Chassidic Tish Guide Part 5 - Chassidut Kretchnif

B"H

If you still haven't heard about the Kretchnifer Chassidim, it is high time visiting their Rebbe's Tish. Although Kretchnif has different Rebbes (in Jerusalem, Rehovot, Haifa or New York), I am only concentrating on the Jerusalemer Tish of Rebbe Nissan Chaim Rosenbaum.

To me Kretchnif was the same as the Slonim; a friend of mine recommended them. After different people described me the way how to get there, I didn't face any problems finding the place. Actually it is very easy to find the Kretchnifer Synagogue. Right across Karlin – Stolin and the Satmarer Beit Midrash. And as usual, my friend and I started looking for the women's entrance to the Ezrat Nashim. But we were lucky at the first time. Two other girls had just walked out and showed us the way.

Last summer, the Kretchnifer Tish seemed to be a temporarily solution for us. Our favourite Rebbes of Toldot Aharon and Avraham Yitzchak were on vacation abroad and we were desperately looking for other Tishes. It was actually a positive opportunity looking for other groups and not always getting stuck at the same Tishes over and over again. But whoever considers Kretchnif as a temporarily solution might be very mistaken. A visitor of their Tish should stay as long as possible and look around, as there is so much to see. Especially the giant cakes later on.

The Kretchnifer Tish starts between 10pm – 10.30pm. The Rebbe finishes at about 2.15 in the morning.

Tish Video

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7495712384584720227&q=kretshnif+tish&total=3&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=0

Purim at Kretchnif

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8247918920442353615


Rebbe Nissan Chaim Rosenbaum at the Mitzwe Tanz with his daughter who got married.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8053135343788864700

The one's of you looking for a small cozy chassidic Tish, should definitely go to Kretchnif. It is extremely easy getting in touch with the other 40 – 50 Chassidim and Rebbe Nissan Chaim Rosenbaum refers to everybody. No wonder that many Chassidim from other groups like to come to his Tish: Toldot Aharon, Avraham Yitzchak, Satmar, Karlin, Gur, etc. Everybody is welcomed and gets food (shirayim) from the Rebbe. There is even cold beer which is divided among the Chassidim. Unfortunately only among the men. As usual. However, my friend and I made some secret plans of bringing a bottle of our own. Who can resist during a hot summer night ?

The Rebbe eats a whole meal. He has the habit of sniffing on a small silver box. What is inside ?
My friends says SNUFF and I say BE'SAMIM (HERBS). Which one of us is right ?

The synagogue is rather small and the Ezrat Nashim is even tinier.

The Rebbe loves to sing and swing with his arms. In many ways he somehow reminds me of Rebbe Shmuel Yaakov Kahn of the Toldot Avraham Yitzchak. Rebbe Rosenbaum usually gives at least two Derashot (Torah teachings) but it is very hard to understand him. Not only in the Ezrat Nashim but even his Chassidim move closer as soon as he talks.

In order to get in touch with the Kretchnifer women, you have to be a regular at the Tish. After they see you a few times, they start talking to you. Especially the Rebbitzen. She is a very nice lady who, same as her husband, refers to everyone.

According to our experience, Kretchnif is the only group handing food out to the women. Only some slices from the giant steaming cake but never mind. It smells so good when the cake is coming out and you should see the Chassidim lining up.

However, the best event is the Rebbe's dance. He does it for some minutes only by himself. He is moving backwards and forwards right in front of his chair. Afterwards him and the Chassidim build a circle and dance. You should see the Rebbe running in front of the Chassidim. He is so fast that others have difficulties to follow.

The Kretchnifer Tish is highly recommended and interesting to see. A family atmosphere just like in a bigger living room. Unfortunately, the Mechizah is to low for me and after a while my back starts hurting.

The Mechitzah consists of metal pieces and so far, we were able to see everything. Some weeks ago, the Krechtnifer obviously decided to put some plastic on the metal. This plastic is not too good for the eyes and after some time you are dizzy. Maybe someone could tell the Chassidim to take down the plastic.

Location: Avinoam Street, across Karlin – Stolin.

The entrance to the Ezrat Nashim is to the left of the back of the building. Walk in on the left side, turn right and walk up all the stairs. Don't get too tired in the staircase. Then go out onto the porch left and turn right again.