In a momentous display of unity and civic engagement, our community Just conducted an election that surpassed all expectations. With 1811 ballots cast, our voices rang out loud and clear, shaping the future of our neighborhood.
The Lubavitch community, renowned for its deep commitment to Jewish education, faces ongoing challenges in balancing rigorous religious learning with comprehensive secular education. This balancing act raises critical questions about how much we actually need to teach our kids these days.
As a long-time resident of Crown Heights, I’m deeply troubled by the fear-mongering tactics surfacing in our community elections. Our vibrant neighborhood deserves better than divisive campaigns.
When I found out about this election years ago, I was excited. And I thought to myself how can I get involved. But then I was told that women aren’t allowed to vote.
Until there is a significant change in the status quo, and the klepotocracy is replaced, the elections are unlikely to bring about the necessary improvements.
An open letter to all the candidates of the Vaad Hakohol election. by Yosef Mendel Heintz, LMSW
The upcoming Crown Heights elections are generating a buzz, especially among young voters aged 23-38. Here’s what the folks I spoke with are saying.
A financial crisis is rocking the chinuch system, with boys and girls schools – including elementary schools, high schools, mesivtos, and batei medrashim – feeling a serious cash crunch.
I’m writing this response as a concerned member of the community, and this op-ed struck me for several reasons. A response to Op-Ed: I Only Earn 150k, Please Help!
The rising costs of Yeshiva tuition and summer camps have placed an unbearable strain on us. What was once a manageable expense has now become a daunting financial challenge. For my family, the dream of providing our children with a strong education and enriching summer experiences has turned into a cycle of debt and anxiety.
In the Lubavitch community, the words of the Rebbe carry a lot of weight. One thing he advised against was taking engagement pictures. The Rebbe believed it was important for couples to keep their relationship private and modest, especially before marriage.
In every Chabad school or Yeshiva, from high school age and sometimes even in younger grades, there are girls in the schools or boys in the Yeshivas who wait for an invitation from a classmate. Otherwise they may not have a place to go for Shabuos.
When I brought it up she burst into tears saying she didn’t want to continue but he was forcing her with threats to expose her to her parents.
“So Chabad must be preparing something big for next year – 25 Years, no?” he asked. Me, my friends, my Mashpia all looked at each other baffled and shocked. The thought of 25 Years not seeing the Rebbe didn’t cross anyone’s mind for a second.
I am a member of the Crown Heights Jewish community. I was also privileged to be a part of the ad hoc committee that went all out to elect Crystal Hudson back in 2021. However, having worked to elect someone does not give me the obligation to stand by quietly when they say or do something wrong.
The problem is that if there are people in need and people are fundraising, everyone should be fine. Well, the fundraisers are 9/10 fundraising for people who don’t live in Crown Heights. That’s not good.
In a recent op-ed, the proposal to amend the Vaad Hakahal bylaws and allow heads of Mosdos to run was put forth, suggesting that their experience and talent could greatly benefit the community. However, a closer examination reveals that the potential for conflicts of interest extends beyond government funding posing a significant threat to the integrity of the Vaad Hakahal.
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