Op-Ed: Challenges of News Sharing in the Lubavitch Community

Hi, I’m Chaim Cohen from Williamsburg. I work as a family lawyer and handle many cases in Crown Heights. I have numerous good friends there, and I appreciate the Chassidic values. While I don’t consider myself a Lubavitcher, I did spend a year learning in 770 about 26 years ago. As they say, “Once a tamim, always a tamim.”

I feel compelled to write this to my friends, hoping it reaches the right people who can finally take action and fix the problem. What happened in 770 is shocking and outrageous. I won’t delve into the details, as every news channel is already covering it. The Chilul Hashem and antisemitism that they make of it are crazy.

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. The “action” they did is terrible, but the real damage is because of our “reaction.”

In communities like Flatbush, Boro Park, Williamsburg, etc., there are times when we don’t agree with each other, and there may be wild times. But one thing we all know is that there is no reason to spike the news, send out pictures and videos; there is no need for it to get out. It’s shocking to see in Lubavitch that this happens quite often — from little fights, where there are consistently videos going around on many chats and websites Lubavitch has, to COVID-19, where the entire world is looking at the “Jews” for their “spreading the virus” and other antisemitic expressions. But most videos that the news and social media were showing were from Lubavitch; other communities did the similar but just didn’t get the same PR as in Lubavitch.

In Crown Heights, it appears that people often assume the role of walking reporters. Everyone feels the urge to convey events to the news “the right way,” from store owners to community leaders and bachorim in yeshiva. It has become commonplace to stroll around, snap pictures, and share them instantly. The need to be the first to post is prevalent, with little consideration for the potential far-reaching and damaging consequences.

I believe it’s crucial for our community to educate themselves, not just for our sake but for Jews globally. Saying to ourselves, “But they are wrong! They are animals!” may have some truth, but the media doesn’t operate in the same way. Presently, they look down at Jews and the entire Chabad community. Attempting to put down a few unconventional individuals won’t justify Chabad, Jews, and certainly won’t resolve the ongoing Chabad conflict.

I firmly believe our community needs reflection and education. This isn’t just for our benefit but extends to the welfare of Jews worldwide. Simply pointing fingers and labeling others as “wrong” or “animals” serves no constructive purpose. As we’ve seen, the media tends to view Jews and Chabad negatively in response to such actions.

It’s important that we also realize how we can’t make drastic moves in the heat of the moment. This certainly applies to community leaders and rabbis; we can’t talk from emotions as leaders. We need to think, as they say in Chabad, use your Chochmah, Bina, and Daat before addressing the issues.

I want to bring attention to another shocking point that I find important, in addition to the crucial general point. During my year in Lubavitch at 770, there was an incident involving a group that decided to act on their own beliefs without any permission, engaging in radical actions. The police were called, and a few of those bachorim were arrested. Surprisingly, there were bachorim who were happy and excited about the arrest of fellow Yidden (I’m not justifying their actions in any way). They rushed to tell Rabbi Yoel Kahn about this with much excitement, and he responded seriously, emphasizing that they may be wrong, and their actions are destructive. When a Yid gets taken into the hands of the authorities, it’s not a joke and definitely not something to rejoice in.

I watched a video of many bachorim rejoicing and cheering at the arrest of Yidden; they may have “earned it,” but witnessing Yidden, especially Chassidim, who pride themselves on their Ahavas Yisroel chant at their arrest and scream “arrest all of that, the more, the better” makes me feel it is crazy. Where is the Chassidus teachings of Ahavas Yisrael? Where are the chassidic values?

Lastly, in Lubavitch, it’s ingrained that when the Rebbe says something, we listen right away. I am not, G-d forbid, siding with the terrible thing that was done, but I’ve heard that the Rebbe wished to expand 770. If this is true, how come it didn’t happen for over 30 years? Maybe it’s time to do it right!

In closing, let’s all pray for the safety of Klal Yisroel worldwide. May our efforts to learn, understand, and embrace true unity bring comfort and strength. Together, may we create a peaceful and secure future for everyone.