B"H
Tu be'Shevat in Nadvorna, Permishlan, Kretchnif - Jerusalem, Lelov - USA, Machnovke and Shomrei Emunim:
Chassidut Nadvorna / Bnei Brak
Chassidut Kretchnif in Jerusalem
See all photos HERE !
Showing posts with label Kretchnif. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kretchnif. Show all posts
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Chaseneh Vishnitz - Kretchnif
B"H
Last night, a huge wedding took place in Vishnitz - Kretchnif and those of you who are interested in looking at videos and photos will find plenty of material here:
Monday, March 1, 2010
Purim 5770 in Mea Shearim
B"H
My Purim was great although I am not the total Purim type. Not getting drunk or too excited.
It was pouring in Jerusalem yesterday and me going to a Synagogue in Mea Shearim in order to hear the Megillah (Book of Esther) went down the drain. I was in the Nachlaot neighbourhood and needed something nearby in order not to drown completely. Eventually I ended up at the Carlebach Synagogue "Kol Rina" which is located in a bomb shelter in the middle of Nachlaot.
I am anything but Carlebach, the hippie crowd there is definitely not for me but the Megillah reading was the best I have ever heard. The Baal Koreh imitated the voices of Achashverosh and Mordechai. To Esther, Vashti and Seresh, he gave a women's voice. Someone had told me outside "Kol Rina" that we would hear a special Megillah reading and this came true.
On today's "Shushan Purim" in Jerusalem I went to Rabbi Mordechai Machlis for the "Se'udah (Purim)". Although crowded and a kind of crazy, I enjoyed it very much. Especially seeing old friends I hadn't seen for a while. One of them was even celebrating his 65th birthday. The Rabbi was very excited and, in the end, we were sitting at his table and listened to the stories he told.
My final destination was Mea Shearim; not to far away from the Machlis place. The Purim Shushan evening in Mea Shearim is a big event for anyone in the neighbourhood and for visitors from the outside. It was packed but more with locals. My first stop were the "Toldot Aharon". There I was glad that I came alone because they had private guards at all entrances.
The years before, anyone could enter their Synagogue on Shushan Purim but only members were allowed to get closer to the Mechitzah and actually watch. I am talking about the "Ezrat Nashim - women's side". This time, private guards obviously had the duty to let in members only. The guards, however, were not always on duty and many people slipped through. Some American girls were in front of me and we got stopped by a guard. Finally I got through after having a longer discussion with the guard. Nevertheless, I only stayed for a couple of minutes, as it was too packed.
When I arrived I just saw the incident when a drunk Toldot Aharon Chassid tried to climb up onto the Rebbe's table but he got caught; and he wouldn't have made it anyway because he was too drunk. Otherwise the atmosphere was great. Loud music and dance. The women were squeezing their noses onto the Mechitzah and watching the men.
My next stop were the "Slonim" right around the corner but they rather seemed like a men's club tonight. The "Toldot Avraham Yitzchak" further down were too packed and the "Neturei Karta" seemed abandoned and dead. I made my way to Karlin - Stolin but they were only supposed to start in another hour or so. Finally I ended up at Chassidut Kretchnif across Karlin. The Kretchnifer Rebbe (Jerusalem) had a bad traffic accident about a year and a half ago and is still suffering from an injury. I think he broke his shoulder.
The real Kretchnifer celebration was due to start at 9pm upstairs in their Synagogue but when I came, about 1,5 hour earlier, they had a huge celebration downstairs. The women had pushed the Mechitzah almost aside and thus, we had a great view into the rather small room where the Rebbe was dancing wildly. He was dancing and singing and couldn't stop. A few Chassidim were dancing on the table and the atmosphere was unbelievable. Most visitors concentrate on the Toldot Aharon or Karlin but who thinks about the smaller Chassidut Kretchnif ?
Here I wasn't checked by a guard but exchanged a few words with the Kretchnifer Rebbitzen who I know from the former visits. She invited me to the later celebration but I left earlier. Instead I asked her about the Tishes and she said that one never knows. Since her husband had this bad accident, he doesn't do Tishes every week anymore.
Kretchnif was just awesome and I really enjoyed myself for an hour. There weren't too many women and we had space to stand and watch the Rebbe. Chassidim and visitors were lining up in front of the Rebbe for blessings or requests. The Rebbe had a word for everyone and kept on dancing.
I didn't want to leave but I still wanted to see something more. So, I walked over to Karlin - Stolin where the Chassidim were celebrating outside in front of the Synagogue. I had just arrived and stood nearby the tent when a grey Chrysler stopped behind me and some other women. A few Chassidim jumped out and ran towards the tent. I recognized the Karliner Rebbe who was among those Chassidim. It looks like I had just arrived on time seeing the Karliner Rebbe from only two meters far away.
My last stop was the Synagogue right across Karlin: Chassidut Satmar.
The Satmarer group of Rebbe Zalman Leib Teitelbaum.
After being with the Satmarer twice and seeing Rebbe Aharon (November 2008 in Bnei Brak), I finally managed the group of his brother Zalman Leib. Somehow in Satmar I always end up standing on a bench and also this time. It was packed butI have to say that the Satmarer had the best music of the evening. I think it was a real singer and not only a synthesizer. The Satmarer were the only ones offering drinks to the women. In Hebrew I was told to stand on one of the benches in order to see something. Downstairs the Chassidim were dancing. Jumping up and down around a longer Tish and one Chassid walked over the Tish and handed wine to everyone.
Not to the women.
I could have stayed another few hours but decided to leave and go to sleep. It was a great Purim with many joyful events. Leaving out the firecrackers which really went on everyone's nerves.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Tish in Kretchnif (Jerusalem)
B"H
I was told today that the Kretchnifer Rebbe of Jerusalem is celebrating the Yahrzeit of his father. For this reason, also the Rebbe's brother came for a visit from the States. Both of them will probably give a great Tish on Erev Shabbat.
Location: The Kretchnifer Synagogue across Karlin - Stolin and the Satmarer Beit Midrash (of Rebbe Zalman Leib Teitelbaum).
I was told today that the Kretchnifer Rebbe of Jerusalem is celebrating the Yahrzeit of his father. For this reason, also the Rebbe's brother came for a visit from the States. Both of them will probably give a great Tish on Erev Shabbat.
Location: The Kretchnifer Synagogue across Karlin - Stolin and the Satmarer Beit Midrash (of Rebbe Zalman Leib Teitelbaum).
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Purim in Mea Shearim
View over Jerusalem from the roof of the Ruzhin - Boyan Synagogue
B"H
Whereas other places had already stopped celebrating Purim, Jerusalem is adding a second day called "Shushan Purim". Usually Mea Shearim has huge celebrations including chassidic Tishes with all the Rebbes. All places are open what many outsiders don't know. And my friend and I were lucky, as not too many Israeli tourists ran to the Tishes as on Sukkot. The streets were not divided and everyone was able to manage; men and women.
The Tishes started at sunset and our first stop were the Toldot Aharon where it was packed as usual. However, we were able to climb up one of the metal benches and get a glimpse at Rebbe David Kahn and his Chassidim. Usually the Rebbe is very serious and organized but last Shushan Purim was the first time I saw him looking a little different. His Peyes (side curls) were almost upside down and he looked as if he hadn't slept the whole night.
We already wanted to leave as a younger Toldot Aharon woman came up to me and said that she had noticed me many times at the Tishes. According to her words, she noticed everything going on and I told her that she can ask whatever she wants. No, she didn't want to ask anything but kept on saying that obviously I am curious about the group. In a positive way.
As she used the expression "curious" over and over, I told her that I am also writing on the Internet about chassidic groups. Who my readers would be, she asked.
Haredim, secular, Gentiles, whatever, I responded.
This was the end of our conversation and she just left.
The situation was just strange to me because when you come up to someone you ask questions but my friend claimed that we don't really fit into any category. We regularly come to the Tishes but are neither seminary girls nor anything haredi or whatever. Actually we don't belong to any group and don't intend to join one of them.
Whoever has an idea why the woman came up to ask is welcomed to write a comment !
Anyway, our next stop were the Toldot Avraham Yitzchak not too far away. The other Kahn brother, Rebbe Shmuel Yaakov, still looked pretty quiet and ate. His choir / band was a slightly out of tune but maybe it got better later on.
The Toldot Avraham Yitzchak
Next stop: The Neturei Karta.
The Neturei Karta has a beautiful Synagogue but there wasn't a real Purim celebration. Instead a few drunk guys were running up and down on a table.
The Neturei Karta Synagogue in Mea Shearim
Next stop: The Mishkenot HaRoim
The best band; swinging and really loud but full of joy.
Rebbe Chaim Rabinovitch was sitting in the middle and people could come up and talk to him.
The Mishkenot HaRoim with Rebbe Chaim Rabinovitch
Next stop: Stropkov
All women there were glued onto the Mechitzah (separation between men and women), and there was no way of pushing ourselves through. So we left and went to the Shomrei Emunim.
The Shomrei Emuni had a pleasant surprise, as they had set up a bigger screen on the Ezrat Nashim. Thus, the women were able to watch the Rebbe and his Chassidim closely. The screen was a great idea !
Next stop: Karlin - Stolin
A less pleasant surprise did we experience at Karlin - Stolin, as they had covered the tent where the Chassidim were celebrating outside with curtains. In order to see something, we and some other women went down and stood next to the tent. After a while a Chassid and a Karliner woman came up to us and told us to stand further away.
Further away behind the curtain.
Karlin - Stolin
We left, as we are not "behind a curtain fans" and went to Kretchnif. The Kretchnifer Synagogue was almost empty but we saw the Rebbe dancing which was very nice to see. I love to see him dancing, as he has a very special way of doing so.
Our last stop was Ruzhin - Boyan, and they were the best that night. Hundreds of Chassidim and women upstairs were there and as a special surprise they had a few Chassidim standing on the huge table in the middle, right in front of the Boyaner Rebbe. The Chassidim held up a Chuppah and it looked like a wedding celebration. I asked one of the Boyaner women what was going on and she told me that every time they are thinking about different ways of entertainment.
The dancing, the Rebbe, the Chuppah ceremony, everything was very nice to see and when we left, I was finished and could hardly move my legs anymore.
Modesty sign in the Mea Shearim Market. Customers should only enter the store when they wear modest clothes !
_______________________
The pictures were all taken by my friend !
Sunday, October 12, 2008
The Rebbe of Sassov
B"H
A picture of the Rebbe of Sassov who is, among others, also related to the Kretchnifer Rebbe of Rehovot.
To the far left: The Sassover Rebbe.
Second from the right in white coat: The Spinka Rebbe
A picture of the Rebbe of Sassov who is, among others, also related to the Kretchnifer Rebbe of Rehovot.
To the far left: The Sassover Rebbe.
Second from the right in white coat: The Spinka Rebbe
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Men only !
B"H
Shabbat Teshuva.
Last Erev Shabbat (Friday night), I had hoped that there would be some chassidic Tishes going on in Mea Shearim.
After some crazy guy decided to splash some coke at the people at his table, Rabbi Mordechai Machlis held a longer speech on how we should be careful judging other people. Not only because Yom Kippur is right ahead but judging each other favourably should be one of the mail goal of every Jew. Nevertheless, even if some guy freaked out, no one seemed to be bothered too much.
After the Machlis meal, I passed the Toldot Aharon Synagogue and many people may ask why is it always Toldot Aharon ? Why not Belz, Biale, the Steipler Rebbe or Dushinsky for a change. My answer is that I mostly pass the Toldot Aharon first and mostly just get stuck there. I like them very much and, in the meantime, spoke with quite a few female members of the group.
According to their singing inside the Synagogue, the TA were holding a Tish but no women were at sight. Right in front of the Synagogue I met a Toldot Aharon woman I already knew. Quite a few times I have spoken to her before and I think that it is actually her from whom I don't need to hide any information. I don't hide information from anyone but the Toldot Aharon still don't know that I write about them. Maybe they do and I have no clue, who knows ?
Once I met the woman I spoke to in the Nachlaot neighbourhood, near the Machane Yehudah Market. I was on my way to the laundry and didn't expect someone from Toldot Aharon in that neighbourhood. Well, I was wrong and I met her. There was no escape and she saw me wearing pants. She smiled and said HELLO and I wasn't really sure about how I should feel. Some weeks later, I met her at the groups' Tish and we had another discussion but got interrupted.
Toldot Aharon women
Last Friday night, I met her again and one of her daughters accompanied her. We started our conversation very fast and even her daughter added some comments.
Due to the upcoming Yom Kippur, the Tish was only for men. The Ezrat Nashim (women's section) was full of wooden benches and therefore, it was impossible to move. I asked her about the Toldot Avraham Yitzchak and she said that there it would be the same. My friend accompanying me and I decided to move on to the Slonim but the Toldot Aharon woman was in her talking mood. We spoke about the group and she asked me about my religious past and if there is a future. Born Haredim seem to think that the best way of getting a religious education and having a real frum life is the participation in a firm program. Not going here and there to a Shiur but being part of something serious.
When I told her that I am rather individualistic and that I have already spent more than enough time in programs, she couldn't believe it. Especially not after I told her that I once had been haredi but left society later on. I am on my way back but more modern Orthodox. Although I agree to haredi mentality and ideology, I am not totally a part of society because I also wear pants and need a distance sometimes.
The woman's response was that I need another program and if not a new one, so I should try one were I had already been. She listed me a few and then we started the whole subject about the Baalei Teshuva movement. I asked her about Toldot Aharon accepting people from the outside as members. She wasn't too excited and said that those BTs always need some special help. They don't grow up religious but not only that, as they also have no clue about the group's customs and all the little tiny details. "They need special schools or courses", she said.
She was obviously astonished when I told her that I think that a Jew should be born into a chassidic group. Newcomers can claim whatever they like but they will never be the same as someone original. A group member whose parents, grandparents, and so on have already been part of the group. There is a big difference.
It took her by surprise because after what I had told her about a more modern Orthodoxy to hear a view she totally agreed upon. The Toldot Aharon are not too excited about accepting people from the outside and she listed me the same reasons, as a Boyaner Chassid once told me. People who would like to join mostly come with the wrong expectations and many times, one of the two parts is disappointed. Either the people or the group itself.
The next time I am going to Toldot Aharon, I will definitely keep up some further conversations.
Anyway, we ended up at the Slonim but their Tish was over and, also the Slonim were just a men's club that night. Then we took Kretchnif into consideration but were too tired to walk much further. The weather was extremely warm and various people were running around and anxiously looking for Tishes.
The next day, on the way back to Rabbi Machlis, my friend and I were walking down Yechezkel Street in Ge'ulah. It was boiling hot and we tried to walk in the shade. Suddenly we saw a whole group of Chassidim coming up to us. A Rebbe in a brown coat and with white sox was walking in the middle and the Chassidim tried to be as close to him as possible. I made a joke and said to my friend that I need a computer now in order to look up who the Rebbe could be. I wasn't expecting to recognize him. The group walked up from the Sadigura Synagogue and when I took a close look, I recognized the Rebbe and the people around him. It was the Kretchifer Rebbe of Jerusalem accompanied by some of his Chassidim. He was teaching with his deep voice and we were just happy seeing him save and sound. About three or foru months ago, the Kretchnifer Rebbe had a car accident and suffered from a broken shoulder. This is why we didn't go to his Tish for such a long time because there was simply nothing going on. Now he is in good shape again and hopefully the Kretchnifers will do something for Sukkot.
Believe it or not, I was happy afterwards and felt a kind of uplifted by seeing the Rebbe so close. The only Rebbe I have ever seen almost beside me was the Rebbe of Nadvorna in Bnei Brak.
Shabbat Teshuva.
Last Erev Shabbat (Friday night), I had hoped that there would be some chassidic Tishes going on in Mea Shearim.
After some crazy guy decided to splash some coke at the people at his table, Rabbi Mordechai Machlis held a longer speech on how we should be careful judging other people. Not only because Yom Kippur is right ahead but judging each other favourably should be one of the mail goal of every Jew. Nevertheless, even if some guy freaked out, no one seemed to be bothered too much.
After the Machlis meal, I passed the Toldot Aharon Synagogue and many people may ask why is it always Toldot Aharon ? Why not Belz, Biale, the Steipler Rebbe or Dushinsky for a change. My answer is that I mostly pass the Toldot Aharon first and mostly just get stuck there. I like them very much and, in the meantime, spoke with quite a few female members of the group.
According to their singing inside the Synagogue, the TA were holding a Tish but no women were at sight. Right in front of the Synagogue I met a Toldot Aharon woman I already knew. Quite a few times I have spoken to her before and I think that it is actually her from whom I don't need to hide any information. I don't hide information from anyone but the Toldot Aharon still don't know that I write about them. Maybe they do and I have no clue, who knows ?
Once I met the woman I spoke to in the Nachlaot neighbourhood, near the Machane Yehudah Market. I was on my way to the laundry and didn't expect someone from Toldot Aharon in that neighbourhood. Well, I was wrong and I met her. There was no escape and she saw me wearing pants. She smiled and said HELLO and I wasn't really sure about how I should feel. Some weeks later, I met her at the groups' Tish and we had another discussion but got interrupted.
Toldot Aharon women
Last Friday night, I met her again and one of her daughters accompanied her. We started our conversation very fast and even her daughter added some comments.
Due to the upcoming Yom Kippur, the Tish was only for men. The Ezrat Nashim (women's section) was full of wooden benches and therefore, it was impossible to move. I asked her about the Toldot Avraham Yitzchak and she said that there it would be the same. My friend accompanying me and I decided to move on to the Slonim but the Toldot Aharon woman was in her talking mood. We spoke about the group and she asked me about my religious past and if there is a future. Born Haredim seem to think that the best way of getting a religious education and having a real frum life is the participation in a firm program. Not going here and there to a Shiur but being part of something serious.
When I told her that I am rather individualistic and that I have already spent more than enough time in programs, she couldn't believe it. Especially not after I told her that I once had been haredi but left society later on. I am on my way back but more modern Orthodox. Although I agree to haredi mentality and ideology, I am not totally a part of society because I also wear pants and need a distance sometimes.
The woman's response was that I need another program and if not a new one, so I should try one were I had already been. She listed me a few and then we started the whole subject about the Baalei Teshuva movement. I asked her about Toldot Aharon accepting people from the outside as members. She wasn't too excited and said that those BTs always need some special help. They don't grow up religious but not only that, as they also have no clue about the group's customs and all the little tiny details. "They need special schools or courses", she said.
She was obviously astonished when I told her that I think that a Jew should be born into a chassidic group. Newcomers can claim whatever they like but they will never be the same as someone original. A group member whose parents, grandparents, and so on have already been part of the group. There is a big difference.
It took her by surprise because after what I had told her about a more modern Orthodoxy to hear a view she totally agreed upon. The Toldot Aharon are not too excited about accepting people from the outside and she listed me the same reasons, as a Boyaner Chassid once told me. People who would like to join mostly come with the wrong expectations and many times, one of the two parts is disappointed. Either the people or the group itself.
The next time I am going to Toldot Aharon, I will definitely keep up some further conversations.
Anyway, we ended up at the Slonim but their Tish was over and, also the Slonim were just a men's club that night. Then we took Kretchnif into consideration but were too tired to walk much further. The weather was extremely warm and various people were running around and anxiously looking for Tishes.
The next day, on the way back to Rabbi Machlis, my friend and I were walking down Yechezkel Street in Ge'ulah. It was boiling hot and we tried to walk in the shade. Suddenly we saw a whole group of Chassidim coming up to us. A Rebbe in a brown coat and with white sox was walking in the middle and the Chassidim tried to be as close to him as possible. I made a joke and said to my friend that I need a computer now in order to look up who the Rebbe could be. I wasn't expecting to recognize him. The group walked up from the Sadigura Synagogue and when I took a close look, I recognized the Rebbe and the people around him. It was the Kretchifer Rebbe of Jerusalem accompanied by some of his Chassidim. He was teaching with his deep voice and we were just happy seeing him save and sound. About three or foru months ago, the Kretchnifer Rebbe had a car accident and suffered from a broken shoulder. This is why we didn't go to his Tish for such a long time because there was simply nothing going on. Now he is in good shape again and hopefully the Kretchnifers will do something for Sukkot.
Believe it or not, I was happy afterwards and felt a kind of uplifted by seeing the Rebbe so close. The only Rebbe I have ever seen almost beside me was the Rebbe of Nadvorna in Bnei Brak.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Kretchnifer Rebbe in Car Accident
B"H
The Kretchnifer Rebbe of Jerusalem, Rabbi Nissan Rosenbaum, was injured in a car accident last Tuesday. Traveling in a car on the road between Jerusalem and the Ramot neighbourhood, the Rebbe's car got hit by another car.
Rebbe Rosenbaum was traveling together with his son and his brother - in - law who were slightly injured. The Rebbe himself is suffering from a broken hand and a broken shoulder.
Refuah Shlemach !!!!!
The Kretchnifer Rebbe of Jerusalem, Rabbi Nissan Rosenbaum, was injured in a car accident last Tuesday. Traveling in a car on the road between Jerusalem and the Ramot neighbourhood, the Rebbe's car got hit by another car.
Rebbe Rosenbaum was traveling together with his son and his brother - in - law who were slightly injured. The Rebbe himself is suffering from a broken hand and a broken shoulder.
Refuah Shlemach !!!!!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Masses in Mea Shearim
B"H
Perfect weather. More then 20° C and sunshine. Trees are blossoming and summer seems to be straight ahead of us. Nevertheless, winter is not over yet, as it is only March.
With a friend of mine I went to the Karlin – Stolin Synagogue for Maariv on Erev Shabbat. Many of you know Karlin – Stolin and their devoted prayers where they shout out the words, are more than famous and popular. Somehow Karlin – Stolin is becoming a ritual. There can hardly be another great Maariv prayer on Erev Shabbat as at their synagogue.
I admit that there aren't too many women taking part in the service and the Ezrat Nashim is empty. If you are lucky you can find five or six of them. And even if, the majority consists of visitors like us. But this doesn't mean you cannot have a great service. I can only recommend at Karlin – Stolin. The group even has its own Sidur called "Beit Aharon and Israel".
Afterwards we took part in our second ritual.
We went for a Shabbat meal to Rabbi Mordechai Machlis. Although the Rabbi doesn’t want any political talks in his house on Shabbat, he began his "ceremony" with a speech about the tragic events at the Mercaz HaRav Yeshiva in the Kiryat Moshe neighbourhood.
Eight Yeshiva students were shot by an Arab Terrorist and more than 30 were wounded. Rabbi Machlis had been to the mass funeral on Friday morning. As we are not allowed to mourn on Shabbat, the Rabbi made a very emotional speech but from one second to the other, his son Yehoshua changed the subject with a song.
After the meal, we went straight to the Dushinsky Synagogue were a Tish took place.
Next time we have to leave the Machlis house earlier, as most Tishes start at 10pm at the moment. The result of our showing up at 11pm was that we couldn't find a place behind the Dushinsky Mechitzah. I had a quick look on Rebbe Yosef Zvi Dushinsky and that was it.
Our next destination was Krechtnif. And there, we were lucky. An empty Ezrta Nashim except for the Rebbitzen who showed up with her daughters and in – laws. The only problem is that someone at Kretchnif had this great "idea" of hanging up some plastic foil on the metal Mechitzah. Now we have to stare through this foil and when you do so for ten minutes, your eyes just go crazy.
After about 20 minutes, we were dizzy enough and ready to leave. A pity, because the Krechnifer have such a great Tish and I like the Rebbitzen. Let alone the Rebbe dancing by himself.
Can please anyone take off this plastic foil.
I promise not to climb over or do something immodest. But just return the the status quo of the old Mechitzah !!!!!
We started walking down Mea Shearim Street and guess what:
The two entrance doors to the Mishkenot HaRoim building were wide open and shouted at us: "Come in, come in"!!!
The Mishkenot HaRoim are not really a chassidic group in a normal sense. They are rather a kind of secret group or organization whose present head is Rabbi Chaim Rabinovicz. Extremely anti – Zionist, secret and a member of the Edah HaCharedit.
However, don't get too excited now.
Very fast we realized that both doors are for men only.
Now what ?
Dress up as a men or give up ?
I started looking for a third entrance. But nothing. It cannot be that only men pray in this building. How about the group members wives ? Where do they pray ?
Maybe a good idea would be to finally go to the Neturei Karta Synagogue and investigate there. Someone might have an idea. It was such a pity because the Mishkenot HaRoim had a Tish.
A few meters further away, we reached the Shomrei Emunim Synagogue. But no Tish took place.
So guess what we did ?
Of course, we started our third ritual which is called "Toldot Aharon". It was Tish – time but unfortunately, it was so packed, that we didn't see much. Hundreds of women were standing on the metal benches and pushing each other. We stayed for a little more than half an hour and then escaped the scene. There was no air inside and an incredible heat.
The next morning I was really in my Neturei Karta mood.
I wasn't suddenly anti – Zionist but felt like something challenging. However, I ended up at Toldot Aharon for Shacharit. This happens when you get to Mea Shearim Street and this is the first place you see. I couldn't resist but I should have.
I walked in and saw the same as the night before. Women's legs on the metal benches everywhere. There was no space and eventually I chose the very last back bench. Now, don't ask me anything what was going on. I was there for almost three hours and saw NOTHING from the service. The truth is that I didn't even hear the service. Maybe a few words but that was it. The Toldot Aharon Mechitzah for Shabbat is simply a disaster. They put the metal bars onto the glass because the light is turned on and the men from downstairs might see the women.
There is only one thing I can tell for sure:
They had another Shabbat Chatan. Three or four young couples are getting married this week.
As you can imagine, I didn't have a great spiritual prayer service. In fact, I had no service. I prayed the Amidah twice, as everybody placed herself in position and finally even I realized what was going on. Otherwise there was just nothing.
However, the group members were in their talking moods and I had some nice brief discussions instead.
Well, what do you do when you sit in a synagogue and don't know what is happening ?
You look around.
This is exactly what I did. I stared at the clothes and head covers. Suddenly I noticed that a very young girl didn't stop staring at me. She couldn't have been older than 17 or 18 years old. She was definitely newly married. Maybe only for a few weeks.
I don't know how why but I always attract the desperate. I can enter a room with a thousand people but all the desperate only jump on me.
And the girl was desperate. Totally sad and I am sure that she has been crying out her eyes. Maybe her marriage is not the best, who knows. I had this experience a few months ago with another girl.
In the meantime, I tried looking into different directions but the girl kept on staring with the look "I want to switch with you".
Almost at the end, she left together with her mother but kept staring.
Later on I told my friend that there is another "case" and she just replied: "Oh, no".
But I promised one thing to myself. The Toldot Aharon Tish is great but the synagogue service at the Ezrat Nashim is just a disaster. I don't know how all the other women suffer through this by not seeing and not hearing. They probably got used to it.
Perfect weather. More then 20° C and sunshine. Trees are blossoming and summer seems to be straight ahead of us. Nevertheless, winter is not over yet, as it is only March.
With a friend of mine I went to the Karlin – Stolin Synagogue for Maariv on Erev Shabbat. Many of you know Karlin – Stolin and their devoted prayers where they shout out the words, are more than famous and popular. Somehow Karlin – Stolin is becoming a ritual. There can hardly be another great Maariv prayer on Erev Shabbat as at their synagogue.
I admit that there aren't too many women taking part in the service and the Ezrat Nashim is empty. If you are lucky you can find five or six of them. And even if, the majority consists of visitors like us. But this doesn't mean you cannot have a great service. I can only recommend at Karlin – Stolin. The group even has its own Sidur called "Beit Aharon and Israel".
Afterwards we took part in our second ritual.
We went for a Shabbat meal to Rabbi Mordechai Machlis. Although the Rabbi doesn’t want any political talks in his house on Shabbat, he began his "ceremony" with a speech about the tragic events at the Mercaz HaRav Yeshiva in the Kiryat Moshe neighbourhood.
Eight Yeshiva students were shot by an Arab Terrorist and more than 30 were wounded. Rabbi Machlis had been to the mass funeral on Friday morning. As we are not allowed to mourn on Shabbat, the Rabbi made a very emotional speech but from one second to the other, his son Yehoshua changed the subject with a song.
After the meal, we went straight to the Dushinsky Synagogue were a Tish took place.
Next time we have to leave the Machlis house earlier, as most Tishes start at 10pm at the moment. The result of our showing up at 11pm was that we couldn't find a place behind the Dushinsky Mechitzah. I had a quick look on Rebbe Yosef Zvi Dushinsky and that was it.
Our next destination was Krechtnif. And there, we were lucky. An empty Ezrta Nashim except for the Rebbitzen who showed up with her daughters and in – laws. The only problem is that someone at Kretchnif had this great "idea" of hanging up some plastic foil on the metal Mechitzah. Now we have to stare through this foil and when you do so for ten minutes, your eyes just go crazy.
After about 20 minutes, we were dizzy enough and ready to leave. A pity, because the Krechnifer have such a great Tish and I like the Rebbitzen. Let alone the Rebbe dancing by himself.
Can please anyone take off this plastic foil.
I promise not to climb over or do something immodest. But just return the the status quo of the old Mechitzah !!!!!
We started walking down Mea Shearim Street and guess what:
The two entrance doors to the Mishkenot HaRoim building were wide open and shouted at us: "Come in, come in"!!!
The Mishkenot HaRoim are not really a chassidic group in a normal sense. They are rather a kind of secret group or organization whose present head is Rabbi Chaim Rabinovicz. Extremely anti – Zionist, secret and a member of the Edah HaCharedit.
However, don't get too excited now.
Very fast we realized that both doors are for men only.
Now what ?
Dress up as a men or give up ?
I started looking for a third entrance. But nothing. It cannot be that only men pray in this building. How about the group members wives ? Where do they pray ?
Maybe a good idea would be to finally go to the Neturei Karta Synagogue and investigate there. Someone might have an idea. It was such a pity because the Mishkenot HaRoim had a Tish.
A few meters further away, we reached the Shomrei Emunim Synagogue. But no Tish took place.
So guess what we did ?
Of course, we started our third ritual which is called "Toldot Aharon". It was Tish – time but unfortunately, it was so packed, that we didn't see much. Hundreds of women were standing on the metal benches and pushing each other. We stayed for a little more than half an hour and then escaped the scene. There was no air inside and an incredible heat.
The next morning I was really in my Neturei Karta mood.
I wasn't suddenly anti – Zionist but felt like something challenging. However, I ended up at Toldot Aharon for Shacharit. This happens when you get to Mea Shearim Street and this is the first place you see. I couldn't resist but I should have.
I walked in and saw the same as the night before. Women's legs on the metal benches everywhere. There was no space and eventually I chose the very last back bench. Now, don't ask me anything what was going on. I was there for almost three hours and saw NOTHING from the service. The truth is that I didn't even hear the service. Maybe a few words but that was it. The Toldot Aharon Mechitzah for Shabbat is simply a disaster. They put the metal bars onto the glass because the light is turned on and the men from downstairs might see the women.
There is only one thing I can tell for sure:
They had another Shabbat Chatan. Three or four young couples are getting married this week.
As you can imagine, I didn't have a great spiritual prayer service. In fact, I had no service. I prayed the Amidah twice, as everybody placed herself in position and finally even I realized what was going on. Otherwise there was just nothing.
However, the group members were in their talking moods and I had some nice brief discussions instead.
Well, what do you do when you sit in a synagogue and don't know what is happening ?
You look around.
This is exactly what I did. I stared at the clothes and head covers. Suddenly I noticed that a very young girl didn't stop staring at me. She couldn't have been older than 17 or 18 years old. She was definitely newly married. Maybe only for a few weeks.
I don't know how why but I always attract the desperate. I can enter a room with a thousand people but all the desperate only jump on me.
And the girl was desperate. Totally sad and I am sure that she has been crying out her eyes. Maybe her marriage is not the best, who knows. I had this experience a few months ago with another girl.
In the meantime, I tried looking into different directions but the girl kept on staring with the look "I want to switch with you".
Almost at the end, she left together with her mother but kept staring.
Later on I told my friend that there is another "case" and she just replied: "Oh, no".
But I promised one thing to myself. The Toldot Aharon Tish is great but the synagogue service at the Ezrat Nashim is just a disaster. I don't know how all the other women suffer through this by not seeing and not hearing. They probably got used to it.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Chassidic Tish on Shabbat
B"H
Also this Leil Shabbat, my friend and I are going to a chassidic Tish. So far, we have no idea if the Rebbe of Toldot Aharon is back from his summer vacation. However, if not, we are going to Chassidut Dushinsky and Kretchnif.
Here are two great videos from Chassidut Kretchnif in Mea Shearim. Enjoy and Shabbat Shalom.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4967758554062247749&q=kretshnif+tish&total=5&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=2
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5496096413562263559&q=kretshnif+tish&total=5&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=0
Also this Leil Shabbat, my friend and I are going to a chassidic Tish. So far, we have no idea if the Rebbe of Toldot Aharon is back from his summer vacation. However, if not, we are going to Chassidut Dushinsky and Kretchnif.
Here are two great videos from Chassidut Kretchnif in Mea Shearim. Enjoy and Shabbat Shalom.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4967758554062247749&q=kretshnif+tish&total=5&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=2
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5496096413562263559&q=kretshnif+tish&total=5&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=0
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