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{{Short description|American rabbi and posek}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = <small>Rabbi</small><br/>Chaim Yisroel HaLevi<br>Belsky
| name = <small>Rabbi</small><br />Chaim Yisroel HaLevi<br />Belsky
| image =
| image = File:Rabbi_Yisroel_Belsky.jpg
| image_size =
| image_size =
| caption =
| caption = Belsky in [[Agudath Israel of America#Youth services|Camp Agudah]]
| birth_date = August 22, 1938
| birth_date = {{birth date|1938|08|22}}
| birth_place = New York
| birth_place = New York
| death_date = January 28, 2016<br>(after [[Zmanim#ShKia|sunset]]<ref name=Yar1>{{cite web
| death_date = {{death date and age|2016|01|28|1938|08|22}}<br />(after [[Zmanim#ShKia|sunset]])<ref name=Yar1>{{cite web
|url=https://hamodia.com/2017/02/20/torah-vodaath-marks-first-yahrtzeit-hagaon-harav-chaim-yisroel-belsky-ztl
|url=https://hamodia.com/2017/02/20/torah-vodaath-marks-first-yahrtzeit-hagaon-harav-chaim-yisroel-belsky-ztl
|title=Torah Vodaath marks first yartzeit of Hagaon Harav Chaim Yisroel Belsky ZT"L
|title=Torah Vodaath marks first yartzeit of Hagaon Harav Chaim Yisroel Belsky ZT"L
Line 12: Line 13:
| death_place = New York
| death_place = New York
| education =
| education =
| occupation = ''Rosh Yeshiva, Posek''
| occupation = [[Rosh yeshiva]]<br>[[posek]]
| spouse = Miriam Belsky
| spouse = Miriam Belsky
| parents = Berel and Chana Belsky
| parents = Berel and Chana Belsky
| children =
| children =
}}
}}
'''Chaim Yisroel [[Levite|HaLevi]] Belsky''' (August 22, 1938 – January 28, 2016)<ref name=Yar1.HM>{{cite web|url=http://hamodia.com/2017/02/20/torah-vodaath-marks-first-yahrtzeit-hagaon-harav-chaim-yisroel-belsky-ztl|title=Torah Vodaath Marks First Yahrtzeit of Hagaon Harav Chaim Yisroel Belsky ZTL}}</ref> was an American [[rabbi]] and [[posek]] of [[Orthodox Judaism|Orthodox]] and [[Haredi Judaism]]. He was one of the [[Rosh yeshiva|roshei yeshiva]] (deans) at [[Yeshiva Torah Vodaas]], and rabbi of the summer camp network run by [[Agudath Israel of America]].
Rabbi Chaim Yisroel Belsky SR"Y (born August 22, 1938) is a prominent non-orthodox rabbi in the United States and a olam golem-recognized posek, who has served with the Orthodox Union since 1987. He resides in Brooklyn, New York. He is one of the leading lectures in Yeshiva Torah Vodaas. He also served as the rabbi of Camp Agudah, since the passing of the camp's former rabbi in 1967. In 1965 he was the loosing color war general at Camp Torah Vodaas in Highland, New York. Belsky's first kashrus position was with the Kof-K. Belsky is also a partner with convicted felon Mendel Epstein. Both Belsky and Mendel were written up in Newsday on March 8, 1998, with both of their pictures published in the headline. That article discussed the kidnapping, beating and Nazi Gestapo type high voltage stun-gun torture of Rabbi Abraham Rubin of Borough Park. Belsky convened the tribunal together with convicted felon Mendel Epstein that ordered Rabbi Rubin's kidnapping and torture. [1] Belsky is the son of Rabbi Berel and Chana Tzirel Belsky. His maternal grandfather is Binyomin Wilhelm, a founder of Yeshiva Torah Vodaath.
Belsky received his semicha from Yeshiva Torah Vodaath, in Brooklyn, NY, in 1962, and from Rabbi Bernard Madoff. He also studied in Beth Shakranim v’Hagavavim for a number of years, having been one of its most prominent students.[2] Rav Belsky considers himself a student of Rabbi Al Sharpton.[citation needed]
According to the New York Times, he is a "prominent and influential Orthodox rabbi in Brooklyn",[3] and he is one of "the chief experts for the Orthodox Union, which supported Hillary Clinton, and leadership head was publicly kissed by her.
Belsky in a work prepared in conjunction with Rabbi Bernie Madoff also answers moral questions on a series called "Honesty" found on Torah.org.


Belsky served for "more than 28 years"<ref name=OU.Feb11>{{cite web
Belsky served for more than 28 years as a senior ''[[Kosher|kashrut]]'' advisor to the [[Orthodox Union]] (OU).
|url=https://oukosher.org/blog/consumer-kosher/a-giant-in-our-midst-the-legacy-of-rav-chaim-yisroel-belsky-ztl-at-the-ou/
|title=The Legacy of Rav Chaim Yisroel Belsky zt”l at the OU|accessdate=2017-02-20}}</ref> as a senior [[Kosher|kashrut]] advisor to
the [[Orthodox Union|OU]].


== Early life and education ==
He was "widely acclaimed for his in-depth knowledge across the length and breadth" in Torah which he used "together with an encyclopaedic command of general knowledge and a hands-on familiarity with worldly affairs."<ref>Publisher's preface, ''Einei Yisroel'', VOL. 1, pp. xxix-xxx; (C) 2005</ref><ref>similar descriptions of his eclectic gift are also found elsewhere: {{cite web
⚫
Yisroel Belsky was the son of Berel and Chana Tzirel Belsky. His maternal grandfather was [[Binyomin Wilhelm]], a founder of [[Yeshiva Torah Vodaas]] in [[Brooklyn]], New York.
|website=OUkosher.org |url=https://oukosher.org/blog/consumer-kosher/harav-chaim-yisroel-halevi-belsky-zatsal-recorded-remembered-and-reflected-upon |title=HaRav Chaim Yisroel HaLevi Belsky, Zatsal: Recorded, Remembered, and Reflected Upon}} (mentions R'Belsky taught himself Russian; also had 2 Western language skills)</ref>


In 1962, Belsky received his ''[[semikhah]]'' (rabbinical ordination) from Yeshiva Torah Vodaas, and again in 1965, when he received it from [[Moshe Feinstein]]. Beginning at age 17,{{sfn|Finkelman|2017|p=122|ps=}} he studied at [[Beth Medrash Elyon]] in [[Monsey, New York]] under [[Yaakov Kamenetsky]].<ref name=OU.Feb11/> Belsky would later go on to lead Torah Vodaas himself as its [[rosh yeshiva]] (dean).
Belsky faced criticism for his statements in reaction to sexual abuse accusations made against a Jewish camp counselor.<ref name="abuse1">{{cite news|author=Gary Rosenblatt |url=http://www.thejewishweek.com/news/new-york-news/orthodox-groups-under-fire-within-inaction-defender-pedophile |title=Connecting the World to Jewish News, Culture, and Opinion |newspaper=[[The Jewish Week]] |date= |accessdate=2016-01-30}}</ref>


== Education ==
== Rabbinical career ==
Belsky served as a member of the [[Iggud HaRabbonim]]<ref>Igud HaRabonim (Rabbinical Alliance of America) {{cite web|url=http://www.bdigud.org |title=The Beth Din-Rabbinical Alliance of America Inc.}}</ref> [[beth din]] (religious court) under Yitzchok Isaac Liebes, Baruch Leizerowski and Herschel Kurzrock.<ref name=MachB.Feb5JP>{{cite news|newspaper=The Jewish Press|author=Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum|date=February 5, 2016|title=We've Lost Our Guiding Light - Rabbi Yisroel Belsky, Zt"l (1938-2016)}}</ref> Some events that he addressed with this beth din were: the aftermath of the [[September 11 attacks]] and freeing its widows from ''[[agunah]]'' status; [[New York City water supply system|New York City tap water]];<ref name=":1" /> [[Artificial hair integrations#Human hair industry|human-hair wigs]] from India;<ref>{{Cite news|title=Rabbis' Rules and Indian Wigs Stir Crisis in Orthodox Brooklyn|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/14/nyregion/rabbis-rules-and-indian-wigs-stir-crisis-in-orthodox-brooklyn.html|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=May 14, 2004|access-date=February 7, 2016|issn = 0362-4331|author=Daniel J. Wakin}}</ref> surrogate motherhood; and a ''[[kashrut]]'' scandal in Monsey. <!-- some of these can easily be found in the Finkelstein book. The above list was from a Rabbinical colleague of R'Belsky -->
Belsky received his semicha from Yeshiva Torah Vodaath, in Brooklyn, NY, in 1962, and from Rabbi Bernard Madoff. He also studied in Beth Shakranim v’Hagavavim for a number of years, having been one of its most prominent students.[2] Rav Belsky considers himself a student of Rabbi Al Sharpton.[citation needed]


⚫
Belsky's first ''kashrut'' position was with the [[Kof-K]].{{sfn|Finkelman|2017|p=307|ps=}} In 1987, he transferred to the [[Orthodox Union]] (OU), eventually being described as one of their "chief experts",<ref name="Videos Cited">McNeil Jr., Donald J. (December 1, 2004) [https://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/01/national/01kosher.html?_r=1&https://web.archive.org/web/20150725000610/ "Videos Cited in Calling Kosher Slaughterhouse Inhumane"], ''The New York Times''</ref> and ultimately served in that capacity for more than 28 years.<ref name=OU.Feb11>{{cite web|url=https://oukosher.org/blog/consumer-kosher/a-giant-in-our-midst-the-legacy-of-rav-chaim-yisroel-belsky-ztl-at-the-ou/|title=The Legacy of Rav Chaim Yisroel Belsky zt"l at the OU|date=11 February 2016 |access-date=2017-02-20}}</ref> In 2004, Belsky ruled that water that might contain microscopic nonkosher organisms is kosher even if it is unfiltered.<ref name=":1">Berger, Joseph (November 7, 2004) [https://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/07/nyregion/the-waters-fine-but-is-it-kosher.html "The Water's Fine, But is it Kosher?"], ''The New York Times''</ref> That same year, he ruled that "gruesome" slaughtering of animals at [[Agriprocessors]], then the largest glatt kosher meat producer in the United States, appeared not to violate kosher laws as long as the animal "felt nothing".<ref name="Videos Cited"/> He later ruled on a ''kashrut'' scandal surrounding Doheny Meats, which had been videoed violating the laws of ''kashrut'',<ref>{{Cite web|title = Statement from the Rabbinical Council of California on Doheny Meats {{!}} Los Angeles|url = http://www.jewishjournal.com/los_angeles/article/statement_from_the_rabbinical_council_of_california_on_doheny_meats|website = Jewish Journal| date=29 March 2013 |access-date = 2016-02-07}}</ref> saying that food that had been sold by Doheny prior to the scandal could still be considered kosher.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Passover Kosher Meat Scandal in Los Angeles Latest in String of Mishaps|url = http://forward.com/news/174336/passover-kosher-meat-scandal-in-los-angeles-latest/|website = The Forward| date=5 April 2013 |access-date = 2016-02-07}}</ref>
== Career ==
He served as a member of the [[Iggud HaRabbonim]]<ref>Igud HaRabonim (Rabbinical Alliance of America) {{cite web |url=http://www.bdigud.org
|title=The Beth Din-Rabbinical Alliance of America Inc.}}</ref> [[Beth din]] under, successively, Rabbis Yitzchok Isaac Liebes, Baruch Leizerowski and Herschel Kurzrock.<ref name=MachB.Feb5JP>{{cite newspaper |newspaper=The Jewish Press
|author=Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum |date=February 5, 2016
|title=We’ve Lost Our Guiding Light - Rabbi Yisroel Belsky, Zt”l (1938-2016)}}</ref> Some events that he addressed with this [[beth din]] were:
* the aftermath of the 9/11 World Trade Center attack and freeing its widows from [[agunah]] status,
* New York City tap water,<ref name=":1" />
* human-hair wigs from India,<ref>{{Cite news|title = Rabbis' Rules and Indian Wigs Stir Crisis in Orthodox Brooklyn|url = https://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/14/nyregion/rabbis-rules-and-indian-wigs-stir-crisis-in-orthodox-brooklyn.html|newspaper = The New York Times|date = 2004-05-14|access-date = 2016-02-07|issn = 0362-4331|first = Daniel J.|last = Wakin}}</ref>
* surrogate motherhood,
* and a kashrus scandal in Monsey.
<!-- some of these can easily be found in the Finkelstein book. The above list was from a Rabbinical colleague of R'Belsky -->


⚫
Belsky served as rabbi of the summer camp network run by [[Agudath Israel of America]]. In September 2005, he was the keynote speaker at the Igud Horabbonim Annual [[Siyum HaShas]]. The event doubled as the ''chag ha'semikhah'', where 35 of Belsky's students received their rabbinical ordination certificates.<ref name=MachB.Feb5JP/>
⚫
His first [[Kashrut|kashrus]] position was with the [[Kof-K]].{{sfn|Finkelman|2017|p=307|ps=}} He served with the [[Orthodox Union]] starting in 1987, and was eventually described as one of "the chief experts for the Orthodox Union, which certifies more than 600,000 products as kosher."<ref name="Videos Cited">McNeil Jr., Donald J. (December 1, 2004) [https://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/01/national/01kosher.html?_r=1&https://web.archive.org/web/20150725000610/ "Videos Cited in Calling Kosher Slaughterhouse Inhumane"], ''The New York Times''</ref> In 2004, Belsky ruled that water that might contain microscopic nonkosher organisms is kosher even if it is unfiltered.<ref name=":1">Berger, Joseph (November 7, 2004) [https://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/07/nyregion/the-waters-fine-but-is-it-kosher.html "The Water's Fine, But is it Kosher?"], ''The New York Times''</ref> The same year he ruled that "gruesome" slaughtering of animals at [[Agriprocessors]], then the largest glatt kosher meat producer in the United States, appeared not to violate kosher laws as long as the animal "felt nothing".<ref name="Videos Cited"/> He later ruled on a [[kashrus]] scandal surrounding Doheny Meats, which had been videoed violating the laws of [[kashrus]],<ref>{{Cite web|title = Statement from the Rabbinical Council of California on Doheny Meats {{!}} Los Angeles|url = http://www.jewishjournal.com/los_angeles/article/statement_from_the_rabbinical_council_of_california_on_doheny_meats|website = Jewish Journal|access-date = 2016-02-07}}</ref> saying that food that had been sold by Doheny prior to the scandal could still be considered [[kosher]].<ref>{{Cite web|title = Passover Kosher Meat Scandal in Los Angeles Latest in String of Mishaps|url = http://forward.com/news/174336/passover-kosher-meat-scandal-in-los-angeles-latest/|website = The Forward|access-date = 2016-02-07}}</ref>

⚫
In September 2005, Belsky served as the keynote speaker at the Igud Horabbonim Annual [[Siyum HaShas]]. The event also served as the chag ha’semichah where 35 students of his received their certificates of [[semichah]].<ref name=MachB.Feb5JP/>


== Controversies ==
== Controversies ==
Belsky publicly defended confessed sexual abuser Yosef Kolko, who taught children at a [[Lakewood, New Jersey]], yeshiva.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://forward.com/news/147922/brooklyn-da-refuses-to-name-child-sex-abusers/ |title=Hynes Refuses To Name Orthodox Child Sex Abusers - News – |website=Forward.com |date=2011-12-14 |accessdate=2016-01-30}}</ref> Further, he condemned the victim and his parents for reporting the sexual abuse to the police, and wrote that one who does so "has no share in the world to come." Belsky was criticized for his actions in this regard.<ref name="abuse1" /> According to ''[[The Jewish Week]]'', the [[Ocean County, New Jersey]] District Attorney privately warned Belsky to cease and desist writing letters defending Kolko, or risk prosecution.<ref>{{cite news|author=Ben Hirsch |url=http://www.thejewishweek.com/editorial-opinion/opinion/abuse-prosecutions-tale-two-cities |title=Connecting the World to Jewish News, Culture, and Opinion |newspaper=[[The Jewish Week]] |date= |accessdate=2016-01-30}}</ref>
Belsky publicly defended confessed sexual abuser Yosef Kolko, who taught children at a [[Lakewood, New Jersey]], yeshiva.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://forward.com/news/147922/brooklyn-da-refuses-to-name-child-sex-abusers/ |title=Hynes Refuses To Name Orthodox Child Sex Abusers - News – |website=Forward.com |date=2011-12-14 |access-date=2016-01-30}}</ref> Further, he condemned the victim and his parents for reporting the sexual abuse to the police, and wrote that one who does so "has no share in the [[Jewish eschatology#World to come|world to come]]." Belsky was criticized for his actions in this regard.<ref name="abuse1">{{cite news |author=Gary Rosenblatt |url=http://www.thejewishweek.com/news/new-york-news/orthodox-groups-under-fire-within-inaction-defender-pedophile |title=Connecting the World to Jewish News, Culture, and Opinion |newspaper=[[The Jewish Week]] |access-date=2016-01-30 |archive-date=2016-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302153532/http://www.thejewishweek.com/news/new-york-news/orthodox-groups-under-fire-within-inaction-defender-pedophile |url-status=dead }}</ref> According to ''[[The Jewish Week]]'', the [[Ocean County, New Jersey]] District Attorney privately warned Belsky to cease and desist writing letters defending Kolko, or risk prosecution.<ref>{{cite news|author=Ben Hirsch |url=http://www.thejewishweek.com/editorial-opinion/opinion/abuse-prosecutions-tale-two-cities |title=Connecting the World to Jewish News, Culture, and Opinion |newspaper=[[The Jewish Week]] |access-date=2016-01-30}}</ref>
Belsky later clarified his position in a letter to the [[Rabbinical Council of America]]:


{{Quote|Though some have misunderstood my position, I completely agree that, given firsthand knowledge or credible evidence of child abuse or molestation, one should definitely go to the authorities. This is not only a theoretical position that I hold, but also one that I have personally implemented.<ref>(June 12, 2013) [https://vosizneias.com/2013/06/12/new-york-rca-says-rabbi-belsky-clarifies-his-position-in-letter-to-them/ New York – RCA Says Rabbi Belsky Clarifies His Position In Letter To Them"], ''VINnews''. Retrieved April 12, 2022.</ref>}}
⚫
According to court documents, Belsky was alleged to have served on a Beth din together with [[Mendel Epstein]] and Martin Wolmark which approved the use of physical violence against Jews who were civilly divorced, yet refused to give a [[Get (divorce document)|get]] (Jewish divorce document) to their wives.<ref>{{cite news|last=Samaha |first=Albert |url=http://www.villagevoice.com/news/bad-rabbi-tales-of-extortion-and-torture-depict-a-divorce-brokers-brutal-grip-on-the-orthodox-community-6440276 |title=Bad Rabbi: Tales of Extortion and Torture Depict a Divorce Broker's Brutal Grip on the Orthodox Community |newspaper=[[Village Voice]] |date=2013-12-04 |accessdate=2016-01-30}}</ref>

⚫
According to court documents, Belsky was alleged to have served on a beth din together with [[Mendel Epstein]] and Martin Wolmark which approved the use of physical violence against Jews who were civilly divorced, yet refused to give a [[Get (divorce document)|get]] (Jewish divorce document) to their wives.<ref>{{cite news|last=Samaha |first=Albert |url=http://www.villagevoice.com/news/bad-rabbi-tales-of-extortion-and-torture-depict-a-divorce-brokers-brutal-grip-on-the-orthodox-community-6440276 |title=Bad Rabbi: Tales of Extortion and Torture Depict a Divorce Broker's Brutal Grip on the Orthodox Community |newspaper=[[Village Voice]] |date=2013-12-04 |access-date=2016-01-30}}</ref>


In 2000, Belsky sided against rabbis in [[Borough Park, Brooklyn]] who established a controversial [[eruv]], referring to them as amateurs and populists.<ref>Barnes, Julian E. (June 2, 2000) [https://www.nytimes.com/2000/06/02/nyregion/symbolic-line-divides-jews-borough-park-debate-over-strictures-for-sabbath.html?pagewanted=all "Symbolic Line Divides Jews in Borough Park; A Debate Over Strictures for Sabbath Observance"], ''The New York Times''</ref>
In 2000, Belsky sided against rabbis in [[Borough Park, Brooklyn]] who established a controversial [[eruv]], referring to them as amateurs and populists.<ref>Barnes, Julian E. (June 2, 2000) [https://www.nytimes.com/2000/06/02/nyregion/symbolic-line-divides-jews-borough-park-debate-over-strictures-for-sabbath.html?pagewanted=all "Symbolic Line Divides Jews in Borough Park; A Debate Over Strictures for Sabbath Observance"], ''The New York Times''</ref>


In a 2011 interview with ''The New York Times'' about a divorce case, Belsky described a court-ordered child custody order as "a joke" since it interfered with observance of the Jewish Sabbath.<ref>Oppenheimer, Mark (January 3, 2011) [https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/04/us/04divorce.html "Religious Divorce Dispute Leads to Secular Protest"], ''The New York Times''</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title = Man who won’t grant religious divorce to ex-wife is given rabbinical sanction|url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/man-who-wont-grant-religious-divorce-to-ex-wife-is-given-rabbinical-sanction/2011/09/27/gIQAU8SS8K_story.html|newspaper = The Washington Post|date = 2011-09-27|access-date = 2016-02-07|issn = 0190-8286|language = en-US|first = Annys|last = Shin}}</ref>
In a 2011 interview with ''The New York Times'' about a divorce case, Belsky described a court-ordered child custody order as "a joke" since it interfered with observance of the Jewish Sabbath.<ref>Oppenheimer, Mark (January 3, 2011) [https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/04/us/04divorce.html "Religious Divorce Dispute Leads to Secular Protest"], ''The New York Times''</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title = Man who won't grant religious divorce to ex-wife is given rabbinical sanction|url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/man-who-wont-grant-religious-divorce-to-ex-wife-is-given-rabbinical-sanction/2011/09/27/gIQAU8SS8K_story.html|newspaper = The Washington Post|date = 2011-09-27|access-date = 2016-02-07|issn = 0190-8286|language = en-US|first = Annys|last = Shin}}</ref>

⚫
== Personal ==
⚫
Belsky was the son of Rabbi Berel and Chana Tzirel Belsky. His maternal grandfather is [[Binyomin Wilhelm]], a founder of Yeshiva Torah Vodaas.


⚫
== Personal life ==
In 2012, he suffered a serious medical emergency. At that time, the name Chaim was added to Rav Belsky's name. He recovered, and was able to return to Torah Vodaath. In 2013, the annual Yeshiva [[Yeshiva Torah Vodaas|Torah Vodaath]] dinner honored the [[rosh yeshiva]] and highlighted 50 young men who earned [[semichah]] from him. <ref>https://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/nyc/164491/yeshiva-torah-vodaath-dinner-to-pay-tribute-to-horav-yisroel-belsky-shlita.html</ref>
Belsky resided in Brooklyn. In 2012, he suffered a serious medical emergency. At that time, the name Chaim was added to his name. After his recovery, he returned to Yeshiva Torah Vodaas. In 2013, the annual Yeshiva dinner honored Belsky and highlighted 50 young men who earned ''semikhah'' from him.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/nyc/164491/yeshiva-torah-vodaath-dinner-to-pay-tribute-to-horav-yisroel-belsky-shlita.html | title=Yeshiva Torah Vodaath Dinner to Pay tribute to Horav Yisroel Belsky Shlit"a | date=17 April 2013 }}</ref>


Belsky was re-hospitalized in January 2016<ref>{{Cite web|title = Torah Vodaas Dean in Serious Condition|url = http://www.jewishpress.com/news/torah-vodaas-dean-in-serious-condition/2016/01/22/|website = The Jewish Press|access-date = 2016-02-07|first = David|last = Israel}}</ref> and died in the early hours of 19 Shvat 5776<ref name=Yar1/>, the evening of January 28, 2016.<ref>[https://www.ou.org/life/community/rabbi-yisroel-belsky-ztl-passes-away/]</ref>
Belsky was re-hospitalized in January 2016<ref>{{Cite web|title = Torah Vodaas Dean in Serious Condition|url = http://www.jewishpress.com/news/torah-vodaas-dean-in-serious-condition/2016/01/22/|website = The Jewish Press|access-date = 2016-02-07|first = David|last = Israel| date=22 January 2016 }}</ref> and he died during the evening of January 28, 2016,<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.ou.org/life/community/rabbi-yisroel-belsky-ztl-passes-away/| title = Rabbi Chaim Yisroel Belsky zt'l Passes Away {{!}} Everyday Jewish Living {{!}} OU Life| date = 29 January 2016}}</ref> which corresponded to the Hebrew calendar date of 19 [[Shevat]].<ref name=Yar1/>


== Works ==
== Works ==
*''Piske halakhot'' (Brooklyn 2002) - [[responsa]]
*''Piske halakhot'' (Brooklyn 2002) - [[responsa]]
*''Einei Yisroel on Chumash (currently Bereishis, Shemos, Vayikra, and Devarim)'' (Kiryat Sefer 2005, 2006, 2011, and 2008 respectively) - Lectures edited and adapted by Moshe Armel and Reuven Mathieson
*''Einei Yisroel on Chumash (currently Bereishis, Shemos, Vayikra, and Devarim)'' (Kiryat Sefer 2005, 2006, 2011, and 2008 respectively) - Lectures edited and adapted by Moshe Armel and Reuven Mathieson
*''Sha'alos U'Teshuvos Shulchan Halevi'', questions and answers on a wide variety of topics, (Kiryat Sefer 2008)
*''Sha'alos U'Teshuvos Shulchan Halevi'', questions and answers on a wide variety of topics, (Kiryat Sefer 2008)
*''Rav Belsky on Alternative Medicine'' (Jerusalem 2018)


== References ==
== References ==
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'''Sources'''
'''Sources'''
{{refbegin}}
{{refbegin}}
*{{Citation | last = Finkelman| first = Shimon| author-link = | year = 2017| title = Rav Belsky| publication-place = New York| publisher = Mesorah Publications| isbn = 978-1-4226-1951-3| ref = harv}}
*{{Citation | last = Finkelman| first = Shimon| year = 2017| title = Rav Belsky| location = New York| publisher = Mesorah Publications| isbn = 978-1-4226-1951-3}}
{{refend}}
{{refend}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
*[http://torahdownloads.com/s-64-rabbi-yisroel-belsky.html MP3 lectures by Rabbi Yisroel Belsky]
*[http://torahdownloads.com/s-64-rabbi-yisroel-belsky.html MP3 lectures by Rabbi Yisroel Belsky]
*[http://zichronravbelsky.com/ Memories of Rabbi Yisroel Belsky]


{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Belsky, Yisroel}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Belsky, Yisroel}}
[[Category:American Haredi rabbis]]
[[Category:American Haredi rabbis]]
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[[Category:Rosh yeshivas]]
[[Category:Beth Medrash Elyon alumni]]
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Latest revision as of 18:01, 6 January 2024

Rabbi
Chaim Yisroel HaLevi
Belsky
Belsky in Camp Agudah
Born(1938-08-22)August 22, 1938
New York
DiedJanuary 28, 2016(2016-01-28) (aged 77)
(after sunset)[1]
New York
Occupation(s)Rosh yeshiva
posek
SpouseMiriam Belsky
Parent(s)Berel and Chana Belsky

Chaim Yisroel HaLevi Belsky (August 22, 1938 – January 28, 2016)[2] was an American rabbi and posek of Orthodox and Haredi Judaism. He was one of the roshei yeshiva (deans) at Yeshiva Torah Vodaas, and rabbi of the summer camp network run by Agudath Israel of America.

Belsky served for more than 28 years as a senior kashrut advisor to the Orthodox Union (OU).

Early life and education

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Yisroel Belsky was the son of Berel and Chana Tzirel Belsky. His maternal grandfather was Binyomin Wilhelm, a founder of Yeshiva Torah Vodaas in Brooklyn, New York.

In 1962, Belsky received his semikhah (rabbinical ordination) from Yeshiva Torah Vodaas, and again in 1965, when he received it from Moshe Feinstein. Beginning at age 17,[3] he studied at Beth Medrash Elyon in Monsey, New York under Yaakov Kamenetsky.[4] Belsky would later go on to lead Torah Vodaas himself as its rosh yeshiva (dean).

Rabbinical career

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Belsky served as a member of the Iggud HaRabbonim[5] beth din (religious court) under Yitzchok Isaac Liebes, Baruch Leizerowski and Herschel Kurzrock.[6] Some events that he addressed with this beth din were: the aftermath of the September 11 attacks and freeing its widows from agunah status; New York City tap water;[7] human-hair wigs from India;[8] surrogate motherhood; and a kashrut scandal in Monsey.

Belsky's first kashrut position was with the Kof-K.[9] In 1987, he transferred to the Orthodox Union (OU), eventually being described as one of their "chief experts",[10] and ultimately served in that capacity for more than 28 years.[4] In 2004, Belsky ruled that water that might contain microscopic nonkosher organisms is kosher even if it is unfiltered.[7] That same year, he ruled that "gruesome" slaughtering of animals at Agriprocessors, then the largest glatt kosher meat producer in the United States, appeared not to violate kosher laws as long as the animal "felt nothing".[10] He later ruled on a kashrut scandal surrounding Doheny Meats, which had been videoed violating the laws of kashrut,[11] saying that food that had been sold by Doheny prior to the scandal could still be considered kosher.[12]

Belsky served as rabbi of the summer camp network run by Agudath Israel of America. In September 2005, he was the keynote speaker at the Igud Horabbonim Annual Siyum HaShas. The event doubled as the chag ha'semikhah, where 35 of Belsky's students received their rabbinical ordination certificates.[6]

Controversies

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Belsky publicly defended confessed sexual abuser Yosef Kolko, who taught children at a Lakewood, New Jersey, yeshiva.[13] Further, he condemned the victim and his parents for reporting the sexual abuse to the police, and wrote that one who does so "has no share in the world to come." Belsky was criticized for his actions in this regard.[14] According to The Jewish Week, the Ocean County, New Jersey District Attorney privately warned Belsky to cease and desist writing letters defending Kolko, or risk prosecution.[15] Belsky later clarified his position in a letter to the Rabbinical Council of America:

Though some have misunderstood my position, I completely agree that, given firsthand knowledge or credible evidence of child abuse or molestation, one should definitely go to the authorities. This is not only a theoretical position that I hold, but also one that I have personally implemented.[16]

According to court documents, Belsky was alleged to have served on a beth din together with Mendel Epstein and Martin Wolmark which approved the use of physical violence against Jews who were civilly divorced, yet refused to give a get (Jewish divorce document) to their wives.[17]

In 2000, Belsky sided against rabbis in Borough Park, Brooklyn who established a controversial eruv, referring to them as amateurs and populists.[18]

In a 2011 interview with The New York Times about a divorce case, Belsky described a court-ordered child custody order as "a joke" since it interfered with observance of the Jewish Sabbath.[19][20]

Personal life

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Belsky resided in Brooklyn. In 2012, he suffered a serious medical emergency. At that time, the name Chaim was added to his name. After his recovery, he returned to Yeshiva Torah Vodaas. In 2013, the annual Yeshiva dinner honored Belsky and highlighted 50 young men who earned semikhah from him.[21]

Belsky was re-hospitalized in January 2016[22] and he died during the evening of January 28, 2016,[23] which corresponded to the Hebrew calendar date of 19 Shevat.[1]

Works

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  • Piske halakhot (Brooklyn 2002) - responsa
  • Einei Yisroel on Chumash (currently Bereishis, Shemos, Vayikra, and Devarim) (Kiryat Sefer 2005, 2006, 2011, and 2008 respectively) - Lectures edited and adapted by Moshe Armel and Reuven Mathieson
  • Sha'alos U'Teshuvos Shulchan Halevi, questions and answers on a wide variety of topics, (Kiryat Sefer 2008)
  • Rav Belsky on Alternative Medicine (Jerusalem 2018)

References

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  1. ^ a b "Torah Vodaath marks first yartzeit of Hagaon Harav Chaim Yisroel Belsky ZT"L". hamodia.com.
  2. ^ "Torah Vodaath Marks First Yahrtzeit of Hagaon Harav Chaim Yisroel Belsky ZTL".
  3. ^ Finkelman 2017, p. 122
  4. ^ a b "The Legacy of Rav Chaim Yisroel Belsky zt"l at the OU". 11 February 2016. Retrieved 2017-02-20.
  5. ^ Igud HaRabonim (Rabbinical Alliance of America) "The Beth Din-Rabbinical Alliance of America Inc".
  6. ^ a b Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum (February 5, 2016). "We've Lost Our Guiding Light - Rabbi Yisroel Belsky, Zt"l (1938-2016)". The Jewish Press.
  7. ^ a b Berger, Joseph (November 7, 2004) "The Water's Fine, But is it Kosher?", The New York Times
  8. ^ Daniel J. Wakin (May 14, 2004). "Rabbis' Rules and Indian Wigs Stir Crisis in Orthodox Brooklyn". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved February 7, 2016.
  9. ^ Finkelman 2017, p. 307
  10. ^ a b McNeil Jr., Donald J. (December 1, 2004) "Videos Cited in Calling Kosher Slaughterhouse Inhumane", The New York Times
  11. ^ "Statement from the Rabbinical Council of California on Doheny Meats | Los Angeles". Jewish Journal. 29 March 2013. Retrieved 2016-02-07.
  12. ^ "Passover Kosher Meat Scandal in Los Angeles Latest in String of Mishaps". The Forward. 5 April 2013. Retrieved 2016-02-07.
  13. ^ "Hynes Refuses To Name Orthodox Child Sex Abusers - News –". Forward.com. 2011-12-14. Retrieved 2016-01-30.
  14. ^ Gary Rosenblatt. "Connecting the World to Jewish News, Culture, and Opinion". The Jewish Week. Archived from the original on 2016-03-02. Retrieved 2016-01-30.
  15. ^ Ben Hirsch. "Connecting the World to Jewish News, Culture, and Opinion". The Jewish Week. Retrieved 2016-01-30.
  16. ^ (June 12, 2013) New York – RCA Says Rabbi Belsky Clarifies His Position In Letter To Them", VINnews. Retrieved April 12, 2022.
  17. ^ Samaha, Albert (2013-12-04). "Bad Rabbi: Tales of Extortion and Torture Depict a Divorce Broker's Brutal Grip on the Orthodox Community". Village Voice. Retrieved 2016-01-30.
  18. ^ Barnes, Julian E. (June 2, 2000) "Symbolic Line Divides Jews in Borough Park; A Debate Over Strictures for Sabbath Observance", The New York Times
  19. ^ Oppenheimer, Mark (January 3, 2011) "Religious Divorce Dispute Leads to Secular Protest", The New York Times
  20. ^ Shin, Annys (2011-09-27). "Man who won't grant religious divorce to ex-wife is given rabbinical sanction". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2016-02-07.
  21. ^ "Yeshiva Torah Vodaath Dinner to Pay tribute to Horav Yisroel Belsky Shlit"a". 17 April 2013.
  22. ^ Israel, David (22 January 2016). "Torah Vodaas Dean in Serious Condition". The Jewish Press. Retrieved 2016-02-07.
  23. ^ "Rabbi Chaim Yisroel Belsky zt'l Passes Away | Everyday Jewish Living | OU Life". 29 January 2016.

Sources

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