) Are there special services for women? 
 
Now we have Rabbi Haber who gives all women shiurim 
 
(13) Do you see a place for orthodox feminism in a shul like this? 
 
What do you mean by that? 
 
In modern Orthodoxy there is Blu Greenberg has written Women and Judaism and Aviva Zornberg has written many books. In Conservative Judaism Susan Heschel has written On Being a Jewish Feminist. In the Reform Movement Judith Plaut has written Standing Again At Sinai. Pamela Nadel has written on Jewish Women in America. Women have Rosh Hodesh Celebrations in many shuls. 
 
We follow the traditional mode of prayer. The separation of men and women. We have a mechitzah. Women do play a part in running the shul but do not lead the davoning or layn Torah. 
 
(14) Do you see a changing role for women in Judaism? No longer just the Baalabasta. 
 
Their learning has increased. Drisha institute and Bais Yakov movement. Women are on par with men in certain aspects of learning. They challenge the men in their knowledge. Women are playing a more important part in the shul. But in terms of the physical tefillah the women do not lead the services. 
 
(15) What are some of the distinguishing features of the synagogue- architectural, design, special programs, etc.? This is a beautiful building. The Aron haKodesh is a remarkable example of woodwork. Where was it made. 
 
The Aron HaKodesh was made in Israel. It cost quite a bit of money. 
 
Levy: Is the Aron HaKodesh in the style of Eastern European Interiors in the Wooden synagogues of Eastern Europe. 
 
We tried to find a nice Aron HaKodesh. From the aesthetic point of view we wanted to add something beautiful and very imposing. And Baruch HaShem we have that. 
 
Levy The building is remarkable with the high ceilings. In terms of the inscription on the Aron HaKodesh Know before whom you stand… Was there debate about what to include. Sometimes they read Mi Tzion Tazeh Torah (from Zion shall come forth the Torah). At the Agudah on Greenspring they have “open our prayers to the gates of heaven or at Beth Tfiloh they have God’s house shall be called a house of prayer to all the nations, etc. 
 
Our inscription is the standard inscription of Eastern European Synagogues. 
 
(16) What do you think is the distinguishing feature of the architecture. Of course the congregation faces towards Jerusalem as all shuls do. 
 
The Shul is built by Howard Brown who was an expert in building shuls. And he made it a beautiful piece of work. 
 
(17) In the basement you have a social hall. What types of simchas is it used for? 
 
It is a good place for shelosh seudot (the third Sabbath meal) and wedding parties. 
 
(18) What special programs does the shul observe such as Yom HaAtzmaut? On Lag BaOmer a Bon Fire. 
 
All sorts. There is the social element. 
 
(19) What is the relationship between the congregation and other synagogues in the neighborhood, neighborhood associations, Park Heights community in general 
 
Thank God there is a unity between the shuls. And whatever is good for the shuls is good. There are no makloket between the shuls. 
 
Levy: Do you have Tehillim readings? 
 
We participate in the local activities. 
 
I am in contact with other rabbis on a professional basis. 
 
Levy: Do you have relations with neighborhood associations? 
 
A variety of activities. We don’t have a particular committee to take care of these things. 
 
Levy: What types of committees does the shul have? 
 
Religious committee, Financial Committtee, Social Committees- take care of the workings of the shul. 
 
Levy: Does the shul raise Tzedukah for causes. I know Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi was raising money for Eretz Yisrael and that is the reason the Mitnagdim betrayed him to the Russian authorities saying that he was not patriotic and sending wealth abroad. Does the shul raise funds for various causes. 
 
We have a charity fund which we support etc. 
 
Levy: Of course the Tzedakah containers say Bedek haBayit (the upkeep of the shul) 
 
(20) In terms of what you would like us to remember about Tzemach haTzedek for posterity about your shul? 
 
The shul was organized primarily so that I remain in Baltimore. 
 
You hope that the shul be remembered as being filled with ahavat Yisrael (love for all Jews). That is the purpose of our organization and this philosophy should permeated the essence of the Shul. There is no question that the shul is very impressive. The Aron Kodesh is impressive. It does impress people when they walk in. 
 
(21) How do you see the role of art in Orthodox synagogues with the importance orthodox shuls place on the learning of rabbinic texts? In terms of the architecture, Rabbi Baumgarten has written an article suggesting that Orthodox Jews in general ut more money and energy into learning Rabbinic texts rather than fancy synagogue art and architecture. It is really characteristic of Reform and Conservative Judaism that are more Amercanized that build elaborate structures imitating Christian stained glass windows etc. to invest the majority of funds in edifices and appearances. Of course there are exceptions to these rules. In the course of the history of Jewish art the commandment Lo Oseh Lichah pesel has been very important so Jews do not represent God as a human being but like Muslim art geometric patterns are celebrated. Even the Birds head haggadah does not represent the human faces of Biblical persons. For this reason there is a famous gemarah that some tannaim were learning between the pillars and then davoned between the pillars but the first importance was on the learning. Many reform and conservative Jews do not have the language capabilities in Hebrew and Aramaic like the Orthodox congregants so the Reform and Conservative Jews invest as did the medieval cathedrals artistic displays where the illiterate who did not know the aleph bet could look up at the pictures and have a relationship with HaShem through the art. 
 
We have come into a period in Orthodoxy were learning is the key aspect of our makeup. Our emphasis is on learning. Physical structures do not add anything to our basic feelings of what is most important. 
 
Levy: Talmud Torah Kineged Kulam (the study of Torah is equall to all the other mitzvoth in importance). Oseh Torehtechah Kevah (make a fixed time for learning). 
 
More than that the problem of American Jewish life came about because Jewish education was forgotten. The fact is that the original emphasis on Jewish life was in the synagogue. And we do have a very nice synagogues built in the 19th century built but that was a cause of our downful. If we had put those funds in Jewish education we would have saved a lot of Jewish boys and girls from assimilation. We are being resurrected because we are now putting the emphasis on education in chedarim and Yeshivot like Tels, Lakewood, Ner Israel, Torah VeDaat etc. We have changed our direction. If a person is versed in Torah it is a beautiful thing. We have to make Yeshivot and schools as are emphasis. That is banyan. That is building. 
 
Levy: What types of Institutions do your congregants send their children? 
 
Nowadays Baruch HaShem there is a wide choice of Yeshivot. 
 
Levy: Which Yeshivah did you attend? 
 
I was brought up in Torah VeDaat. I was there for 15 years. You came into contact with Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. I knew Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schnersohn before he became the 7th Chabad Rebbe. I knew his father in law Rabbi Yosef Itzak Schneersohn (the Frerdeker Rebbe) who came here in the 1940s. He was the cause of the Rebbe coming here to American. We were very close on a one to one basis. I knew him very well. 
 
Levy: What do you remember best about the 6th and 7th Lubavitch rebbes. And how have they influenced your teaching and Hashgafah? 
 
One of the things that Lubavitch wanted to impress upon the Jewish world was the meaning of Ahdut. That differences of nusah should not be a separation to those who are dedicated to perpetuating Yiddishkeit. When Lubavitch started the Kiruv movement the Frierdiker rebbe made it clear that American Jewish climate is no different than Europe. 
 
Levy: Does that mean that there will be pogroms in America like Kishnef and Tach VeTaat (1648)? 
 
It means in terms of the spiritual level. On a spiritual level. America is the treif medina. 
 
Levy: When the Frierdiker rebbe says America is like Europe is that to say that the American diaspora will come to an end as it did in Pumberditha and Sura, Spain in 1492, and Eastern Europe after the Shoah. I recall the GRA once said that America is Goshen, and there will be a final Geulah of the ingathering of the exiles from America. If you look at the history of diaspora communities every example from Jewish history tells us that the Jews should not become so comfortable because anti-semitism will reappear. 
 
What I mean by America being like Europe is the religious aspects. America can become a Makom Torah (place of Torah) just like any other Golas. The Yeshivoth of Slovadka, Volozhin, Tomchei Temimim in Europe are models for us to resurrect on American soil. That’s what the Rebbe meant. 
 
Levy: What do you see as essential for the perpetuity of Jewish Life in America? With all the distractions and temptations that Amerrica offers. 
 
The main point of the strength of our community will be the emphasis we put on Jewish education. To have the Hinukh. The first years of American Jewish communities education was not there, and now the situation has changed. That the success of our Jewish life in America will depend on emphasizing Jewish education. 
 
Levy: VeShinantam LiBanechah. 
 
It is even trickling down and spinning off into the reform and conservative movement dayschools. 
 
Levy: In terms of the difference of your shul from a reform and conservative shul Would you characterize that as the orthodox unwillingness to assimilate into the host culture. Orthodox have traditionally looked at being separate as being something positive. Orthodox communities are more insular although Habad Lubavitch does use technology to “bring the wellsprings of Torah to the 4 corners of the world” because the Baal Shem Tov says that “machiach can’t come until my torah are disseminated to the four corners of the world.” What do you think is the proper relationship for a member of your congregation in terms of their acclimation into the host culture. Do your congregants go to malls, do they watch videos, do they go to baseball games, etc. 
 
Some do. 
 
Levy: Yehegeh Yomam VeLilah (Mediate on the Torah Day and night). Our real job is learning Torah and every second of leisure time we should learn Torah. 
 
They accept that as a rule. Whether they practice that is something else. But in general the main emphasis is on learning. We want everyone to have a Shiur. Share a table. And that is the basis of the shul. Actively the shul is an auxillary of Torah Institutions. When Jews get together the main point of their being is the learning of Torah. The Tefillah is just a part. 
 
Levy: With regards to your Shiur on Tanya on Motzi Shabbos. Many traditionalists would view Kabbalah including gematria and notricon as Pirke Avot notes as the “after dinner drinks of a Jewish banquet where the main course is halakhah likened to the chulent.” It is an esoteric text and very difficult to understand. Codes such as the Tur, Mishnneh Torah, Shulhan Arukh, Mishneh Berurah are the main course. This was one of the critiques of the Mitnagdim against the Hasidim was that they were popularizing Kabbalah. Essoteric texts like Sefer HaBahir, Sefer haZohar, Tanya, Havdalah de Rabbi Akiba, Otiot HaMashiah, Hechalot Rabbati and Hechalot Zutarti, etc. were meant to be learned only by a select few. And the Hasidim were disseminating them to a more general population. In Maseket Hagigah it refers to a Bar Mitzvah child who is mediating on the tetragramaton and he is burnt up. Or the 4 who entered Pardes only Rabbi Akibah ascended and descended in peace. Ben Zoma ate too much honey. Ben Azzai cut the shuts. Aher became a Greek philosopher. So tradition does say there is danger in learning esoteric texts. Do you regard your Tanya shiur as an esoteric study. 
 
Yes, it is esoteric study but brought down to the level of understanding. Anyone who can learn Gemarah and Tosofot can understand Tanya. It is not outside this world. The Baal Tanya’s shita is to take esoteric texts and allow the ordinary Jewish person who can learn and has spiritual values of Torah included in esoteric texts. Esoteric texts are not just for an elite but relevant to the actual lives of ordinary yiddin. The secrets in these texts are like food. Food is something everyone needs. 
 
Levy: Right, but if Kabbalah is after dinner drinks, everyone is going to be driving drunk. If they are studying these Kabbalistic texts that contain noetically volatile topics the potential for people misunderstanding and going off the Derek are very real. 
 
Hasidis is the subject that brings down the deep intellectual aspects of Torah and connects it with the deep sensual feelings of the emotions. This is the marriage of mind and heart. Hasidis finds a place for everyone to become part of the Hasidic movement by learning Torah. There is no esotericism. Everything is within your reach. 
 
Levy: But wouldn’t the Mitnagdim say that these esoteric texts are for a select few of initiates. People who have devoted their whole lives to Midrashim, codes, and Gemarah and have merited to have these secrets (nistarim) revealed to them. Even amongst the masses who study gemarah only the cream de la cream are merited to delve into Kabbalah only after the age of 40 years old. 
 
The Baal Shem Tov wanted to galeh the secrets. He wanted to take away the word secret from limud Torah. Its not a secret. A secret is meant for the very few to delve deep into these ideas. The Baal Shem Tov felt Kabbalistic texts were food for thought. Everyone needs food and vitamins and this is what Hasidis gives. The offspring of different shitas of Hasidis all agree on this point. 
 
Levy: I mean by secrets that in Jewish thought there are certain esoteric topics such as ma’aseh hamerkavah, maaseh bereshit, sefirot, yoredei merkavah, hokhmah penimit, razei Torah, ba’alei ha-sod, sitrei torah, yode’ei hen, hokmah nistarah, heikhala de-malka, mahazdei hakla, etc. And this was relegated for a select few. 
 
Every Jew believes in the sefirot. 
 
Levy: Of course during Sifrat HaOmer we speak of Atzilut (emanation) of various divine plenitudes 
 
Hasidis wanted to bring out these secrets which were hidden for reasons which the Rabbono HaOlam knows. It is the strength of the human make up to combine the Koah (strength) of the intellect and heart (emotions) to bring down the secrets of divinity to the practical application of every Jew. 
 
Levy: In Shivhei HaBesht the Baal Shem Tov possessed certain supernatural capabilities. When he was in a forest and it was snowing and cold he could davon and a tree would burst into fire to keep him warm just as a gemarah relates that when ma’aseh merkavah was being discussed by some tannaim a bird flying overhead burst into flame. Do you view yourself as a rabbi of this congregation, certainly your are a Tzadik (saint), but are you a miracle worker? Do you give berakhot? What is your role as a rabbi? Obviously you advise and counsel people and a source of wisdom and serve as a teacher. How do you conceive your role as the head rabbi of Tzemach Tzedek? 
 
Would you put this question to any other rabbi in the community? 
 
Levy: There are many people in the community who regard you as a Tzadik and come to you for berakhot and certainly to observe your words of torah. Rabbi Akiva said if the water can dent the rock in the stream then words of Torah can seep in my soul and many congregants and out of towners come to drink your words of Torah and cast their buckets in your wellsprings (Quellen). 
 
I would like to present to my congregants the aspects of unity with eachother. Achdut. My career as a rabbi for many years, 
 
Levy: Bis hundert und zwanzig. 
 
I tried to present the picture despite the challenges around me, which I had a lot of problems, never to fall prey to the ordinary feelings which one would expect one to react regarding what was thrown at me. I would like to be remembered as one who stands above the little things that spoil relationships between man and man, Jew and Jew. I tried my best to emulate mentchlikeit. My shita as a leader was Ahavat Yisrael. 
 
Levy: I thank you very much Rabbi Feldman for responding to some of these questions for the project. Some of these fascinating remarks may be distilled down for the JMM booklet on Tzemach Tzedek. However I feel that some of our tangents are important topics of concern to Jews not only historically and intellectually but as a matter of praxis or application to our lived Jewish lives. The words of Torah that we have shared, because they are words of Torah, partake in that aspect of eternality and timeless truths that make all of us so thankful that we are members of the Jewish people. Ashrei helkainu. Happy is our portion and the many gifts that we share as Jews and the commitment to lead authentic Jewish lives which you have so articulately spoken of. With your injunction for the importance of the transmission of Jewish education to the next generations and your own personal saintly remarks regarding the desire to transcend petty makloket (disputes) that can only bring us down in deviseness- I know the Tzemach Tzedek Congregation is extradinarily lucky and blessed to have you as their most capable leader. Thank you.