Everybody, myself very much included, has at least one opinion regarding the nature of the problems and who is to blame. However, continuing to discuss this, both online and in face to face conversation and debate, has done very little to solve any of the problems and may well serve only to create more machloikes.
On the other hand, there is a solution, admittedly one which is not practical for everyone and one which will not solve all of the problems, that has been overlooked, and that is – uforotzto – spread out!
Op-Ed: The Solution – Uforotzto!
Lately, much has been written about the problems, real, imagined, exaggerated, or, as I suspect, a combination of all three, which are facing Chabad.
Everybody, myself very much included, has at least one opinion regarding the nature of the problems and who is to blame. However, continuing to discuss this, both online and in face to face conversation and debate, has done very little to solve any of the problems and may well serve only to create more machloikes.
On the other hand, there is a solution, admittedly one which is not practical for everyone and one which will not solve all of the problems, that has been overlooked, and that is – uforotzto – spread out!
In this case, what is meant is that given:
1. The scarcity of available Shlichus positions for young couples.
2. The various issues surrounding life in Crown Heights and other established communities, including rising living expenses, crime, and of course internal politics
3. Concern over Chinuch
4. Concern over lowered standards in large Anash communities,
One possible solution is for groups of young couples with pre-Chinuch age children to move to shlichus communities, not as official Shluchim, but as bale batim who will help to build a growing community just by their very presence.
This would be very feasible for a community where the Shliach is well respected and has a core group of mekurovim who are interested in growing and are ready to grow, but who are established in their present location and cannot move to a larger community. In terms of location, it would have to offer reasonable real estate prices and living expenses, and enough opportunities for employment so that the young families could find proper parnosso without having to rely on the Shliach to provide positions.
While a single employer community like Postville is not what is being suggested here at all, this plan could appeal to Anash with an entrepreneurial mindset who begin their move by planning to open one or more new businesses upon relocation. Such businesses could provide employment for more families, or could serve as a model for entrepreneurs who are looking for a location where costs are lower than in major cities, but where there is a Chabad infrastructure and communal life.
Meanwhile, the influx of young, active Anash couples would mean plenty of opportunities for hafatzos hamaayanois, ranging from giving Shiurim and otherwise participating in the Shliach’s Shul or Chabad House on an unofficial basis, to just being in the workplace alongside local Jews (as well as bnei Noach) who have not yet been exposed to the Rebbe’s message for whatever reason. The open houses that characterize Lubavitchers all over the world would do much to bring local Jews closer to Chabad and to get them involved in the local Shliach’s Chabad House and community.
As for the couples, they would have the best of both worlds. They would live in attractive surroundings, starting their lives afresh in a situation where they are on Shlichus just by living where they do, but not dependent on the Shlichus system which, while by all means very successful, is just not for everyone and may not have positions available for everyone who looks for such positions. And when living in such a place, in such a way, the meaning of our Chassidic teachings is amplified as one understands what the Rebbe wanted from us and therefore lives and presents himself accordingly as far as Tznius and other community standards are concerned.
In terms of Chinuch, once children have reached an age where this is a necessity, the community will have built up a name for itself, and can attract the resources necessary to build new moisdois chinuch that in turn will serve children of other Shluchim in the area as well as Bochurim and girls whose parents are looking for a moisad that is new and dynamic and does not have the issues of the large moisdois that presently exist. This means that, since a community is established, a Rosh Yeshiva, Mashpia, Melamdim, etc. can be brought out on Shlichus, and the community will then grow by leaps and bounds, while hopefully retaining its fresh, out-of-town, feel and continuing to attract more young couples who want to live in its pleasant and Chassidish environment.
For this to work, the initiative would have to come from both sides – one or more Shluchim whose communities have the proper conditions, as well as groups of ten to twenty dedicated Anash families, perhaps with the core group being Kollel families who are ready to go on Shlichus and cannot find proper positions (or decide that they want to live in a Shlichus community, according to the ideals of the Rebbe’s Shlichus, without necessarily working in an official capacity). Shluchim who are interested could come to Crown Heights and present their locations in an honest, open manner, bringing along their local mekurovim who have proper knowledge of the real estate and employment market. In the meantime, a group of families will have formed, and based on the information that is given, one or more of the couples could make an initial pilot trip and spend at least a couple of weeks checking conditions and getting to know the community. If the original reports are accurate and the location is attractive, then arrangements could be made to host the entire group for a Shabbos or two, and then a more concrete plan could emerge where the couples have made contacts in the community as well as for employment and housing and they would be able to finalize their plans and then make the commitment to move with most everything being in order before they actually arrive.
Of course, I have oversimplified the process for the sake of keeping this article relatively short; I would be happy to discuss this idea with anyone via E-mail at solutions770@gmail.com.
While the plan is not for everyone, and would not do much to solve the problems of larger communities, it would do much to alleviate the problems facing young couples who want to go out on Shlichus and feel they are stagnating in large communities while waiting for positions that might not materialize. It could also lead to a cluster of solid medium size communities in attractive locations that would then develop Moisdos and other community necessities which would attract others to these communities, and serve as models for more such communities in other locations. Perhaps the experiences of these communities and their successes could then be transmitted to larger communities in some way so that the larger communities are also invigorated with the spirit of uforotzto.
This Op-Ed reflects the views of its author. It does not necessarily reflect the views of CrownHeights.info nor of its Editors.
A reader that wishes to make his or her voice heard on any topic of their desire is welcome to submit his or her Op-Ed to News@CrownHeights.info.
YSL
Before anyone leaves a negative comment, please read, re-read, then take a look at Kingston Ave on a Sunday afternoon.
Thanks.
moshiach now!
great idea, my husband was just telling me this same idea last week!
It would really help. When people feel valued, part of a community that they care about and that cares about them,and that they have what to give this leads to positive growth in many areas.
Sounds like a win win situation.
Naftali Michalowsky
I was a small town Shliach (Mechanech), and I now teach, here, in Crown Heights. My (former) head Shliach was and is very interested in growing his community in the way you suggest in your essay, and I am sure there are plenty of small town Shluchim facing similar issues as he who would be interested in same. Likewise, I imagine, there are numerous young couples who would consider moving out of town as an option, at least. My experience with my head Shliach suggests that there need be some type of shadchanus system, or at least some sort of record of places available and employment opportunity therein, as well as a record of those interested in moving and their employment qualifications.
The challenge is, of course, economic:
In most other states there is effectively no social safety net or Tzedaka infrastructure.
There is no Jewish services economy in small states.
The percentage of N.Y.C. employment made possible by government money, either directly or indirectly, is astounding to anyone who has spent none of his adult (thinking) life here, and the bar to entry for those positions is often low, since adult education is far more easy to pursue here, for various reasons.
Moreover, population density and reliance on public transportation provide for much greater business opportunity than that which exists in other states; and that is an understatement. In other states there is no, for example, Weinstiens, True Value, or whatever-that-great-little-houseware-store-next-to-the-really-nice-Mikva-on-Kingston-is-called; instead you have Home Depot, Walmart, Costco and… nothing at all else.
Those who do well (financially) in smaller states are your doctors, lawyers and other well educated service professionals. Well capitalized, savvy investors on whom the light of G-d hath shone also do well, and of course you have your sundry businessmen running operations that were set up long ago when the bar to entry was much lower. So basically the people most likely to thrive, or even survive, in small states are precisely the same people who have the least interest in doing so.
Naftali Michalowsky
out-of-towner
Unfortunately, not all shluchim feel that having anash join their communities would be helpful. The needs of the mekuruvim and the anash are very different, such as for example, a day school for children of BTs in progress might be much different than a cheder for children of FFB anash.
Start-up businesses need two things:
#1 start up money and
#2 people with the training and experience to work in the business.
Housing is another issue. While there are plenty of places with cheaper housing than Brooklyn, NY, most nicer neighborhoods have expensive housing with big mortgages. Places such as Alaska, have very expensive housing because of the difficulties encountered in building in that climate. Usually cheap housing happens in communities lacking in job opportunities.
Then there is the general uprooting and upheaval that comes from moving away from family and friends and taking children out of their schools.
While no one would argue that there are serious problems facing the Brooklyn community, and relocating really is the answer for some people, the group effort could also be employed to strengthen the community that already exists.
Let-s talk!
Brilliant idea. Perfectly presented. Yasher koach to the author for offering a thoughtful solution that many families can consider, while opening the floor to other innovators with piece-meal solutions.
I’m blank. Anyone else have positive ammendments or ideas?
Anon
I completely agree. In fact, I have seen this happening already throughout many satellite Chabad communities through out the country.
My family personally, after living in Crown Heights for a couple years after our wedding, decided to move to Baltimore for the exact reasons you mentioned. Employment opportunities, affordable real estate, an established yet growing community with a Lubavitch Cheder and Yeshiva. The frum community here is one of the oldest and more established communities in the country.
I do also have to say the “unofficial” shlichus opportunities here were also a major plus. We B’H have had plenty of oppurtunities to meet some of the non affiliated yidden in the community and have them over fro Shabbosim and other events.
All in all, there are plenty of beautiful alternatives to leading a spiritually fulfilling lifestyle outside of “official” shlichus positions.
mendy g
vary nice
not-from-brooklyn
This is great! Wish more people would look around the country and the world and find a place to thrive. Identify several communities you like and look for work there. Don’t move without something lined up. And not all Shluchim want a community, so get to know the place well.
Also, you’ll be very surprised to find that you don’t have to be pioneer to place where the nearest mikvah is the ocean. There are plenty of moderately established communities with a school, mikvah, and proper minyonim throughout the USA. Look to the midwest, to Texas, Washington state, the deep south. You might just find a good job in a place where a nice 4 bedroom house costs under $200K. B”H, we did.
brilliant
Brilliant idea.
Yitzchok Schier
BS”D
Thanks for the encouraging comments!
Just a quick response:
To Naftali M – I could not agree more regarding the shadchanus system and have alluded to same but your description of it as shadchanus is really on the mark – thanks! However, I think the social services safety net (which we should NEVER plan on having to rely on chas vesholom) includes many Federal programs that may be available elsewhere. As for a tzedoko safety net, some sort of fund can and should be established by and for the community. I’m rushing now but I do have some ideas as to how this can be done ahead of time.
To out-of-towner: The plan is really aimed at kollel and other young families who are considering shlichus but can’t find their niche in the system. Please also be aware that technology allows for work to be had just about anywhere. Again kind of rushed right now but can expand on this from personal experience.
CSC
While a suburban, “out of town” environment might appeal to more assimilated types, there are some of us who like “wall-to-wall” Jews — our reason for staying in New York. Especially ba’alei teshuva like me, who had never acculturated fully to Middle America and prefers the warm and ethnic flavor of an inner-city environment.
While I did not come to New York to “escape” the outside world, I embraced with a passion the religious advantages it offered, even at other sacrifices. “Shlichus” does not necessarily mean a cow town — the Rebbe’s work can be carried out in good old New York.
Again, though, your idea above may be a good alternative for some. I certainly don’t knock it. It’s just not for me.
everyone is a shliach
If I recall correctly there was once a post on crownheights.info or shmais.com from an out of town community soliciting families to move into their town. From memory it was from the state of Ohio or nearby.
chaim
WOW!!! My head is spinning trying to figure out how to materialize this amazing, genius idea. Obviously we can’t expected people to just move anywhere, we would need first to know who and how many couples are really truly interested in such a project and we would need to find a place that would work.
Personally I would move to a place in middle of nowhere and build a community there.
Speak this idea over with your wife, family and friends as I will and when and if you decide that this is something your family would seriously consider post your name and email address so that a network could be created and we can make this dream a reality.
I will initiate the the networking process by making a facebook page for everyone to join.
Thank you Rabbi Scheir for your wonderful idea may you be blessed to have a thrieving Frum community in your area and bring Moshiach NOW!!!
Been there and back
Out of town can also include other neighbourhoods: Flatbush, Far Rockaway, Long Island, Manhatten etc.
The point is: There is no mitzvah to remain in Crown Heights. Become an “out of towner”.
But beware: you might regret it when it comes to tuition prices, lack of social services (section 8, food stamps, wic, heap, medicaid and all such goodies), and shidduchim…
Yes, being an in-towner has some privileges.
Good article, some comments
Wonderful, refreshing article.
A couple of comments:
1) There are a couple of communities where Anash have built up a commnuity around an established Chabad House. It has not always turned out very well. Sometimes the Shaliach doesn’t like it, or sometimes the Anash put on such a bad impression for the Chabad House people (talking in shul, coming late, way they dress etc) that it’s a Chilul Lubavitch.
2) Saying that, I think there are opportunities where some Shluchim would embrace it. Funnily enough there was an ad in last weeks Neshai Chabad from a Rabbi Lubin (http://www.parsippanyshul.org) looking for people to move.
3) People need to start moving away from the entitlement mentality. Let’s see how much I can get from section 8, food stamps, wic, heap, medicaid etc. Oh, humm…ok so now I need to work a little more to make up the difference for what I need. If you C”V need some of the above services, many states out of NY provide many of them too.
4) Someone should put together a website with full information on available communities, along with information on amenities, prices etc etc. People can then read all the descriptions and voice their interest in the communities that appeal to them. Once there are enough serious people, a meeting can be put together with the Shluchim etc.
5) I don’t see why this should only be limited to those who want to go on Shlichus but cannot get. There are plenty of hard working and hoest Anash who would like to move too.
Thank you once again for a great article!
Idea
Funny this idea has been in my head for a long time!
ready to move right now
This is a wonderful idea.
Of course, the main issue for most people would be finding a job and/or starting a business in a place where they don’t have contacts.
Some brainstorming on this topic is definitely needed.
BW
Great article. Idea is greatly presented. If you are contemplating perusing a move from Crown Heights, this article is a great one to show to your wife and mashpia, presenting the merits of such a move.
BW
I once asked a Shliach in Florida with a gorgeous Chabad Center and community whether he would welcome a Chabad FFB Lubavitcher into his community. He replied “sure. – If they attend minyonim, shiurim etc. and give a good representation of Chabad chassidim I would consider them a plus. But if they are not necessarily yorei shomayim and roll into shul shabbos during mussof after sleeping a bagel, then they undermine what I am trying to accomplish with my mekurovim”. He went on to say that he would even delegate Shlichusen to any serious chossid who joins his community.
Bottom line: If the yungerman is a sincere Yiras Shomayim, he should be able to find a willing Shliach to welcome his family into his community (yes, I know some shluchim wouldn’t, yet there are still many that would).
To crown heights
The rebbe is alive!!! The rebbe is moshiach!!!! Therefore moshiach is here open up your eyes. There’s no wars no dying and peace.
chaim
The facebook page is up and running. Become a fan and share your input.
the page is called Uforatzta.
Yitzchok Schier
BS“D
Just want to quickly answer some points raised here:
1) Regarding this not having worked out in the past, that is why I suggested what another commentator properly defined as a shadchan system as well as pilot trips and forming a group before the actual move is made.
2) Regarding dependency on entitlement programs, this is indeed not what we should be striving for. Those who know me well personally know that I am said to be the author of a satirical blog which mocks Yidden who set out to live on entitlement programs, and frankly such dependency is a chilul Hashem and a sad waste of the personal potential that Hashem gave us all. However, we do know that things happen, and as we do pay taxes, when disaster strikes it is only right to know that we can get assistance if and when absolutely necessary. My knowledge of such programs is BH only through my satire of those who unfortunately abuse them, but I do believe most such programs are Federal. Medicaid (sometimes very necessary for a young couple starting out), food stamps, WIC and section 8 are Federal entitlement programs. However, planning to live on these programs is the opposite of what I have in mind, which is a truly self sustaining and giving Anash community.
In terms of a mutual assistance fund in the event that chas vesholom there is something that is not revealed good, or even in the event someone needs to expand a home or business and needs a gemach to do so, I don’t know the legalities and technicalities but this can be planned as part of the community from the beginning.
On a more positive note, those who want to establish businesses and communities can often find legitimate and very welcome assistance from small business development groups as well as local mekurovim who would welcome the influx of Chassidim. Again, this only works if the Chassidim are indeed welcome in the community and act in a way that guarantees that they will always be welcomed.
And part of what I proposed above includes building moisdos of high quality that could well offer lower tuition. Shidduchim, well, if the community develops a good reputation then so will its bochurim and girls when the time comes.
3) I suggested this for young couples who want to go out on shlichus because they are the ones who are most able to move and were planning on moving in any case, and now find themselves stagnating in Crown Heights. It would indeed be even better if Anash who intend from the start to be balebatim join them. Some of this is based on my own experience here in Dnepr, where I moved for business reasons but indeed feel that I am on shlichus just by walking the streets and being in shul (I now have the zechus to have found an informal volunteer hafatza assignment as well, working with students and young businessmen who want to grow in Yiddishkeit while having a chance to practice English with a native speaker).
4) Regarding a website, communications etc – please contact me on solutions770@gmail.com and we can get the ball rolling. I will start as soon as enough names are sent or as soon as a couple more people express real, concrete interest. Regarding the Facebook page, I spell my name as ”Itzhak Schier” on Facebook and my page is not protected – contact me, make me an admin, whatever.
Again thanks for the comments and the positive response.
-Yitzchok
Yitzchok Schier
BS”D
Also, regarding contacts:
Part of the plan would be networking before the actual move is made; this could include online as well as on-site networking before plans are finalized.
out-of-towner
Rabbi Schier, if working by remote is the method of parnassa, look into Mexico. Americans discovered a number of years ago that an American salary can provide a nice life there. Also, those who are planning to leave CH in groups need not limit themselves to communities where a shaliach exists if they draw enough people to have a shul with a mikveh. They can always bring down a shaliach later if they want to hire someone to teach students, give shiurim, etc. There is also the possibility that a group of people would move somewhere and open up a small yeshiva that would draw students and therefore provide a minyon. I have discovered that there are actually few places on earth where virtually no Jews exist so even a handful in a community might decide to get involved with the new Chabad community.
If a community is going to be built from scratch, consider opening a temporary trailer park for the young couples until houses are bought or built. I think that I know which community Naftali was speaking of and the problem there is that the housing near that shul is limited by a golf course and small airport across from the shul. If a person is willing to walk a mile or 2, that community has a day school run by Chabad, a mikveh, a shul with a simcha hall, a nearby JCC, a Kroger with kosher food, low cost housing, moderate weather, and less than 2 hour proximity to another frum community.
Rabbi Schier, remember though that all that glitters is not gold. Whereas in CH, it is possible to find your niche, your crowd, your charitable activities, your mashpia, your rabbinic leader, and your choice of chinuch options, in small communities, what you see is what you get. If you don’t get along with the shaliach, disagree with the day school, and don’t want the expectation of being involved in every community activity, then small town life is not for you. You will be a big fish in a small sea. If you miss minyon, there may not be a minyon. If one family has a new baby, simcha, or chas v’sholem illness, every other family will need to be involved in helping because kosher carry-out may not exist.
I am all for what you are proposing, just keep in mind that both communities, CH as well as out of town, have their pros and cons.
Non-Compete
My family and I have lived in a situation like this for the past three years. We made this decision based on many of the points made in this article. I will say that there needs to be a lot of sensitivity on both sides. In our situation, I view my shaliach as a mashpia and like a family member. However, not everyone would have such a bond or whatever to enforce the hierarchy, i.e. that the Shaliach is the boss and spiritual leader of the community. Therefore, I think there should be legal agreements in place of non-competitive clauses where the couple who moves out could legally never open a competing center or challenge the shaliach’s authority. I know it sounds like a heavy thing to do, but it is actually standard practice in business, that protects each side.
Being that I have experience with actually living like this, I would be happy to help out in anyway, if this proceeds.
My email is nebraska770@gmail.com (I don’t live in Nebraska:)
Please need more
Rabbi Schier your article is well put and well said can you please tell us more of your idea!
shliach agrees
I am a small town shliach, but living close enough to established chabad community as far as chinuch mikvah etc. I am actually in (theoretical) discussion with a friend of mine who wants to help a shliach w/o the stress and responsibilities involved. i would not want a kollel, but every shliach could use at least one friend next door.
IMHO, this is the solution.
YSchier
BS”D
For anyone who wants to discuss this in more detail – I am joining the Uforatzta facebook page.
A gute voch – Yitzchok