Op-Ed: Parent Recall

After reading many articles regarding product recalls, it made me wonder if only an object can fail to accomplish its goal or if “recalls” can pertain to people as well.

“A recall is an effort to limit liability for corporate negligence and to improve or avoid damage to publicity.” (Wikipedia)

As we grow, we are constantly looking for ways to improve ourselves and as we face different challenges, we hopefully become smarter and stronger.

No Holds Barred: The future of Chabad

This week marks the 60th anniversary of the ascension of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Schneerson, to the global leadership of Chabad. In that time, the organization has grown from a small hassidic group into a global powerhouse of Jewish outreach. But 15 years after our great rebbe’s passing, and with Chabad firing on all cylinders, it faces a major decision as to its future. It will either continue to focus on horizontal expansion – opening more Chabad Houses and sending out more rabbi-emissaries – or it will begin focusing on vertical expansion.

Dying to Help – A Human Response to the Haitian Earthquake

Two headlines this week interested me in that I have been following their development since their posting. The first intrigues me in terms of history, the second triggers my sense of humanity. One sheds light onto the other which is shrouded in disaster and darkness.

The number of fatalities in Haiti’s throttling earthquake is still unclear, but as it is expected to exceed one hundred thousand, already the figure confounds the comprehension of man.

A Letter to Pesha Leah

Tell me, did it hurt? Was it painful? Was there really a bright light at the end of the tunnel, like they describe in the books? Was your relatives who have passed away waiting for you? What was it like?

Were you afraid? Or scared, or even sad? Did you regret not getting the chance to say goodbye? Do you even now long to be back here?

YNS Student Thanks “Rabbi O” in Letter

A letter sent by Shlomo L., a former student of Yeshivas Nishmas Shlomo, a Yesivah in Tzfas, Israel, known as YNS, thanking “Rabbi O”. Affectionately known by his students as “Rabbi O,” Rabbi Yaacov Orimland established the Yeshivah and is now its Rosh Yeshivah. In the letter the student writes, “When I first arrived to YNS I was confused and lost in direction.” He goes on to say, “I want to thank you for spending those countless hours with me in your office instilling in me the right way and valuable lessons for lifetime.” Rabbi Orimland is known for taking extra care, helping each student on their level.

Letter: The Lesson I Learned from my Younger Brother

Family, what does it mean when we say this word? Is it just a name for people who happen to be our parents or siblings? Is it a way to refer to those who share our blood with whom we speak to on occasion? Or is family a network we need to lean on in times of crisis or tragedy?

Op-Ed: A Parent’s Plea

It is sad and unfortunate that it took the tragic death of a young girl to realize the value and importance of my children’s school bus drivers. Each morning, as a matter of routine, I would wait with my children for their school bus to arrive, help them onto the bus, tell them I love them, say goodbye, and watch as the doors close and the bus drives away. A few hours later, I would wait for the school buses to bring them home, help them off the bus and listen (and listen and listen) to how their day at school went.

Op-Ed: The Tiger Woods Saga… And Its Jewish Lesson

The Rapid Fall From Grace

His tragic saga was all too familiar; His mesmerizing talent rapidly captured the world’s attention. His impeccable image of integrity gained him the respect and affection of multitudes. His solid control of the media and other intruding forces was deeply remarkable. His balanced composure along with his unequivocal success became the silent envy of his countless admirers.

Op-Ed: Jewish Dancing

I was recently at a cousin’s wedding in Crown Heights and absolutely enjoyed every moment. My cousin married a fine, frumeh Mentch – AKA chasidishe Bochur, I was with family, the music was Jewish and the dancing was energetic. The joy was authentic and palpable.

So? Big deal! What’s there to write about?

Op-Ed: An American Chanukah

On a frosty December evening a few years ago, I stood on Pennsylvania Avenue gazing for my first time at the seat of the American Presidency. It was Chanukah, and my friend Shmuley and I were in Washington, interning at American Friends of Lubavitch, sponsors of the monumental National Menorah on the Ellipse.

Op-Ed: From One Shomrim Volunteer to Another

It was with mixed emotions that I heard the news. Five of my fellow Shomrim members had been officially cleared as NOT guilty, while you were cleared of all 16 charges, except one charge of third-degree assault.

I wasn’t the only one who was shocked. All who were present in the courtroom were, as well. The judge literally jumped out of his seat when he learned that even with all of the lies and conspiring theories, they had found one proof of assault beyond a reasonable doubt.

I would think that after weeks of trial, of not being able to tend to your family and not being able to work, you would go take the night off. But you didn’t. Mere hours after the verdict I heard you on the Shomrim radio, as if nothing had happened, dispatching a call for Shomrim assistance. Hearing your warm voice, so full of love and dedication to what you are best known for, was truly uplifting.

Op-Ed: Is Rubashkin The Victim In Agriprocessors Verdict?

Is the guilty verdict returned against Sholom Rubashkin by a jury of seven women and five men in Sioux Falls, S.D., the ultimate vindication of those who condemned Rubashkin from the time allegations against the kosher meat giant Agriprocessors were first publicized? Few will look beyond the word “guilty” and the seeming enormity of 86 counts to see whether Rubashkin actually committed acts that deserve criminal condemnation and imprisonment.

Op-Ed: Confessions of a Pro Tem Elitist

A friend of mine raised the irony of my standing along a column of rabbis who were waiting to register themselves for this year’s International Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries. His sarcasm was not so much directed at my not being a celebrated shliach, as much as at my usual frill of skipping queues as a frequent flyer elite.

However, standing among rabbis and leaders who are my heroes, and champions of the Jewish people, meant lingering in the midst of the elite enlisted.

Op-Ed: I Was There… Then and Now

The last time I was in Criminal Court was after the 1991 Crown Heights Riots, when I watched Lemerick Nelson walk free. I haven’t been interested in watching another criminal trial since. However, yesterday I went to show support once more for Jews, this time six of them.

Going to Court is an interesting experience. All I can say is, you don’t want to be a defendant. It must be a really terrifying feeling. However, the “Shomrim Six” (great title!) ARE on trial and we have to support them. I know that they are facing harsh punishment and loss of their freedom if they are found guilty and we can’t sit back, do nothing, and let that happen. We have to show our support. They’re not strangers. In our small community they’re our friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers. We HAVE to care and the way we can show that is two-fold.

Every family should give SOMETHING towards their legal fees. Some families can give more, others not so much, but everyone has an achryus to give. In the end, these young men come out to help us as soon as they’re called and they don’t ask to see the color of our money, or whether we wear yellow pins, or anything else. When push comes to shove, they show up to help all of us.

OP-ED: Drawing Strength from Tragedy

Dear fellow parents,

I write this letter with tears and a heavy heart, having just heard about the loss of yet another Shliach’s child. I can not help myself from asking but one question: Aibershter why?

The pain, the suffering, and the devastating void that these selfless Shluchim are experiencing is something that, as a fellow mother, I can only pretend to fathom.