Just over three weeks ago, the major story of the “tunnels” under 770 broke, leading every Lubavitcher to reexamine the way that they have dealt with some of the extreme elements in Chabad. As the dust settles, and cement dries, the question is now being asked “Will anything change?” Unfortunately, everyone continues to do what has always been done, pass the buck and refuse to take action.
In 5728, on Hoshana Rabbah, the Bochrim independently initiated the expansion of the shul. This historic effort is being echoed today as we bochrim are embarking on a similar journey.
I’m not going to write here about all the craziness that has happened last week and of how big of a chilul hashem and embarrassment we have caused to lubavitch and the Rebbe. What I do want to write about is our response and how things should move forward.
All Chassidei Chabad are shocked, horrified and angry about the events that took place in 770. A few heavily misguided “Porkei Ol” decided on their own – against the will of the Rabbanim, Gabbaim and Askanim, and thus against the Rebbe – to “expand 770”. But it is also very important to break up this story – as everything that happens – and discuss a few components.
I work as a family lawyer and handle many cases in Crown Heights. What bothers me is that we don’t realize that we are doing it to ourselves. The action that was done is terrible, but I believe the reaction we gave to it is worse and is causing more significant destruction. Op-Ed by Chaim Cohen
We are quickly approaching the special day of Yud-Shevat and Chassidim are all preparing themselves for Kabbalas Hanesuis. In addition, it is a time when most parents of Talmidim in the 8th grade are beginning to register their sons in Mesivta for the upcoming year.
At the United Nations, Israel’s Ambassador Gilad Erdan has been a beacon of leadership since the war started, reminding me of the importance of speaking truth to power. Erdan has simply stood up again and again and again – in the UN, in the media, in our community and led. Speaking truth to power.
The US State Department is implementing a new visa restriction policy targeting individuals -believed- to have been involved in undermining peace, security, or stability in the West Bank. Will the act of a Jew moving to the West Bank be considered an act of undermining stability, especially if the home was built without US approval? Is this constitutional?
There used to be an old saying among pious Jews: “If you ever want to know the way God wants us to behave, see what everyone is doing and do the opposite.”
We are coming from Yud-Daled Kislev, the 95th wedding anniversary of our Rebbe and Rebbetzen, and it is a fitting time to have an open and honest discussion on the recent trends in Simchas in general and weddings in particular.
Who do you think cares more for you? Who do you think will do better for you in the long run? The fake friend or the one that challenges you, makes you feel temporarily uncomfortable for your improvement and good?
I know that there may be some people rolling their eyes and thinking to themselves that this is impossible to accomplish. I would like to ask you the following questions: 1) Do you know of Shluchim that have made achdus together after years of Machlokes? Are they happier 2) Do you know of communities where the Rabbanim had machlokes for years and – almost overnight – made achdus? 3) Did you ever think that Israeli citizens would unite overnight after months of bitter demonstrations?
The bottom line is if you don’t want to tell your grandchildren that you did absolutely nothing during these times, then you need to actually do something. Op-Ed by Yosef Hershkop
by Levi Y. Liberow – Beis Moshiach Magazine I always wondered what it felt like to be in 770 (or in any shul during Yom Tov) at the outbreak of the Yom Kippur War, a war which we just marked its […]
Being open and transparent: It is very difficult to formulate thoughts and write at this time. Yet, at the same time, we all need to strengthen ourselves and others in the “call to action” of changing the outcome for the future.
Simchas Torah can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. But the one thing Simchas Torah should not mean to anyone? An excuse to get drunk.
As we begin preparing for Rosh Hashana, the time for reaccepting upon ourselves the kingship of Hashem, it is appropriate to speak about two very important and sensitive topics: Tznius and Beards.
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