Op-Ed: Chabad 2.0
The annual gathering of Chabad’s global emissaries, the Kinus Hashluchim, elicits a paradox. Here is an organization that is truly international, operating even more outposts than the United States government. Chabad is not only the world’s largest Jewish educational network, it is quite simply one of the world’s largest networks period. Perhaps only the Catholic Church has a more extensive grid of schools and educational outposts. Yet, for all its internationalism Chabad continues to evince a largely parochial mentality. It is global in scope but not in outlook.
Indeed, Chabad’s continued insularity – wholly insistent on spreading Jewish observance exclusively to Jews as opposed to having Jewish ideas and values permeate the wider culture – is surprising and contradictory given the Rebbe’s universalist vision of a Messianic future. No Jewish religious leader in modern times has thought so broadly or so grandly. The mind labors to wrap itself around the breadth and scope of a personality who envisioned reshaping human history and nature as we know it. Yet Chabad often ignores the broader implications of the Rebbe’s vision in favor of bricks and mortar activism that is geared almost entirely to local provinces and communities.
Many in Chabad would take issue with this assertion. They maintain that Chabad’s global reach is proof that the movement has embraced the Rebbe’s international vision. But a truer evaluation would have us conclude that Chabad’s expansion has been almost entirely horizontal rather than vertical. Chabad has opened countless centers in innumerable places. But it has not gone higher or deeper. Its activities rather than its ideas are what have permeated the culture. People come to Chabad for its schools, its megillah readings, its communal seders, and inspired social programs like friendship circle. They rely on Chabad for summer camps for kids and Torah classes for adults. What they do not do is come to Chabad for answers as to how to curb the monumental divorce rate, heal Europe and America of its crushing debt crisis, wean materially indulged Westerners off a suffocating selfishness, or inspire politicians to rise above a toxically partisan culture. Chabad has morphed from a community of scholars offering a mystical yet practical vision of world change into a community of activists catering to personal ritual needs. No doubt this grass roots education and activism was necessary as a foundational first step and has proven wildly successful in Chabad bringing millions back to the fold and establishing a global footprint. But the exclusive emphasis on building institutions rather than disseminating ideas has begun to stifle the movement’s progress. Yes, the Rebbe was an activist and wanted all Jews to live lives committed to Torah and mitzvos. But above all else he was a scholar who sought to shape society with a transcendent, mystical philosophy of societal evolution and change.
How ironic that the Meshichists, for all their alleged lack of sophistication and single-minded focus of Messianism as being wholly encompassed in the person of the Rebbe, have still retained the vision of sweeping global change and the power of Judaism to reshape society for the better. In this respect they are, with their unshaped hats and crumpled suits, in some measure closer to the Rebbe’s kaleidoscopic vision than the hugely successful Shluchim who, with their silk ties and tightly pressed suits, seem to have somewhat abandoned that vision.
What is needed is the best of both worlds, a new and highly sophisticated Chabad push to enhance the wider culture with Jewish spirituality and shape civilization with the power of Hassidic ideas. Why is it that The Kabbalah center thinks they can influence Hollywood with Jewish mystical thought while Chabad uses Hollywood merely to raise money on telethons? Why does Chabad suffice itself with useless proclamations from world leaders at fundraising dinners – something that salves the ego of the Chabad community alone – while other Jewish movements, from reform to the Orthodox Union, seek to influence world leaders with Jewish wisdom?
What we need now is Chabad 2.0. Having succeeded, against all odds, in building an international network, Chabad must now utilize the vast influence and goodwill it has garnered in implementing the Rebbe’s vision to influence politics, culture, and the media. More than other Jewish movement in world history, Chabad actually has the capacity to give Judaism a global voice in the marketplace of ideas.
Fixing this glaring omission will take Chabad’s best minds and indeed should be one of the focal points of this year’s Kinus. Here I would like to focus on a single thought.
Every global movement has an international hub where the spokes of the wheel meet. Catholics have the Vatican, the Muslims Mecca, and even the Mormons, who have experienced the kind of spectacular growth reminiscent of Chabad, have endeavored to transform Salt Lake City – once a sleepy desert colony– into a global pivot with the world’s largest conference center, seating 21,000 people. But Crown Heights, for all its undeniable energy and excitement, remains but a section of Brooklyn with a large, unadorned – some would say worn – central Synagogue that appeals almost exclusively to Lubavitchers. Even on Simchat Torah, its premiere annual event, you will see only a handful of non-Chabad faces in 770. And as far as the Shluchim are concerned, Crown Heights is highlighted but once a year at the Kinus. Indeed, those who have not gone on Shlichus and remain in Crown Heights are dismissed as ‘farmers,’ simpletons who have squandered their potential selling fruit or running hardware stores.
Not only is this condescension an insult to the dedicated residents of Crown Heights who distinguish themselves with outsize hospitality and outstanding Jewish warmth, it denies Chabad a single locus of spiritual pilgrimage around which Chabad’s ideas and philosophy can coalesce and from which its radiance can shine through to the wider culture. Chabad requires a highly developed world capitol, which is what Crown Heights out to be.
To be sure, Chabad’s success is largely predicated on the Rebbe’s genius at decentralizing the movement and thus empowering each individual Shliach to manifest their unique gifts and potential. But without a thriving focal point and philosophical showcase, Chabad cannot hope to centralize its influence, create a force multiplier, or leverage its global influence to truly affect world culture.
It should be the priority of Chabad internationally to transform Crown Heights into a global center of Jewish spirituality, culture, and education, befitting a world movement. Crown Heights should be a hub attracting world leaders, leading thinkers and academics, Pulitzer-prize winning writers, cutting edge entrepreneurs, and youth who thirst for G-d.
The quickest way to achieve this is to create a world Jewish cultural center as part of the 770 complex. I can see a hundred million dollar fund aimed at building a conference center seating at least 5000 people that would feature weekly discussions and debates on the world’s most pressing issues with the values of Judaism and Chabad as the cornerstone. A media network should be attached to the center that broadcasts these discussions and conversations throughout the world. This would be a 92nd St. Y on steroids. That single edifice, on the corner of 92nd and Lex, has emerged as one of America’s premiere lecture venues, attracting Presidents, Prime Ministers, Supreme Court Justices, and Fortune 500 leaders. It does all this without any assistance from a global network of emissaries who have contacts in television, politics, and the arts in every corner of the globe. Just imagine what Chabad could achieve if its Shluchim collaborated with a central organ on bringing the world’s foremost thinkers and leaders to a Crown Heights conference center, creating a Jewish values-based think-tank that could change the world.
When I was at Oxford I was amazed at the power and reach of the Oxford Union. Founded by students in 1823, it leveraged the fame of the University to attract, as well as cultivate, world leaders whose participation transformed the Union into the world’s most famous debating chamber. I used the Union as my own model for creating the Oxford L’Chaim Society which similarly focused on world personalities, but this time lecturing on Jewish universalism and values-based leadership.
Chabad is eminently capable of doing the same in Crown Heights. Already, Brooklyn is being gentrified and becoming a hub of young, ambitious professionals. Crown Heights is part of New York City, the world’s financial, diplomatic, and media capitol. Crown Heights is headquarters of the world’s most influential Jewish organization, and Jews are news. With a little vision and a lot of investment, Crown Heights can be transformed into a Western place of spiritual, intellectual, and cultural pilgrimage, allowing Judaism in general and Chabad in particular to gain a seat at the table of world ideas and events.
None of this is farfetched. Indeed, it is far easier to create than Chabad’s global network, which none would have thought possible, and should take no more than five years to implement. What it requires are people of vision that accept that a global movement deserves a global capitol to showcase the philosophy and ideas that have made it preeminent.
Rabbi Shmuley Boteach served as the Rebbe’s Shliach at Oxford University from 1988 to 1999 and in 2000 became the London Times Preacher of the Year. He is regularly listed by Newsweek as one of the ten most influential Rabbis in America. The international best-selling author of 26 books, he has just published “Ten Conversations You Need to Have with Yourself.” (Wiley) Follow him on his website www.shmuley.com and on Twitter @RabbiShmuley.
This Op-Ed reflects the views of its author. It does not necessarily reflect the views of CrownHeights.info or its Editors.
Any 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.
Really
When Shmuley moves to Crown Heights, then he can talk…
Revolutionary
I like the article. Shmuli is a great writer with great ideas. I wish that this vision could be implemented. But there is no one in Lubavitch that will make something like this happen because we are too involved in raising money or petty issues.
We have to start thinking bigger in today’s fast paced, technological world and we have to continue to be leading pioneers like we were for 50 years.
Moshiacistin?
Moshiachistin closer to the Rebbe?!
Ha!!
They are the ones FIGHTING the Rebbe!
Akiva S.
Still R. Boteach is provacative and out of the box.
yossi
we dont need this in ch .what we need is a center to focus on our kids .to grow up as chassidim rtc.shmuly take ur ideas somewhere else.go back to where u were and leave us alone with ur stupid ideas.
You have got to be kidding me...
Are you serious Boteach? How about fixing Lubavitch’s broken education system before making up plans to take over the world? How are a bunch of illiterates going to create an intellectual movement?
shliach in small town america
Shmuly
When was the last time, you spent a shabbos in the home of one of the thousands of young shluchim struggling to pay rent,a week does not go by, without serving a cholunt to the community Torah classes challah baking and the rest….stop reading chabad websites and use your brains and eyes go check out for yourself.
Last but not least, 770 is beis moshiach bais rabenu shebabovel, in the spirit of Chanukah, your idea for 770 sounds like the greeks- idea for the Beis Hamikdosh,
Kol Hapoisel bemumoi Poisel.
Let’s check out your lifestyle…
Parochialist
Your parochial book “Wisdom Understanding and Knowledge” is better than all your books combined.
shlomo as always with bad English
chabad 2.o or 2 chabad? i wil lbe very sad if KGB(mashihistim) will destroy, all that Rebe build :(
cute
how ironic is it that there is a laundry detergent advertisement right under his article?!?!?!
not sure if he need a “brainwash” or we shud use this detergent to wash what he wants to wash?
Me-at Ohr do-che harbe Choshech
The Rebbe taught us that we have to do “hamase hu ha’ikar” through doing we are bringing pepole closer to Yidishkeit the rest and the larger picture is not so much for us to worry about.
If we do our small part in this world the Oiybeshter will take care of the rest.
A Groysa chochom
I think it’s a great idea and it would put CH on the map as a center of Jewish thought and action. 770 needs to be spruced up or mothballed and a new center built within a short distance. Ker a velt und Ufaratzto!
no one special
Within these provocative exaggerations there is a question begging to be answered. I can not guess what The Rebbe wanted to accomplish. I might, however, recognize what The Baal Shem Tov; spread the word to those who are spiritually suffering.
Lubavitch & Chabad are not synonyms. Chabad might be even more productive by reverting to the spiritual aspects/concepts of the acronym. Meeting physical has become the hallmark of Chabad outposts.. Meeting spiritual needs can now be included.
LaAniyas Dayti
There is a kernel of truth in this op-ed. Only a kernel
Lubavitch has a massive vibrant “sales department”. The Shluchim (both out of Crown Heights and in it – the local manufacturing teams of ‘sales & presentation products“).
The ”production“ of new horizons in the ”ideology“ of Chabad (the ”producr“ on sale), is ossified. Snap frozen in one day 18 years ago. Well, actually neither frozen nor ossified. It has morphed what was the broadest Jewish ideology ever (as Shmuley correctly points out with regard to the Rebbe, in addition to the Tanya ”revolution“ which had its critics even from the insiders of the chassidishe circle of the Maggid) and transformed it into a fundamentalist movement where the solution to all problems (oy, how they plague our youth who are struggling, or rebelling) is this narrowness of ”believe and do“ and he will come back. (One wonders how many bright, intelligent, and creative youth have labeled it as ”looking backwards while marching forwards, and trumpeting the advances“.)
If the Alter Rebbe were to appear (in disguise) for this year’s Yut Tess Kislev, and present Tanya 2, a new relevant chassiduss for today’s culture (where was the internet 18 years ago? iProducts? etc); the first to denounce it would be Lubavitch. Why? Because the overwhelming perception is that ”no vacuum exists”, or that it cannot be filled ( as per the thousands of connoisseurs as to what/who could fill – with time).
Shmuley is the boy who pointed out the absence of the king’s clothes. But then the boy did not become king, did he?
laaniyas.dayti at gmail.
Nobody
One of the (many) great things about the Rebbe is that he never had a fetish about associating with the rich and powerful. He is a true example of keeping the right perspective on the rich and powerful.
Unfortunately the author has not resisted that temptation.
I’m reminded of the famous saying among Chassidim that if the Alter Rebbe had not included “Emes” in Igros Kodesh 2, he would have had 50,000 more Chassidim.
Watching
Rabbi Boteach, read the comments here this is one reason why this is not possible for Crown Heights, what a shame, what a pity from people always using the Rebbe’s name.
It must be a source of pain for you to so clearly see as do some of us what is happening and the lost potential.
Perhaps what you vision is not for Crown heights or not for Chabad. I as I am sure others would help you with such a project who’s time has come.
Mendel
WOW! You Crown Heitsers are harsh!
You are not the future for Chabad or Judaism in general!!!!!!
think outside the box
people have been saying this for years.
the problem is, you will always have the people that said, “the rebbe didn’t want it to be run like this.
listen, if you want to get rid of the meshechistim, the real only solution is to take away there turf. the rebbe always wanted construction to be done to 770. if you knock down the building and build it bigger, stronger and nicer trust me the tzvati movment will fall apart.
Shliach in a big city
We don’t need answers from someone who thinks that yushke, y’mach sh’mo, is a navi…. check out his jpost article from two years ago… dangerous man in my opinion..much more so than carlebach or schactor
Naftoli
While not always a huge fan of Shmueli or his ideas this article is truly inspired.
While some of you out there may think he is being critical, the ideas expressed here are quite refreshing and far thinking. There is no question that ALL the shluchim are doing a wonderful job and work very hard. But there is still a lot to do and ways Chabad can progress even though we don’t have the Rebbe here to direct us.
It would be wonderful to see his vision of a dynamic Crown Heights which would benefit so many people – including those in Crown Heights
Dooby
I love his use of the English language.
Abit confused about the message.
Shmuly is widely bright and permeates excellent thought and ideas.
I do believe there are way more urgent matters in the hood as one stated the youth problems we have..however this is an interesting read as all your writing are.
Absolutley!
amazing brilliant!
really a visionary. wee need more of this forest-vision instead of the ubiquitous short sited tree-vision.
Jacob
To remain relevant in Lubavitch circles, it seems Shmuley Boteach feels obligated from time to time to write an article from time to time laying out his fantasy for the future of Lubavitch. In his most absurd suggestion yet, he decided this time that Chabad should become a hub for ideas about politics, culture and media.
Chabad lacks the minds and the educated public to accomplish Boteach’s grandiose vision. We’re talking about people that can barely read and write in English and who get their news and views on politics and the world from obscure if not non-existent sichos, Lubavitch blogs, and mashpiyim who tell them to have nothing to do with politics and the world. The only thing Chabad is good at is its activities, not its ideas.
You cannot create an intellectual movement meant to appeal to a broader base or even think tank as a bunch of illiterates. Most people graduating our education system hardly understand the practical ramifications of their own philosophies, and are much less able to convey anything about it to others in order to make it universally relevant.
At this point, the next generation of “leaders” is being taught by many of the illiterates that my generation grew up with and know can barely read Hebrew, much less English. There are so few critical and innovative thinkers that it is a wonder what people are getting out of the many years and tens of thousands of dollars invested in their yeshiva educations.
So what if there are a few clever people in the Lubavitch movement? The Gurarys, Grunblatts, Goldmans and Jacobsons of the world are the exceptions, not the rules. Almost all of the experts that speak at pigishos or write JLI seminars are Baal Teshuvas who didn’t get their worldly knowledge in our education system. One day all the above will die out and who will replace them? The only people left in Lubavitch will be some expert fundraisers and a few mivtzoim devotees. There will be no one who can write a book or teach a lecture or win a debate.
Have you ever noticed how anytime Chabad does anything law-related, Shlomo Jaffe is there? That’s because he is one of maybe three people capable of the task in the entire Lubavitch movement. And this is law we’re talking about, which is something we Lubavitch rabbis supposedly all study all day long.
How can we possibly use Lubavitch as a launching point for questions on evolutionary science, international affairs, domestic policy, etc., when you have so few people who understand what Judaism has to say about it and/or can begin to explain it? You need people capable, at a minimum, of both of those things in order to create whatever it is Boteach envisions. Our education system not only isn’t geared toward those values, it proactively stands in the way of those trying to reach that goal.
I’d venture to say that most of my graduate school classmates can put together AT LEAST a nice-sounding, logically coherent lecture that might appeal to at least other people in their field if not the general population. Most of them can also venture beyond their own fields and give an informed lecture on topics outside their particular milieu. I can’t say the same about my yeshiva classmates.
Boteach, rather than writing articles about how Lubavitch can change the world, why don’t you first figure out how Lubavitch can change itself.
:)
I agree with all his points. Great article. This must be done!!
He-s very right.
It’s so sad how people are jumping on the author of this article, simply because of the image he created for himself. He’s speaking truth, so what happened to kabel es haemes mimi sh’omroi?
Uhu, rigggghhhhtt!
Right. That’s what Chabad should become. A think tank!
Thanks, but no thanks.
Jewvinile
<i>“. No doubt this grass roots education and activism was necessary as a foundational first step and has proven wildly successful in Chabad bringing millions back to the fold”
</i> “Millions back to the fold”?! Exactly when did the good rabbi make the transition to stand-up comedy?
Brilliant Article and Suggestion to move
Exceptionally good analysis, thoughts and vision.
We need those with vision to execute the (new) vision.
(The negative comments come from those that have little vision.)
Reuven
Your proposal, that Chabad seek to influence the political process on the great issues challenging all of us today, requires that Chabad promote cohesive stand on the issues at hand. Chabad chassidus may inform many of us as individuals on current issues, but not necessarily in the collective. There is no consensus on how to apply chassidus to the problems facing society today.
To do what you suggest would require Chabad leadership make decisions on political issues. There is no infrastructure to do that. I can only imagine the wrenching, rending process that would result from trying to implement such a central governing body.
LA Observer
1. why whould anyone would call him Rabbi? (it’s not like i doubt he has the paper… he doesn’t have either the function or the substance)
2. Why is he still busy writing irrelevant articles about irrelevant topics? (i mean, for one, i think Chabad would be glad to resolve its tuition crisis, Chabad houses running out of money and options, loosing chassidim 40% a generation etc)
3. Why would crownheights.info would allow this to be published. Maybe short news with a link to his article would have been enough?
4. If anyone can just PLEASE give him a broadway lead role, we would be free of him for a while
antimesichist
Meshichistim are Mossrim!!!
As they say
As they say every estimate for a project is really double. So boteach says it’s $100,000,000 to build such a thing so in reality it would be $200,000,000. No biggie. I’m sure boteach can raise the first $100,000,000 and then commenter #15 can raise the second $100,000,000 and then it shouldn’t be that difficult to chalk up an additional few million annually for maintenance.
To: Mr. Nobody
Using the term you used instead of a word such as obsession or fixation is truly a disgrace. Shame on you.
As they say
In my previous comment, I was saying the man who wrote; “I agree with all his points. Great article. This must be done!!” can certainly raise the other $100,000,000.
Something about comments, is that you always address a poster by his comment number and then somehow it always get bumped. frustrating.
A true plea
How could Chassidim of the Lubavitcher Rebbe think so small. The man is right. Stop getting defensive. We should be achieving a global change, world leaders should be seeking wisdom from judaism. We must become a shining light uto the nations. We cannot fail our rebbe
Toshav HaShechunah
Synopsis: “The mind labors to wrap itself around the breadth and scope of a personality [sic] who envisioned reshaping human history and nature as we know it. Yet” I, Shmuel Boteach, have done just that. Clap, clap, clap….
chaim
This is the problem with Lubavitchers, we do what we want. Lubavitch does not need to change into the 21st century. Shumel was kicked out of lubavitch of oxford for a reason, this is the problem, thinking for himself outside the box. This might work in five towns, however in New York, Lubavitchers are not considered chassidim. The way we dress, speak, act and derech eretz is much lower then the main yiddeskiet in New York.
Just a thought
Hi, I’m writing this because you guys do a great job of bringing me my daily news!
Clearly Crownheights.info, you should be mediating these comments (particularly on this thread). It still amazes me (and not in a good way) what sort of responses you allow to be posted. Ones that literally take a vicious swipe at the author, and not even at the content of his/her words.
Even when the authors aren’t famous, commentators will be critical: of the author’s viewpoint, family name, occupation, and even the color shirt their wearing in the picture. I just feel like it’s up to you guys to retain some semblance of shalom, and basic respect.
Even when everyone is anonymous and cannot be held accountable for their words. All the identification commentors have is a number and all you have is an IP address, yet still I ask that mean-spirited comments are refrained from being published. I’m all for freedom of speech, but to a certain extent. If people wouldn’t state their name or post a photo next to their comment it probably shouldn’t be allowed.
With the new computer-era, we’ve taken freedom of speech to a whole new level. I’m only 19 years old. Please let me believe my fellow community members are a bit nicer to each other. In truth, or real life they are.
Cyberspace is just that vast empty, don’t ask, don’t tell space where people can let out a little meaness without any repercussions. And they do.
That’s where you come in.
Thank you, Rochi(No last name, no photo;)
DAD#1
How eye opening and interesting.
Hey Reb Shmuly – can you do us a favor and come on down to our hood?
Ya, move here.
Amazing so many negative comments..I bet the same folks that are protecting the pedophiles..sha-shtill.
LOL
If he can raise $100,000,000, he should be hired immediately by the federal government to reduce the $15,000,000,000,000 deficit.
What was the Rebbes vision for CH?
While your vision for Crown Heights may sound interesting, it doesn’t seem that this was the Rebbe’s vision for crown Heights and Lubavitch world Headquarters
Over all the years that the Rebbe sent Shluchim, I don’t recall the Rebbe ever mentioning a vision like you mentioned for Crown Heights and for Lubavitch! Don’t you think one would be able to find some references to this idea you describe in at least some of his farbrangis, letters, our conversations he had with the people who he put in place to get things done? Wouldn’t we hear this idea as well from people who the Rebbe at times would share has expectations during Yicidus with them, saying that this is what the Rebbe wanted?
More so, the Rebbe himself kept Lubavitch World Headhunters as a hub of Chassudis with all that it entails, as I’m sure your remember too. Just take for example what a Tishri experience with the Rebbe was like for everyone who came during that month! Simplay an amazing Lubavitch chssidic experience, of course for everyone at a different level.
Even when dignitaries etc. came to visit, it was like the Rebbe was giving them an opportunity to get a glimpse into what life as a genuine Lubatvitcher chussid meant.
Shluchos as the Rebbe often explained, was meant to go to the outside secular world and ultimately try to bring them and show them what life like a real chussid looks like and they cam bring some of that into their life, not that Crown Heights should be some Mecca of Kirov in itself. The Rebbe simply never asked or encouraged anything like that!
In conclusion – The Rebbe’s vision for Crown Heights was that it should be a hub and live up to a genuine chssidic life style and serve as an example to the outside secular Jewish world via its Shluchim of what it means to live life as real Jew.
insight
A true chassid is a candle that shines.This means the proper way to influence others is to be luminary yourself.If Lubavitch would lead by example and not by rhetoric,it would achieve its goals.
The rebbe wanted from Crown Heights, first and foremost, it should a proper Frum Chassidish community.If this was the case ,people would be drawn here automatically and beg us to teach them chassidus.Sadly we have fallen far short of that goal.
Nevertheless the author is correct that 770 should be expanded and renovated and become an international hub for the spreading of yiddishkeit.All of which the rebbe spoke about on many occasions.
However,his choice of words “cultural center” and “conference center” sound more like the same materialistic expantion he was trying to negate.
Therefore I suggest to the author,next time please use some more jewish words like “synagogue” or “temple” ,so that people dont get confused as to what your true motives are.
mottel
TO #30 you make no sense!!! In general Shmuley has a good point – the Rebbe was a visionary with visionary holistic ideas (look up the word in the dictionary) which go beyond the parochial and address world and universe issues.
Why has chabad become so “localised” and stuck in the 1990s?
Why are we NOT providing a vision to society?
out of towner
If anyone really cares about the future of the movement you’d better get on a plane and start interviewing the einiklech of the Mitteler Rebbe and Tzemach Tzedek in Israel. Pick a suitable candidate and make him Rebbe. if you don’t- Shmuly will be your next leader and you’ll be reading about the mofsim that he “praves” for his chums in Hollywood.The anarchy is so great and the tayveh for gelt and kovod so overwhelming in Lub. that shmuly has quietly and very carefully been rehabilitated as a chosid in good standing.If you follow him you will go into the abyss together with his deos kozvos. It’s not too late but it soon will be.
Gedaliah Goodman
Shmuly and his son were in 770 Simchas Torah. They had a great time
and enjoyed themselves as did everyone else. So he saw for himself and draws his own conclusions, as we all do. What is the problem with that? Who Shmuly sees as being closer to the proper way of the Rebbe MHM is his way of also trying to become closer to the reality of MHM. Someone has a problem with that, that’s YOUR problem, not someone elses. Ask yourself why YOU can’t relate to MHM. People need a really good TRAINER. Know one? I do.
Nobody
To #33,
The alternatives you list wouldn’t make it into any thesaurus.
“Resist the lure?” I don’t think most people would know what that means. “Resist the pull” just doesn’t convey the point.
But really, it is a word that Chabad.org has no issue with, a word that you see in the L’Chaim all the time.
I think it is your thoughts that are inappropriate here, not the word. You can be tempted to Avoda Zorah, tempted to the pursuit of Money and power (as the author of this article is), tempted to eat chocolate cake …
Chana
I think this author is bringing out MANY important issues that need to be brought up and has quite a bit of vision.
Fact check please
I admire your passion and zest for Shluchis and how you in-vision what appears to you to be the Rebbes view of what crown heights should look like.
However, along with the passion and creative ideas every Shliuch must have in order to fulfill their Shlichus, the foundational ingredient, and base of every Shluch is the constant question, saying: “I may have great ideas of how to grow in my Shlichus mission, but are these ideas in line with the giver of my mission, the Rebbe?” (which is really the meaning of Shlichus! And probably one of the reasons why the word Shliach was chosen over “Kirov agent” or others similar terms).
And so, regarding your idea for Crown Heights. To the best of my knowledge, you don’t find the Rebbe ever asking for or encouraging the vision you describe for Crown Heights.
In light of the above, for the future, may suggestion to you would be. Before sharing with the public what you think is the Rebbe vision on any topic, first fact check it! Read through the Rebbes talks on the respective topic you choose, read his letters, and inquire about the conversations the Rebbe had over the years with those he would generally call upon when he had and idea he wanted to try to implement it and see if there anything there that would give indication to the Rebbes view.
The Rebbe spoke over the years a lot about Crown Heights, what he expects of it etc etc. read through on the topic from the Rebbes perspective, and see if your vision match’s up to the Rebbes!
After doing so, if you find that your vision of CH doesn’t match up to the Rebbe’s, I feel you owe an article that would clarify, saying that, while it may be a nice vision for CH from your perspective, it don’t seem to be the Rebbes perspective. So that anyone who was mislead by this article will know the truth.
no one special
TO #38: The attack on the person is inappropriate. When one can not understand or agree with what is written, he/she insults the author instead of stating a contrary opinion.
LA Observer
To Mottel 43:
since you addressed me, which I appreciate, I will reply to you.
How do I not make sense? The world is in a turmoil, and the delusional self professed rabbi, who is basically making a living as a self lobbyist, comes out with a plan of saving the world.
People in Jewish communities are starving. Beruchnius and begashmius. Quite literally as well. Chabad was always about action; what can we DO to make things better. The Rebbe also was quite direct with the approach, like in “if people don’t put tfillin, let’s put tfillin on them, so they start on their own”. Same thing with Matza, shofar etc. Maybe a think tank giving out etzas on these things would have been better, but our Rebbe was just a simple fella’. He figured, we have Hashem for a think tank, so we just gotta do stuff.
Now when you look for tuition issues, drop out percentages, general level and interest if a real Chabad lifestyle… well we do have what to fix.
Remember, when the Rebbe said, if you see the house is on fire, you just move on to put the fire out. You don’t actually start a pilpul discussing pratiot.
All in all, I feel that Boteach is doing what he was always doing: he is self consumed in his brilliance and vision (LOL) and he doesn’t see the world, the real, hard facts around.
With ‘Occupy ….’ movements everywhere, i think we would be better off, if he would join the ‘Occupy yourself….’, with something meaningful movement.
Constructive Criticism
Thank you for this insightful article that contains COSTRUCTIVE criticism. It is Rabbi Boteachs’s opinion. It has his suggestions and ideas which can be debated and discussed.
However some are very sensitive to any type of criticism and this is not the best trait.
truth and confidence
Lovely comments Ladies and Gentlemen. Just more proof Sina’at Chinam is still alive! Whats wrong with a Yid who speaks his mind and has a vision for his Ppl?
I beg your pardon
I am a meshichist and I send my shirts to the drycleaners every week.
I don’t (and neither do my sons) wear crumpled shuerts
For spomeone who is suggesting such grandiose ideas, I am surprised aboit your biting remarks
Chicago Doc
I do like the idea of outside focus on Crown Heights as an experience of Yiddishkeit. I’ve recently seen mostly or exclusively schluchim at 770, where previously a multitude of people came to see the Rebbe; people need encouragement to know they may still connect with the Rebbe in Crown Heights.
Basically, what would & does the Rebbe say about all this?
I would be very interested in quotes and his thoughts on it.
Thinking back, the Rebbe brought Yiddishkeit to the whole world in multiple manners, case in point the Chanukah celebrations utilizing cable television from 770.
Chicago Doc
I do like the idea of outside focus on Crown Heights as an experience of Yiddishkeit. I’ve recently seen mostly or exclusively schluchim at 770, where previously a multitude of people came to see the Rebbe; people need encouragement to know they may still connect with the Rebbe in Crown Heights.
Basically, what would & does the Rebbe say about all this?
I would be very interested in quotes and his thoughts on it.
Thinking back, the Rebbe brought Yiddishkeit to the whole world in multiple ways, case in point the Chanukah celebrations utilizing cable television from 770.
Akiva
Worth reminding ourselves of The Rebbe’s writing on the subject. http://www.torah4blind.org/…
Mrs.57
I cannot take Boteach seriously after listening to him defend MJ. A house without a solid foundation cannot remain viable-Chabad is on the brink due to forementioned insights, but lack of sufficient education to thrive in a secular society is foremost. Chabad has thrived DESPITE lacking these things because outsiders consider “shtetl Judaism” cute & a comfort when they need it-be it a bracha, advice or keeping their kids Jewish. I doubt many ‘lifers’ realize the impression outsiders have-non community members feel regarded as potential donors and pressured to eventually conform to a Chabad lifestyle, and the inability to do so brings guilt, avoidance. So yes, its been pretty horizontal but I dont blame shluchim. They were/are sent into secular war zones with only their wits and prayers to succeed.
SHLOMO LEIB TRACHTENBERG
I PERSONALY BELIEV THAT BOTEACH`S SPECIALTY IS NOT CHABAD AND NOT JUDAISEM IN GENERAL-MOSTLY OTHER THINGS… IN SECULAR LIFE… SO WHY WOULD ONE CONSIDER OPINIONS FROM NON EXPERTS IN A FIELD??…
Shifra Chana Hendrie
This is the first time I’ve ever commented on one of these online articles, and I’m a little hesitant, but here goes…
I have a question.
Who in Lubavitch is standing up in the bigger world and speaking for the Rebbe? Who is bringing the Rebbe’s vision – of a perfected humanity, a world of geula, of goodness and G-dliness – to the millions and millions of people who are suffering, confused and more and more desperate for answers in a world without wisdom and without truth?
The world is on a collision course with disaster. We are in trouble, our communities are in trouble, our kids are in trouble… if there was ever a time when the world needs real, inspiring leadership, true wisdom, true values, and fresh ideas and solutions that work, now is that time.
If we are the Rebbe’s chassidim, isn’t it up to us to speak for the Rebbe, in a way that moves and changes the world?
Some people like the article. Some people don’t like the article. Some people think the shluchim are doing it right. Some people think the shluchim are doing it wrong. Some people think the moshiachistim are the core of the problem. Some people think the opposite. Some people are nice about it. Some people are so vicious it shocks me.
But I think the issue is even bigger than that. It seems to me that there’s a fundamental problem with the way we think. I’m right, you’re wrong. You’re right, I’m wrong. I’m good, you’re bad. You’re good, I’m bad. I’m in, you’re out. You’re out, I’m in. It’s not just that this polarized way of thinking doesn’t lead to achdus – it keeps us absolutely stuck exactly where we are. We can’t grow. We can’t learn. We can’t inspire ourselves or others. And we can’t possibly be the leaders the Rebbe needs us to be.
It doesn’t seem possible to me that, as people who are educated, personally connected to and guided by the Nasi HaDor, we can’t do any better than this.
What if instead of just giving our opinion, or criticizing each other, we used this forum to hear new ideas and to work with those ideas until they become something that makes a positive difference in the world? What if we stopped defending our position at all costs, and instead made a safe space where people could express their ideas and get really constructive and respectful, helpful feedback in return? What if we could actually become bigger, more empowered people, with more authentic achdus – meaning love, acceptance and respect – the kind of people the Rebbe needs us to be?
Wouldn’t that perhaps work better than the way things are working now?
By hashgocha protis, I just happened to learn a sicha this Shabbos in which the Rebbe addresses the concept of machlokes. To make the point extremely short, the Rebbe talked about how our nature is to have different perspectives, and therefore it’s part of G-d’s design that we will disagree. But, if we sit together and discuss the issues with respect, and actually listen to each other, we can grow in our understanding and perspective in ways that can benefit us all.
It seems so obvious. So why does it almost never happen?
I would be thrilled to see the conversation take a deeper, more constructive turn… In my opinion the article had great insights, in particular the idea that we should be the source of global ideas. This is part of what the Rebbe asked of us, and the world needs it desperately and urgently. It doesn’t mean the shluchim aren’t doing powerful things to change the world. But that’s one part of the equation. This is another.
I don’t know if we need to create a massive cultural center, or even a bigger shul. It would be great if someone could take it on, but to me it doesn’t seem likely to happen.
But that shouldn’t stand in our way. With internet, with media… through whatever means we have, we have to find new ways to provide authentic leadership and inspiration to the larger world. How can we do that? To me that’s a question worth debating… in hopes that when we put our heads and hearts together, with respect, open-mindedness and with Hashem’s help, something new and beautiful can be born. And I, personally, am really looking forward to that… because what’s been going on for the last quite a few years is getting really stale and old!
fan
As always, Rabbi Boteach is awesome.
Agreed 100% and hopefully one day will see be poel.
How can you judge greatness?
Greatness is not in quantity but in quality. Charity begins at home and should continue to spead from there. I agree that we should continue spreading out, I don’t think it needs to be commercialized more. The shliach or business man who is making his part of the world brighter is doing exactly what he should be doing.
put all the energy to good use!
to number 59 I couldn’t have said it better myself. this guy is definitely not stale, a breath of fresh air, hope, movement. He sees and acknowledges the differences of opinion. As the Rebbe said whenever you do something, accomplishment something you’ll have some enemies.
Ani lo Boteach bo
Who in Lubavitch is standing up in the bigger world and speaking for the Rebbe? Who is bringing the Rebbe’s vision – of a perfected humanity, a world of geula, of goodness and G-dliness – to the millions and millions of people who are suffering, confused and more and more desperate for answers in a world without wisdom and without truth?
————
The shluchim, that is who. Look at our response in Japan, where there is hardly a Jew left. What about our work in Haiti and during the tsunami. What has Boteach, the notorious self-aggrandizing showman, ever done for anyone else that he has the right to tell us what to do? He is and should remain mechutz lamachane.
Shneur Zalman M
Is this the Rebbe’s idea?
The Rebbe encouraged using every Kosher means available to promote Yiddishkeit on every level in every place.
The Rebbe inspired a building campaign for Chabad Houses many years ago encouraging more building than necessary, so when one sees space not being used, they think of new ways, new programs and new people to use the space for.
What this article suggests in one word is: Chinuch (of the world at-large, adults etc)
The Rebbe was always encouraging every individual (whether a world leader, or a media exec) to use their influence and ‘position’ to further goodness and justice.
A conference/cultural center to reach/educate ‘outside’ professionals and leaders as well as laymen is no different than a Jewish Children’s Museum to reach/educate ‘outside’ children.
If Lubavitch can, we should.
To #59
Great response! Great! I especially like your statement against the viciousness of some comments. When I read them, I want to stay far away from Lubavitch, Chabad, etc. I am very sensitive to such negativity, and I certainly do not wish to join a group that calls themselves Jews, but many therein express themselves with such vengeance and disrespect. (It just occurred to me that perhaps there are many who would be more spiritual in their communication, but they do not use these cites to respond/vent their views.) At any rate, I think you have some excellent things to say. Thank you.