B"H
Here you can watch the Jerusalem syndrome live.
A Christian American guy who is calling himself Eliyahu HaNavi (Eliyah the Prophet) is preaching in the Ben Yehudah Mall.
The haredi guy who is singing and bothering the preacher is a good friend of mine. Ron Ovadiah.
Friday, June 15, 2007
The Edah strikes back
B"H
The Edah HaCharedit has opened its war against the upcoming Jerusalem Gay Parade. A few days ago, the Jerusalem police announced that the event is probably taking place (June 21, next Thursday). Municipality and high - ranking politicians are against the parade. Such an event cannot take place in the Holy City of Jerusalem.
The gays, on the other hand, do anything to provoke the religious population. It is their DAVKA - behaviour what upsets the people. They really want to make their point and do not care how. The Jerusalem homosexual organization, the Open House, does not care at all about religion and religious feelings let alone G - d.
Gays can do whatever they want in their private lives but today, it seems to be a kind of fashion to show the outside world any sexual behaviour. No one is ashamed any more. The problem is that so many people do it, and eventually others might think that it is normal behaving in such a way.
Shimon Peres is our new elected president and, as we can read in the papers today, the religious parties only elected him because he promised to cancel the Gay Parade. These days, the Open House is having meetings with haredim in order to find a solution.
In the meantime, the anti - Zionist organization Edah HaCharedit located in Mea Shearim, is striking back. On the day before yesterday, huge demonstrations took place in Mea Shearim. Garbage was burned in the street and stones were thrown onto the police.
It is not only the haredim reacting in a violent way, but also the police. I know this from my own experience, as I was watching a haredi demonstration near the Machane Yehudah Market two years ago. The demonstrators blocked an entrance to a non - kosher store in Agrippas Street. Suddenly cops driving on motor - bikes came and drove right into the demonstration. Baruch HaShem, no one was injured.
Tonight on Leil Shabbat it will be quiet. A friend of mine and me are again going to a chassidic Tish in Mea Shearim. Toldot Avraham Yitzchak and Toldot Aharon.
Shabbat Shalom to all of you !!!
The Edah HaCharedit has opened its war against the upcoming Jerusalem Gay Parade. A few days ago, the Jerusalem police announced that the event is probably taking place (June 21, next Thursday). Municipality and high - ranking politicians are against the parade. Such an event cannot take place in the Holy City of Jerusalem.
The gays, on the other hand, do anything to provoke the religious population. It is their DAVKA - behaviour what upsets the people. They really want to make their point and do not care how. The Jerusalem homosexual organization, the Open House, does not care at all about religion and religious feelings let alone G - d.
Gays can do whatever they want in their private lives but today, it seems to be a kind of fashion to show the outside world any sexual behaviour. No one is ashamed any more. The problem is that so many people do it, and eventually others might think that it is normal behaving in such a way.
Shimon Peres is our new elected president and, as we can read in the papers today, the religious parties only elected him because he promised to cancel the Gay Parade. These days, the Open House is having meetings with haredim in order to find a solution.
In the meantime, the anti - Zionist organization Edah HaCharedit located in Mea Shearim, is striking back. On the day before yesterday, huge demonstrations took place in Mea Shearim. Garbage was burned in the street and stones were thrown onto the police.
It is not only the haredim reacting in a violent way, but also the police. I know this from my own experience, as I was watching a haredi demonstration near the Machane Yehudah Market two years ago. The demonstrators blocked an entrance to a non - kosher store in Agrippas Street. Suddenly cops driving on motor - bikes came and drove right into the demonstration. Baruch HaShem, no one was injured.
Tonight on Leil Shabbat it will be quiet. A friend of mine and me are again going to a chassidic Tish in Mea Shearim. Toldot Avraham Yitzchak and Toldot Aharon.
Shabbat Shalom to all of you !!!
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
On the Path of the Avot
B"H
In Israel, the chassidic group Toldot Aharon is famous for its strict ideology. The daily life of the members is ruled by "Takanot" which were established by the founder, Rebbe Aharon Roth. To some people, those extremely strict Takanot, such as not owning a radio or ask the Rebbe for permission if someone intends leaving town for a few days, might sound rather strange or exaggerated. However, their goal was and is keeping the youth on the path of the Avot (forefathers) and not letting them search for new ways of life. The Toldot Aharon split - offs, Toldot Avraham Yitzchak and Shomrei Emunim, have the same policy.
In our society today, people do search for new ways of life all the time. Sometimes they are so busy searching that they already forgot what they are searching for. Although we might be religious and keep Mitzwot, we are definitely influenced by other ideas. Especially materialism is one of the biggest problems today. National religious, haredi, chassidic, it does not really matter what I am, I have to have the new car, computer, apartment etc. Every Thursday when the new edition of a certain Jerusalem haredi paper is handed out, I realize what is going on. The first page male haredi readers open is the page with the car sales.
Another very important law for Toldot Aharon members is not showing off or being too proud of Torah knowledge. I could not believe it until I saw it myself. All people I met so far are humble whereas in other religious societies rabbis or yeshiva students do not even bother talking to ordinary people without too much knowledge.
Is life according to Takanot the only way of life in order to be on the path of the Avot ? Have other Jewish orthodox societies failed because their members got adjusted to materialism or a life outside Torah ? Can there be a life outside Torah while still keeping Mitzwot ? Who says that I cannot go enjoying a movie but still be a religious person ? I have no clue about what our foremothers or forefathers would have thought about us. It appears to me that they knew how to deal with the outside world but still kept their religion. The only thing is not to let strange influences rule over your entire life. Everyone has to find the best way for himself.
Although I really admire chassidic life, I could not just go into one direction. I enjoy going to Chassidim but, on the other hand, I also enjoy going to a cafe or a movie. I am not really here or there and I do like having a change. Being only on one side would make me depressed and this is what Judaism should not cause anyone.
In Israel, the chassidic group Toldot Aharon is famous for its strict ideology. The daily life of the members is ruled by "Takanot" which were established by the founder, Rebbe Aharon Roth. To some people, those extremely strict Takanot, such as not owning a radio or ask the Rebbe for permission if someone intends leaving town for a few days, might sound rather strange or exaggerated. However, their goal was and is keeping the youth on the path of the Avot (forefathers) and not letting them search for new ways of life. The Toldot Aharon split - offs, Toldot Avraham Yitzchak and Shomrei Emunim, have the same policy.
In our society today, people do search for new ways of life all the time. Sometimes they are so busy searching that they already forgot what they are searching for. Although we might be religious and keep Mitzwot, we are definitely influenced by other ideas. Especially materialism is one of the biggest problems today. National religious, haredi, chassidic, it does not really matter what I am, I have to have the new car, computer, apartment etc. Every Thursday when the new edition of a certain Jerusalem haredi paper is handed out, I realize what is going on. The first page male haredi readers open is the page with the car sales.
Another very important law for Toldot Aharon members is not showing off or being too proud of Torah knowledge. I could not believe it until I saw it myself. All people I met so far are humble whereas in other religious societies rabbis or yeshiva students do not even bother talking to ordinary people without too much knowledge.
Is life according to Takanot the only way of life in order to be on the path of the Avot ? Have other Jewish orthodox societies failed because their members got adjusted to materialism or a life outside Torah ? Can there be a life outside Torah while still keeping Mitzwot ? Who says that I cannot go enjoying a movie but still be a religious person ? I have no clue about what our foremothers or forefathers would have thought about us. It appears to me that they knew how to deal with the outside world but still kept their religion. The only thing is not to let strange influences rule over your entire life. Everyone has to find the best way for himself.
Although I really admire chassidic life, I could not just go into one direction. I enjoy going to Chassidim but, on the other hand, I also enjoy going to a cafe or a movie. I am not really here or there and I do like having a change. Being only on one side would make me depressed and this is what Judaism should not cause anyone.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Toldot Aharon Dance
B"H
For those of you who do not know how the Toldot Aharon chassidim look like, here a short video from last Sukkot. The Chassidim are dancing in their great synagogue in Mea Shearim where also the Rebbe's Tish takes place.
For those of you who do not know how the Toldot Aharon chassidim look like, here a short video from last Sukkot. The Chassidim are dancing in their great synagogue in Mea Shearim where also the Rebbe's Tish takes place.
Monday, June 11, 2007
The Curse
B"H
While walking through Jerusalem today, you might realize many posters on the walls. Posters written in Mea Shearim style which are called Fakshvillim. They were put up by the anti - zionistic Edah HaCharedit located in Mea Shearim. Members of the Edah are, for example, Satmar, Toldot Aharon, Dushinsky, Brisk etc.
The so - called Open House is planning a new Gay Parade in Jerusalem on June, 21. In my opinion, it is a disaster having such a Parade in Jerusalem. The gays can go to Tel Aviv or elsewhere. By the way, there was a Gay Parade in Tel Aviv last Friday.
Jerusalem is the city of G - d and such a parade is a desecration. All three religions, Jews, Moslems and Christians are demonstrating against such a parade. The Knesset just signed a new law not allowing such an event in Jerusalem. However, the homosexual organisation, "The Open House" in Ben Yehudah Street wants to make its point. They claim to have a right for the parade. The only thing is that they seem to do it on purpose. Enjoying running around half naked through Jerusalem just to make their point.
Now, the Edah HaCharedit has put a ban and a curse on everyone joining the parade, including the people protecting it such as the police. Additionally, 100,000 Haredim are expected to demonstrate against the gays. I am not sure if police and border police will take such a risk. Mayor Uri Lupolianski and the vast majority of the inhabitants are against the parade anyway.
While walking through Jerusalem today, you might realize many posters on the walls. Posters written in Mea Shearim style which are called Fakshvillim. They were put up by the anti - zionistic Edah HaCharedit located in Mea Shearim. Members of the Edah are, for example, Satmar, Toldot Aharon, Dushinsky, Brisk etc.
The so - called Open House is planning a new Gay Parade in Jerusalem on June, 21. In my opinion, it is a disaster having such a Parade in Jerusalem. The gays can go to Tel Aviv or elsewhere. By the way, there was a Gay Parade in Tel Aviv last Friday.
Jerusalem is the city of G - d and such a parade is a desecration. All three religions, Jews, Moslems and Christians are demonstrating against such a parade. The Knesset just signed a new law not allowing such an event in Jerusalem. However, the homosexual organisation, "The Open House" in Ben Yehudah Street wants to make its point. They claim to have a right for the parade. The only thing is that they seem to do it on purpose. Enjoying running around half naked through Jerusalem just to make their point.
Now, the Edah HaCharedit has put a ban and a curse on everyone joining the parade, including the people protecting it such as the police. Additionally, 100,000 Haredim are expected to demonstrate against the gays. I am not sure if police and border police will take such a risk. Mayor Uri Lupolianski and the vast majority of the inhabitants are against the parade anyway.
Tish at Chassidut Toldot Avraham Yitzchak
B"H
Again, last Friday night, a friend of mine and me went to another chassidut in Mea Shearim. As at the moment I am writing about chassidut Toldot Aharon, I do have lots of work. Toldot Aharon has two split - offs and one of them is Toldot Avraham Yitzchak.
During Chanukkah 1996, the Toldot Aharon Rebbe, Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Kahn, passed away and each of his two sons wanted to be the new Rebbe. As the followers chose the younger brother, Rabbi David Kahn, his older brother Rabbi Shmuel Yaakov Kahn started his own chassidic group named after his father Avraham Yitzchak.
Despite the separation, both groups and brothers are extremely friendly with each other and most of their customs and clothes are still the same. Someone even told me that I should attach myself more to Avraham Yitzchak in order to get more information. They are a little more open and basically the same as Toldot Avraham. However, I found that also members of Toldot Aharon are very helpful and answer all kinds of questions.
In order to find out more about Toldot Avraham Yitzchak, a friend of mine and me went to their synagogue last Friday night. First we went for Maariv. Their great synagoge is located in the middle of the Mea Shearim neighbourhood, not far from the huge Breslov synagogue.
The women of Toldot Aharon have the custom not to go to Maariv on Leil Shabbat, but at Avraham Yitzchak they do. As we entered, we only found four women praying in the women's section. The women's section at the Avraham Yitzchak synagogue looks nicer than the one at Toldot Aharon. It is much bigger and there are two rooms. When you come in first, you might be disappointed by the Mechitza. It is almost impossible to look through the metal bars. However, just go around the corner to your left and you will find another womens' room with three huge windows as Mechitza. The disadvantage is the hearing. The windows are tight and you will not hear too much. Nevertheless, one has a great view over the men's section.
At the end of Maariv, sweets and potatoe chips were handed out to the children. The men were storming to a certain location in the synagogue where the Rebbe stood and wished everyone a Shabbat Shalom - Git Shabbes. A women told us to come back later for the Tish where the Rebbe is handing out orange slices to his Chassidim. A custom of Avraham Yitzchak.
We did come back later and Rebbe Shmuel Yaakov Kahn had already made Kiddush. Actually he was in the middle of his Shabbat meal, starting with Gefilte Fisch. He had a giant silver tray in front of him. A chassid acting as a kind of waiter served him the meal and drinks, soda or wine. While the Rebbe obviously enjoyed his meal, the Chassidim were singing. Toldot Aharon also have a great Tish but Avraham Yitzchak is more entertaining. I really liked their great Zemirot and Niggunim. They sang very enthusiastically and the Rebbe was conducting. Later on he led the singing.
After the Gefilte Fisch, he ate chicken soup and then meat with Kugel and cooked sweet carrots. The leftovers were given out to the Chassidim.
The women's section was full with at least over 100 women. Downstairs were about 200 men including some litvishe Haredim and a group of national religious yeshiva students. Some Chassidim, especially those sitting at the Tish for the elderly or more distinguished members, fell asleep. Sometimes there was a certain point when they woke up. Especially when the singing started again and when the Rebbe conducted.
Unfortunately, we did not hear too much from his Drasha. All the women around us were talking, as they rather see it as a social event. Bringing their kids and chatting with the other women.
At about 1:00am, another chair was carried in and another Rebbe sat down right next to Rebbe Kahn. First we thaught that this might be a relative but a woman told us that this is the Rebbe of Kalov. The Kalover Rebbe Moshe Taub from New York. He was a special guest that night.
Well, we did not stay until the Rebbe gave out the orange slices but at least we made it until 2:00am. We enjoyed the Toldot Avraham Yitzchak Tish very very much. The women were very nice and open to questions.
Next Friday night we will go again and on Shabbat morning we are going to the morning service of the third split - off called Shomrei Emunim (Guardians of Faith). They are also located in Mea Shearim.
If you have the chance of being in Jerusalem on Shabbat, you should definitely visit Mea Shearim. It is such a great atmosphere there and we enjoyed walking through the narrow streets full of Chassidim and their families.
Some people had told us to go to the great Breslov Synagogue, as they had a great celebration. A Sium of "Likutei Moharan". However, we did not regret going to Toldot Avraham Yitzchak.
Again, last Friday night, a friend of mine and me went to another chassidut in Mea Shearim. As at the moment I am writing about chassidut Toldot Aharon, I do have lots of work. Toldot Aharon has two split - offs and one of them is Toldot Avraham Yitzchak.
During Chanukkah 1996, the Toldot Aharon Rebbe, Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Kahn, passed away and each of his two sons wanted to be the new Rebbe. As the followers chose the younger brother, Rabbi David Kahn, his older brother Rabbi Shmuel Yaakov Kahn started his own chassidic group named after his father Avraham Yitzchak.
Despite the separation, both groups and brothers are extremely friendly with each other and most of their customs and clothes are still the same. Someone even told me that I should attach myself more to Avraham Yitzchak in order to get more information. They are a little more open and basically the same as Toldot Avraham. However, I found that also members of Toldot Aharon are very helpful and answer all kinds of questions.
In order to find out more about Toldot Avraham Yitzchak, a friend of mine and me went to their synagogue last Friday night. First we went for Maariv. Their great synagoge is located in the middle of the Mea Shearim neighbourhood, not far from the huge Breslov synagogue.
The women of Toldot Aharon have the custom not to go to Maariv on Leil Shabbat, but at Avraham Yitzchak they do. As we entered, we only found four women praying in the women's section. The women's section at the Avraham Yitzchak synagogue looks nicer than the one at Toldot Aharon. It is much bigger and there are two rooms. When you come in first, you might be disappointed by the Mechitza. It is almost impossible to look through the metal bars. However, just go around the corner to your left and you will find another womens' room with three huge windows as Mechitza. The disadvantage is the hearing. The windows are tight and you will not hear too much. Nevertheless, one has a great view over the men's section.
At the end of Maariv, sweets and potatoe chips were handed out to the children. The men were storming to a certain location in the synagogue where the Rebbe stood and wished everyone a Shabbat Shalom - Git Shabbes. A women told us to come back later for the Tish where the Rebbe is handing out orange slices to his Chassidim. A custom of Avraham Yitzchak.
We did come back later and Rebbe Shmuel Yaakov Kahn had already made Kiddush. Actually he was in the middle of his Shabbat meal, starting with Gefilte Fisch. He had a giant silver tray in front of him. A chassid acting as a kind of waiter served him the meal and drinks, soda or wine. While the Rebbe obviously enjoyed his meal, the Chassidim were singing. Toldot Aharon also have a great Tish but Avraham Yitzchak is more entertaining. I really liked their great Zemirot and Niggunim. They sang very enthusiastically and the Rebbe was conducting. Later on he led the singing.
After the Gefilte Fisch, he ate chicken soup and then meat with Kugel and cooked sweet carrots. The leftovers were given out to the Chassidim.
The women's section was full with at least over 100 women. Downstairs were about 200 men including some litvishe Haredim and a group of national religious yeshiva students. Some Chassidim, especially those sitting at the Tish for the elderly or more distinguished members, fell asleep. Sometimes there was a certain point when they woke up. Especially when the singing started again and when the Rebbe conducted.
Unfortunately, we did not hear too much from his Drasha. All the women around us were talking, as they rather see it as a social event. Bringing their kids and chatting with the other women.
At about 1:00am, another chair was carried in and another Rebbe sat down right next to Rebbe Kahn. First we thaught that this might be a relative but a woman told us that this is the Rebbe of Kalov. The Kalover Rebbe Moshe Taub from New York. He was a special guest that night.
Well, we did not stay until the Rebbe gave out the orange slices but at least we made it until 2:00am. We enjoyed the Toldot Avraham Yitzchak Tish very very much. The women were very nice and open to questions.
Next Friday night we will go again and on Shabbat morning we are going to the morning service of the third split - off called Shomrei Emunim (Guardians of Faith). They are also located in Mea Shearim.
If you have the chance of being in Jerusalem on Shabbat, you should definitely visit Mea Shearim. It is such a great atmosphere there and we enjoyed walking through the narrow streets full of Chassidim and their families.
Some people had told us to go to the great Breslov Synagogue, as they had a great celebration. A Sium of "Likutei Moharan". However, we did not regret going to Toldot Avraham Yitzchak.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Do not miss
reading this new blog:
http://frumlife.blogspot.com/
People interested in orthodox conversion to Judaism in Jerusalem, life in this great city, Aliyah and more, should definitely have a look at this new blog.
http://frumlife.blogspot.com/
People interested in orthodox conversion to Judaism in Jerusalem, life in this great city, Aliyah and more, should definitely have a look at this new blog.
To the Synagogue of Toldot Avraham Yitzchak
B"H
Tomorrow night, after lighting the Shabbat candles, I am going with a friend to the synagogue of the chassidut Toldot Avraham Yitzchak in the Mea Shearim neighbourhood.
Both of us have no idea what to expect but we hope that it will be as interesting as the Tish with their split - off Toldot Aharon last Shabbat.
Tomorrow night, after lighting the Shabbat candles, I am going with a friend to the synagogue of the chassidut Toldot Avraham Yitzchak in the Mea Shearim neighbourhood.
Both of us have no idea what to expect but we hope that it will be as interesting as the Tish with their split - off Toldot Aharon last Shabbat.
Hungarian - Romanian chassidic clothing style
B"H
When one goes through a chassidic neighbourhood on Shabbat, he might see women wearing black stockings, black or dark blue dresses and a white apron around the dress.
Wearing a white apron on Shabbat is very common among the women of the chassidic group Toldot Aharon whose members you can find in the Mea Shearim (ultra - orthod. neighbourhood in Jerusalem) and Beit Shemesh near Jerusalem.
I was always wondering why they wear this apron and thought that it must be a certain Minhag (custom). Then my Rabbi Mordechai Machlis told the following story at one of his Shabbatot:
He said that every Shabbat, his mother used to wear a white apron around her dress. After a while he asked her why she does so and she explained that once in Hungary (also Romania), many Jews did not have too much money to buy clothes for Shabbat. They did not have a choice but wearing their daily clothes also on Shabbat. In order to make a distinction, they put on a white apron in honour of Shabbat.
Maybe the women of Toldot Aharon put on an apron for the same reason.
When one goes through a chassidic neighbourhood on Shabbat, he might see women wearing black stockings, black or dark blue dresses and a white apron around the dress.
Wearing a white apron on Shabbat is very common among the women of the chassidic group Toldot Aharon whose members you can find in the Mea Shearim (ultra - orthod. neighbourhood in Jerusalem) and Beit Shemesh near Jerusalem.
I was always wondering why they wear this apron and thought that it must be a certain Minhag (custom). Then my Rabbi Mordechai Machlis told the following story at one of his Shabbatot:
He said that every Shabbat, his mother used to wear a white apron around her dress. After a while he asked her why she does so and she explained that once in Hungary (also Romania), many Jews did not have too much money to buy clothes for Shabbat. They did not have a choice but wearing their daily clothes also on Shabbat. In order to make a distinction, they put on a white apron in honour of Shabbat.
Maybe the women of Toldot Aharon put on an apron for the same reason.
The Rebbe of Sadigora and the Holocaust
B"H
This story I heard from Rabbi Mordechai Machlis, Jerusalem:
Every year on Independence Day, the previous Rebbe of Sadigora took a broom and started sweeping the streets of Tel Aviv. Not was he only sweeping the streets but he also put up an Israeli flag on the roof of his house.
Well, in certain chassidic communities it is rather unusual putting up an Israeli flag and his students asked the Rebbe why he did such things.
The Rebbe replied that when he was caught by the Nazis, they forced him to sweep the streets. "Then, so the Rebbe, I promised G - d that if I ever survive all the torture, I will move to Israel, and once a year, sweep the streets. The flag I put up because once the Nazis forced me to climb upon a very high roof and to put up the Nazi flag. While I was climbing onto this rooftop I promised G - d that if I survive, I will put up a flag on my house."
This story I heard from Rabbi Mordechai Machlis, Jerusalem:
Every year on Independence Day, the previous Rebbe of Sadigora took a broom and started sweeping the streets of Tel Aviv. Not was he only sweeping the streets but he also put up an Israeli flag on the roof of his house.
Well, in certain chassidic communities it is rather unusual putting up an Israeli flag and his students asked the Rebbe why he did such things.
The Rebbe replied that when he was caught by the Nazis, they forced him to sweep the streets. "Then, so the Rebbe, I promised G - d that if I ever survive all the torture, I will move to Israel, and once a year, sweep the streets. The flag I put up because once the Nazis forced me to climb upon a very high roof and to put up the Nazi flag. While I was climbing onto this rooftop I promised G - d that if I survive, I will put up a flag on my house."
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Ahavat Israel
B"H
I found a great explanation for a concept which somehow struck me for some time. I could never really explain the meaning of Ahavat Israel - the love for Israel. Chassidut Vishnitz has it as its chassidic concept, and I always thought that it means loving the Jewish people. Now I found a better explanation.
In 1878, Romania became independent but did not give citizenship to the Jews. Therefore, many Jews decided to go to Israel despite all the difficulties.
The Chassidim loved Israel but did not agree to the upcoming zionistic ideas. In their eyes one can still love Israel but can only build it with Torah. An independent state could never exist without the Torah laws. Nevertheless, it is still very important to settle Israel, as a Jew can keep many more Mitzwot there.The goal of the Chassidim was, going to Israel and building religious settlements.
Going to Israel was not such a popular idea among Chassidim, as the main stream saw a very important task in Galut. The main chassidic idea is that the Jews are in Galut in order to elevate the nezizot which could bring a faster Geulah (Baal Shem Tov).
But as life became more and more difficult in Eastern Europe, Jews started to leave for Israel. They had suffered through too many pogroms and at the end of the 18th century, even Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk (a student of the Mezritcher Maggid) moved to Tiberias in Israel. One of his reasons was that he wanted to escape the fights between the Chassidim and the Midnagdim. A few months earlier, him and his friend Rabbi Sheur Zalman of Liadi went to see the Vilna Gaon and maybe try to convince him stopping his bans against chassidut. However, the Vilna Gaon refused to receive them. A fatal mistake.
I found a great explanation for a concept which somehow struck me for some time. I could never really explain the meaning of Ahavat Israel - the love for Israel. Chassidut Vishnitz has it as its chassidic concept, and I always thought that it means loving the Jewish people. Now I found a better explanation.
In 1878, Romania became independent but did not give citizenship to the Jews. Therefore, many Jews decided to go to Israel despite all the difficulties.
The Chassidim loved Israel but did not agree to the upcoming zionistic ideas. In their eyes one can still love Israel but can only build it with Torah. An independent state could never exist without the Torah laws. Nevertheless, it is still very important to settle Israel, as a Jew can keep many more Mitzwot there.The goal of the Chassidim was, going to Israel and building religious settlements.
Going to Israel was not such a popular idea among Chassidim, as the main stream saw a very important task in Galut. The main chassidic idea is that the Jews are in Galut in order to elevate the nezizot which could bring a faster Geulah (Baal Shem Tov).
But as life became more and more difficult in Eastern Europe, Jews started to leave for Israel. They had suffered through too many pogroms and at the end of the 18th century, even Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk (a student of the Mezritcher Maggid) moved to Tiberias in Israel. One of his reasons was that he wanted to escape the fights between the Chassidim and the Midnagdim. A few months earlier, him and his friend Rabbi Sheur Zalman of Liadi went to see the Vilna Gaon and maybe try to convince him stopping his bans against chassidut. However, the Vilna Gaon refused to receive them. A fatal mistake.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Tish with Toldot Aharon
B"H
The Mea Shearim chassidic group Toldot Aharon is causing wild demonstrations, they wear funny clothes, throw stones, burn garbage and do other crazy things. In other words, they are just a bunch of religious fanatics.
You can find these opinions in the Israeli press, TV, and even other chassidic groups spread those ideas.
But are those opinions about Toldot Aharon really true, just made up or exaggerated ? Why are they being hated ? How are the Toldot Aharon members really and what exactly are their ideas and values ?
When I decided to write about chassidic groups I did not want to take all the information from books. For me it is much more real going out to their neighbourhoods, meet people and speak to them. If possible, go into their Batei Knesset and to the Tish of the Rebbe.
I myself do keep many chassidic customs although I am not a member of any group. Anything chassidic has found my interest for many years. Another reason why I do write about them is the Holocaust. When you go to Eastern Europe and the old Shtetls today, you mostly find cemeteries or former synagogues now turned into theatres or club houses.
When I decided to write about Toldot Aharon and started reading the books of their founder and first Rebbe, Rabbi Aharon Roth, I was very impressed. I have mentioned before that I do not always agree with them but I gained lots of respect and accepted them as they are.
However, going to their synagogue was different. The whole last week, I was so excited. How do they react to strangers and will they let me in at all ?
I took a friend of mine with me and when we entered the great Mea Shearim synagogue, we did neither find a womens' section nor did we see any women. It was Leil Shabbat and the only thing we heard was the singing of the men.
We decided to go back into the street, find a woman and ask her if we took the right entrance. I spotted out a Toldot Aharon woman who was standing across with her little children. I went up to her and asked. She said that we chose the right entrance, but "You know, she explained, we do have the custom that our women do not pray at the synagogues on Friday nights. What you can do is coming to our Tish a little later. And, by the way, you are lucky today, the Rebbe's daughter got married this week and we are doing Sheva Berachot."
We could not believe her open response. Where were all those claims from the Israeli press ? No one was throwing stones at us. Instead a nice young woman answered our questions.
Furthermore she told us that if we need a Beit Knesset, we can go to their split off Avraham Yitzchak, also located in Mea Shearim.
However, my friend and I decided to go to Rabbi Mordechai Machlis first. Have Kiddush and a meal, as we did not know if Toldot Avraham Yitzchak would make a Kiddush.
At 11.40pm, we were back at the Toldot Aharon synagogue and found the door to the womens' entrance locked. Instead we saw many women rushing into a certain direction to the back of the building. We just followed them and saw that they were all climbing up some stairs and going into an apartment block. We did not know what to do and asked another woman who told us that we should also enter. It came out that the apartment block was a second entrance to the synagogue.
As we walked around the synagogue, chassidim were rushing up and down. No one really took notice of us. Everybody was just running to see the Rebbe.
We entered and through a long hallway we reached the womens' section which was already crowded. All the women had also brought their children and even babies.
My friend and I found a good place where we could stand and we even had a great view. But as the place got more crowded, our view was gone. We climbed up a few metal stairs which were placed in front of the Mechitza. The Mechitza consisted of two huge windows and in the middle was a huge iron board. One could still see something through the board but not too much. Of course, we were standing behind the board but somehow managed to see.
It was a great experience seeing all this chassidim with their Streimel and in their light - brown silk coat. The men downstairs started singing and upstairs, more and more women and children shuffled in. I do not know how everybody did it but eventually everyone was standing on this stairs. Especially children were climbing all over the place. I thought that the whole construction would break any minute and fall down right onto the Rebbe's Tish.
The men got up, sang and the Rebbe, Rabbi David Kahn, walked in. My friend and I could really see almost everything. The Rebbe placed himself in a special chair and he wore a beautiful dark blue silk coat. I have to say that he looked much older than on pictures I had seen before.
He said a prayer, went for Netillat Yadaim and changed his blue coat into a white one. He made Kiddush and said the Beracha over the bread.
The two challot were huge and someone helped him cutting them. According to their custom, the slices were devided between the chassidim. Later on, also cake was served and many took a tiny piece from the slices.
Elderly chassidim were sitting right at the front table and the younger ones including children sat or stood behind. Upstairs and downstairs, everybody just looked at the Rebbe. Mothers even lifted up their babies.
It was a very impressing scene.
Unfortunately, we could not hear the brief Drasha the Rebbe gave. I think that when you go to a Tish it is better to be a man. We women were stuck behind the glass windows and unable to hear much. The men downstairs had much more space and heard everything.
On our way out, we met a woman from the Chassidut Breslov. Carefully she came in and was so happy to see us, as we were not Toldot Aharon. Obviously, she was afraid to ask any of the other women and so she asked us. If they let in other people as well. "Yes, I said, there is nothing to worry about. They are very friendly people."
This coming Friday, my friend and I are going to the Beit Knesset of Toldot Avraham Yitzchak. Someone told us that they do have a Kiddush and are very open.
However, we liked going to Toldot Aharon and learned a lot about their members. The only thing we saw were friendly and very helpful people, and we will definitely be back.
Instead spreading any rumours, the press should go and speak to them. Otherwise they just cause unnecessary hatred.
So far, I did not find out about the brides (the daughter of Rebbi Kahn) and the grooms names but I wish them Mazal Tov and all the best.
Hopefully it will work out that I can speak to a member of Toldot Aharon who will answer my questions. As you probably know, haredi society works very different and a friend of mine is contacting the member who, on the other hand, needs a recommendation from my Rabbi.
If anyone of you would like to go to the Toldot Aharon Tish should be halachically Jewish, speak Yiddish or Hebrew and show some interest. Of course, someone should be dressed very modestly; women in a long skirt and with long sleeves, and men with kipa, long trousers and long sleeves.
The Mea Shearim chassidic group Toldot Aharon is causing wild demonstrations, they wear funny clothes, throw stones, burn garbage and do other crazy things. In other words, they are just a bunch of religious fanatics.
You can find these opinions in the Israeli press, TV, and even other chassidic groups spread those ideas.
But are those opinions about Toldot Aharon really true, just made up or exaggerated ? Why are they being hated ? How are the Toldot Aharon members really and what exactly are their ideas and values ?
When I decided to write about chassidic groups I did not want to take all the information from books. For me it is much more real going out to their neighbourhoods, meet people and speak to them. If possible, go into their Batei Knesset and to the Tish of the Rebbe.
I myself do keep many chassidic customs although I am not a member of any group. Anything chassidic has found my interest for many years. Another reason why I do write about them is the Holocaust. When you go to Eastern Europe and the old Shtetls today, you mostly find cemeteries or former synagogues now turned into theatres or club houses.
When I decided to write about Toldot Aharon and started reading the books of their founder and first Rebbe, Rabbi Aharon Roth, I was very impressed. I have mentioned before that I do not always agree with them but I gained lots of respect and accepted them as they are.
However, going to their synagogue was different. The whole last week, I was so excited. How do they react to strangers and will they let me in at all ?
I took a friend of mine with me and when we entered the great Mea Shearim synagogue, we did neither find a womens' section nor did we see any women. It was Leil Shabbat and the only thing we heard was the singing of the men.
We decided to go back into the street, find a woman and ask her if we took the right entrance. I spotted out a Toldot Aharon woman who was standing across with her little children. I went up to her and asked. She said that we chose the right entrance, but "You know, she explained, we do have the custom that our women do not pray at the synagogues on Friday nights. What you can do is coming to our Tish a little later. And, by the way, you are lucky today, the Rebbe's daughter got married this week and we are doing Sheva Berachot."
We could not believe her open response. Where were all those claims from the Israeli press ? No one was throwing stones at us. Instead a nice young woman answered our questions.
Furthermore she told us that if we need a Beit Knesset, we can go to their split off Avraham Yitzchak, also located in Mea Shearim.
However, my friend and I decided to go to Rabbi Mordechai Machlis first. Have Kiddush and a meal, as we did not know if Toldot Avraham Yitzchak would make a Kiddush.
At 11.40pm, we were back at the Toldot Aharon synagogue and found the door to the womens' entrance locked. Instead we saw many women rushing into a certain direction to the back of the building. We just followed them and saw that they were all climbing up some stairs and going into an apartment block. We did not know what to do and asked another woman who told us that we should also enter. It came out that the apartment block was a second entrance to the synagogue.
As we walked around the synagogue, chassidim were rushing up and down. No one really took notice of us. Everybody was just running to see the Rebbe.
We entered and through a long hallway we reached the womens' section which was already crowded. All the women had also brought their children and even babies.
My friend and I found a good place where we could stand and we even had a great view. But as the place got more crowded, our view was gone. We climbed up a few metal stairs which were placed in front of the Mechitza. The Mechitza consisted of two huge windows and in the middle was a huge iron board. One could still see something through the board but not too much. Of course, we were standing behind the board but somehow managed to see.
It was a great experience seeing all this chassidim with their Streimel and in their light - brown silk coat. The men downstairs started singing and upstairs, more and more women and children shuffled in. I do not know how everybody did it but eventually everyone was standing on this stairs. Especially children were climbing all over the place. I thought that the whole construction would break any minute and fall down right onto the Rebbe's Tish.
The men got up, sang and the Rebbe, Rabbi David Kahn, walked in. My friend and I could really see almost everything. The Rebbe placed himself in a special chair and he wore a beautiful dark blue silk coat. I have to say that he looked much older than on pictures I had seen before.
He said a prayer, went for Netillat Yadaim and changed his blue coat into a white one. He made Kiddush and said the Beracha over the bread.
The two challot were huge and someone helped him cutting them. According to their custom, the slices were devided between the chassidim. Later on, also cake was served and many took a tiny piece from the slices.
Elderly chassidim were sitting right at the front table and the younger ones including children sat or stood behind. Upstairs and downstairs, everybody just looked at the Rebbe. Mothers even lifted up their babies.
It was a very impressing scene.
Unfortunately, we could not hear the brief Drasha the Rebbe gave. I think that when you go to a Tish it is better to be a man. We women were stuck behind the glass windows and unable to hear much. The men downstairs had much more space and heard everything.
On our way out, we met a woman from the Chassidut Breslov. Carefully she came in and was so happy to see us, as we were not Toldot Aharon. Obviously, she was afraid to ask any of the other women and so she asked us. If they let in other people as well. "Yes, I said, there is nothing to worry about. They are very friendly people."
This coming Friday, my friend and I are going to the Beit Knesset of Toldot Avraham Yitzchak. Someone told us that they do have a Kiddush and are very open.
However, we liked going to Toldot Aharon and learned a lot about their members. The only thing we saw were friendly and very helpful people, and we will definitely be back.
Instead spreading any rumours, the press should go and speak to them. Otherwise they just cause unnecessary hatred.
So far, I did not find out about the brides (the daughter of Rebbi Kahn) and the grooms names but I wish them Mazal Tov and all the best.
Hopefully it will work out that I can speak to a member of Toldot Aharon who will answer my questions. As you probably know, haredi society works very different and a friend of mine is contacting the member who, on the other hand, needs a recommendation from my Rabbi.
If anyone of you would like to go to the Toldot Aharon Tish should be halachically Jewish, speak Yiddish or Hebrew and show some interest. Of course, someone should be dressed very modestly; women in a long skirt and with long sleeves, and men with kipa, long trousers and long sleeves.
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