B"H
Not for the first time, Kfar Chabad (near Rishon LeZion) was searched by the police. The head of the "Young Chabad Youth Movement", Yosef Aharonov and his deputies got arrested.
Yosef Aharonov is being accused of embezzling 60 Mio Dollar. The money was donated by all different kinds of people who thought they are doing a Mitzwah. The police confiscated boxes of documents from the Kfar Chabad office.
They suspect the heads of "Young Chabad" using the money either for their own purposes or paying salaries in cash in order to avoid the Israeli income tax.
It is not the first nor the last time that Kfar Chabad faces a financial scandal. Obviously their leadership should be more careful about whom to entrust with financial funds.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Out of Fear
B"H
Countless English – haredi Blogs write about it and I had the same experiences.
Many Haredim are only remaining haredi out of fear.
There are many reasons for remaining haredi even though, there are doubts if this really is the right lifestyle. Haredi society is very complex and you have to think very carefully if it is worth giving up your whole life. And what about the family, their Shidduchim, etc. ?
In most cases, people do not intend giving up a religious life but rather want to escape certain society rules and pressure. If you were born into a haredi society it does not necessarily mean that you really belong there. I met many people who do not, and either eventually decide to leave or just continue going together with the hope that everything will be all right. At least, sooner or later.
When I left a strict religious life style, I did not face any severe consequences. First of all, I was not born into a haredi society and secondly, I did not do any damage to the society itself. I am not going out, as other disappointed people do (just see FailedMessiah, etc.), and throw my garbage all over the world. Okay, if someone is disappointed so he has to deal with it but do not constantly accuse everybody else. Life goes on.
Of course, people who were born into certain societies, such as litvish, Satmar, Vishnitz, and other groups, cannot just leave. They need to consider future difficulties like: finding a job despite a limited education. Limited at least according to Western modern society, as no company really demands Talmud knowledge.
The worst ist always the feeling of one's own guilt. Did I do the right thing ?
When I left I always thought that other people stare at me and want to tell me "Hey, you are haredi, what are you doing here ? Go back".
What happens when someone comes to the conclusion that although he is part of a haredi group, he is unable to continue his life as such ? First of all, people push the thoughts away and just keep on going. With whom can you talk at all and who is able to understand those thoughts ? Yeshivot and parents might faint and see you as a troublemaker. Well, today there is the Internet and people write anonymously about their troubles. However, there are times when you need to talk in order not to explode.
Unfortunately until today, haredi society has not found any solutions or good counseling for the issue. It seems that the subject is too delicate and professional psychologists are missing. Haredi society lacks the understanding of its members leaving a strict society but not orthodoxy.
One thing for sure, remaining in the "Chatzer" out of fear is / cannot be a solution.
Countless English – haredi Blogs write about it and I had the same experiences.
Many Haredim are only remaining haredi out of fear.
There are many reasons for remaining haredi even though, there are doubts if this really is the right lifestyle. Haredi society is very complex and you have to think very carefully if it is worth giving up your whole life. And what about the family, their Shidduchim, etc. ?
In most cases, people do not intend giving up a religious life but rather want to escape certain society rules and pressure. If you were born into a haredi society it does not necessarily mean that you really belong there. I met many people who do not, and either eventually decide to leave or just continue going together with the hope that everything will be all right. At least, sooner or later.
When I left a strict religious life style, I did not face any severe consequences. First of all, I was not born into a haredi society and secondly, I did not do any damage to the society itself. I am not going out, as other disappointed people do (just see FailedMessiah, etc.), and throw my garbage all over the world. Okay, if someone is disappointed so he has to deal with it but do not constantly accuse everybody else. Life goes on.
Of course, people who were born into certain societies, such as litvish, Satmar, Vishnitz, and other groups, cannot just leave. They need to consider future difficulties like: finding a job despite a limited education. Limited at least according to Western modern society, as no company really demands Talmud knowledge.
The worst ist always the feeling of one's own guilt. Did I do the right thing ?
When I left I always thought that other people stare at me and want to tell me "Hey, you are haredi, what are you doing here ? Go back".
What happens when someone comes to the conclusion that although he is part of a haredi group, he is unable to continue his life as such ? First of all, people push the thoughts away and just keep on going. With whom can you talk at all and who is able to understand those thoughts ? Yeshivot and parents might faint and see you as a troublemaker. Well, today there is the Internet and people write anonymously about their troubles. However, there are times when you need to talk in order not to explode.
Unfortunately until today, haredi society has not found any solutions or good counseling for the issue. It seems that the subject is too delicate and professional psychologists are missing. Haredi society lacks the understanding of its members leaving a strict society but not orthodoxy.
One thing for sure, remaining in the "Chatzer" out of fear is / cannot be a solution.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Great Demand for the Belz Tish
B"H
The Israeli summer is hot and dry. So far, we have not seen any rain since April. Maybe a few drops when the winter season started a few weeks ago, but the real rain showers have not yet started. As everybody can imagine, we desperately need rain and sometimes when it does not rain enough, leading rabbis announce special rain prayers at the Kotel (Western Wall). Nothing in Israel should be taken for granted and we always have to pray. Even for rain.
When I walked with my friend to Rabbi Mordechai Machlises Shabbat dinner last night, it started raining and we arrived a kind of wet. A Chassid told us that, again, the Rebbes of Toldot Aharon and Toldot Avraham Yitzchak are gone. Beit Shemesh, abroad, wherever.
"Well, they have money", added the Chassid sarcastically.
As the Rebbe of Chassidut Dushinsky is abroad as well (for another two weeks or so), we decided to leave the Machlis house earlier and go to Belz. At least, the rain had stopped when we started walking at 9pm. It is always exciting walking through haredi neighbourhoods on Erev Shabbat. Maalot Dafna, passing the Sadigora Synagogue, turning into Bar Ilan Street, Eli HaCohen, passing Czernobyl and Satmar, and finally standing in front of the impressive gigantic Belz Synagogue.
The Belz Tish was packed. Hundreds of people were there and we were lucky finding a good place to stand and watch Rebbe Yissachar Dov Rokeach and his Chassidim. Not all the participants were chassidic, as there were many national religious and litvishe as well.
To me, the Belz Tish sometimes appears to me a little boring. No songs and dances as at Toldot Aharon or Avraham Yitzchak. No real "action". Rebbe Rokeach sits, eats and prays, says "Git Shabbes" and that is about it. He has quite a few "servants" around him. One is moving his chair back and forth and others serve him wine and food. Everything is pretty organized. They even have guys watching over the people to be quiet. There is no talking when the Rebbe speaks.
The Ezrat Nashim was packed as well. It did not take too long and a group of Israelis showed up who wanted to see a chassidic Tish. As everyone was standing on each others feet, we speedily came into contact with other women. "Well, said one woman next to me, if her father had not favoured Zionism, she and her family would still belong to Satmar". Although she was anything but chassidic any more, she knew Yiddish and many details about Chassidim and their lives. While we were talking, four young Toldot Aharon guys walked into the Belz Tish. As you can surely imagine, this was a kind of unusual, as Belz has still some disagreements going on with the Edah HaCharedit. However, one Belzer Chassid once told me that the "war" is not as bad any more as it used to be years ago. "Everything has changed a little and the former Toldot Aharon Rebbe, Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Kahn z"tl, died long ago and his sons are somehow less extreme.
The Toldot Aharon guys walked in very carefully. After less than a minute they left but came in again shortly after. It was funny to see them standing in the middle of all the in black dressed Belzer Chassidim (On Shabbat, Toldot Aharon Chassidim wear light brown coats). No one said a word to them and nothing exciting happened. I even think that Toldot Aharon was rather bored at Belz.
The only excitement at the Ezrat Nashim was the elderly Chassid coming in and shouting "Shshshsh !" He was in charge of the women's silence and it was quite funny see him walking and around with his "Shshsh". Especially the Israeli group had a great laugh and they even imitated him loudly. The Chassid got upset but kept himself under controll.
At 11pm, the Tish was over and as soon as Rebbe Rokeach gets up, all his Chassidim jump after him and sing "Shabbes Koidesh".
On our way back through Mea Shearim we found the synagogue of the almost unknown chassidic group "Mishkenot Ha'Roim". I wonder if they let anyone joining the synagogue service when he is not really anti - Zionist.
Next Friday, we definitely go to Karlin for Maariv and then we will see what else is on.
The Israeli summer is hot and dry. So far, we have not seen any rain since April. Maybe a few drops when the winter season started a few weeks ago, but the real rain showers have not yet started. As everybody can imagine, we desperately need rain and sometimes when it does not rain enough, leading rabbis announce special rain prayers at the Kotel (Western Wall). Nothing in Israel should be taken for granted and we always have to pray. Even for rain.
When I walked with my friend to Rabbi Mordechai Machlises Shabbat dinner last night, it started raining and we arrived a kind of wet. A Chassid told us that, again, the Rebbes of Toldot Aharon and Toldot Avraham Yitzchak are gone. Beit Shemesh, abroad, wherever.
"Well, they have money", added the Chassid sarcastically.
As the Rebbe of Chassidut Dushinsky is abroad as well (for another two weeks or so), we decided to leave the Machlis house earlier and go to Belz. At least, the rain had stopped when we started walking at 9pm. It is always exciting walking through haredi neighbourhoods on Erev Shabbat. Maalot Dafna, passing the Sadigora Synagogue, turning into Bar Ilan Street, Eli HaCohen, passing Czernobyl and Satmar, and finally standing in front of the impressive gigantic Belz Synagogue.
The Belz Tish was packed. Hundreds of people were there and we were lucky finding a good place to stand and watch Rebbe Yissachar Dov Rokeach and his Chassidim. Not all the participants were chassidic, as there were many national religious and litvishe as well.
To me, the Belz Tish sometimes appears to me a little boring. No songs and dances as at Toldot Aharon or Avraham Yitzchak. No real "action". Rebbe Rokeach sits, eats and prays, says "Git Shabbes" and that is about it. He has quite a few "servants" around him. One is moving his chair back and forth and others serve him wine and food. Everything is pretty organized. They even have guys watching over the people to be quiet. There is no talking when the Rebbe speaks.
The Ezrat Nashim was packed as well. It did not take too long and a group of Israelis showed up who wanted to see a chassidic Tish. As everyone was standing on each others feet, we speedily came into contact with other women. "Well, said one woman next to me, if her father had not favoured Zionism, she and her family would still belong to Satmar". Although she was anything but chassidic any more, she knew Yiddish and many details about Chassidim and their lives. While we were talking, four young Toldot Aharon guys walked into the Belz Tish. As you can surely imagine, this was a kind of unusual, as Belz has still some disagreements going on with the Edah HaCharedit. However, one Belzer Chassid once told me that the "war" is not as bad any more as it used to be years ago. "Everything has changed a little and the former Toldot Aharon Rebbe, Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Kahn z"tl, died long ago and his sons are somehow less extreme.
The Toldot Aharon guys walked in very carefully. After less than a minute they left but came in again shortly after. It was funny to see them standing in the middle of all the in black dressed Belzer Chassidim (On Shabbat, Toldot Aharon Chassidim wear light brown coats). No one said a word to them and nothing exciting happened. I even think that Toldot Aharon was rather bored at Belz.
The only excitement at the Ezrat Nashim was the elderly Chassid coming in and shouting "Shshshsh !" He was in charge of the women's silence and it was quite funny see him walking and around with his "Shshsh". Especially the Israeli group had a great laugh and they even imitated him loudly. The Chassid got upset but kept himself under controll.
At 11pm, the Tish was over and as soon as Rebbe Rokeach gets up, all his Chassidim jump after him and sing "Shabbes Koidesh".
On our way back through Mea Shearim we found the synagogue of the almost unknown chassidic group "Mishkenot Ha'Roim". I wonder if they let anyone joining the synagogue service when he is not really anti - Zionist.
Next Friday, we definitely go to Karlin for Maariv and then we will see what else is on.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Kristallnacht Memories
B"H
Anywhere else it does not seem to be such a big issue but in Germany it is. On November 9, 1938, the Reichkristallnacht (Night of the Broken Glass) took place in Germany.
Every year on this date, German Jews and Gentiles remember this tragic event and hold memorial services. This year, the date falls on a Friday and the mourning issue is a little more complicated. Shabbat is coming soon and on Sunday it is Rosh Chodesh Kislev.
But can there be something like a mourning period according to the calendar ? The date is such and such and I have to mourn now.
Especially Holocaust survivors suffer from their painful memories in their every day life or even every hour. Unfortunately, people do not take this too much into consideration. They rather go to the memorial services, finish and go home. See you again next year.
Leading German Jews sometimes behave ridiculous anyway. Some rabbis, community leaders and the "Central Committee of German Jewry in Germany" (Zentralrat) many times misunderstand the meaning of Jewish history and mourning. I read on a German Jewish blog that a huge memorial service is taking place in Stuttgart (southern Germany) tonight. Local politicians organized the event and simply forgot about something Jewish called "Shabbat".
However, many Jews do not seem to mind and prefer going to see it, and especially to be seen. It is a disgrace that leading German Jews prefer to be seen with high ranking politicians instead of thinking about their roots and Jewish identity.
Anywhere else it does not seem to be such a big issue but in Germany it is. On November 9, 1938, the Reichkristallnacht (Night of the Broken Glass) took place in Germany.
Every year on this date, German Jews and Gentiles remember this tragic event and hold memorial services. This year, the date falls on a Friday and the mourning issue is a little more complicated. Shabbat is coming soon and on Sunday it is Rosh Chodesh Kislev.
But can there be something like a mourning period according to the calendar ? The date is such and such and I have to mourn now.
Especially Holocaust survivors suffer from their painful memories in their every day life or even every hour. Unfortunately, people do not take this too much into consideration. They rather go to the memorial services, finish and go home. See you again next year.
Leading German Jews sometimes behave ridiculous anyway. Some rabbis, community leaders and the "Central Committee of German Jewry in Germany" (Zentralrat) many times misunderstand the meaning of Jewish history and mourning. I read on a German Jewish blog that a huge memorial service is taking place in Stuttgart (southern Germany) tonight. Local politicians organized the event and simply forgot about something Jewish called "Shabbat".
However, many Jews do not seem to mind and prefer going to see it, and especially to be seen. It is a disgrace that leading German Jews prefer to be seen with high ranking politicians instead of thinking about their roots and Jewish identity.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Hachnasat Aron HaKodesh
B"H
Although the synagogue of Chassidut Toldot Avraham Yitzchak in Mea Shearim is still quite a mess, I really do admire their new Aron HaKodesh. The Aron stands there shining while everywhere else inside the synagogue renovations are still going on. Including the Ezrat Nashim.
The Aron HaKodesh was just put in recently and I found a great video of the Hachnasat Aron HaKodesh on Google. To be honest, the new Aron reminds me a little of the impressive one at the Shomrei Emunim synagogue.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=9219760820291626709&q=toldos+avrohom+yitzchak&total=3&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=0
Although the synagogue of Chassidut Toldot Avraham Yitzchak in Mea Shearim is still quite a mess, I really do admire their new Aron HaKodesh. The Aron stands there shining while everywhere else inside the synagogue renovations are still going on. Including the Ezrat Nashim.
The Aron HaKodesh was just put in recently and I found a great video of the Hachnasat Aron HaKodesh on Google. To be honest, the new Aron reminds me a little of the impressive one at the Shomrei Emunim synagogue.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=9219760820291626709&q=toldos+avrohom+yitzchak&total=3&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=0
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Toldot Aharon
B"H
Toldot Avraham Yitzchak next to their synagogue in the Mea Shearim market
Beit Midrash of Toldot Aharon in Mea Shearim
Toldot Aharon
Toldot Avraham Yitzchak next to their synagogue in the Mea Shearim market
Beit Midrash of Toldot Aharon in Mea Shearim
Toldot Aharon
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Are Soccer Fans a Danger to Democracy ?
B"H
Beitar, Beitar and again Beitar.
The Israelis press is jumping on the fans of the Jerusalem local soccer club Beitar Yerushalaim. The day before yesterday, Beitar played in the Haifa soccer stadium Kiryat Eliezer against Maccabi Haifa. Before the game started, officials had called for one minute of silence to remember the brutal murder of a youth in Tel Aviv a few days before and additionally the former Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin. The Haifa fans stood in silence while the Beitar fans started screaming phrases against Rabin. That he was "garbage", for example.
Since Rabin was murdered twelve years ago, left wingers have been exploiting the Rabin memorial for their own purposes. According to the leftists, right - wingers do not mourn about Rabin and furthermore, also have no right to mourn. Wasn't it the religious fundamentalist Yigal Amir who murdered the left – wing symbol Yitzchak Rabin ? Whose memorial is Rabin really ?
After the incident in the soccer stadium, the left sees a new danger coming up. The evil spirit of Yigal Amir continues crawling through our society. But who are really the Beitar fans and who was screaming in favour of Amir ?
It is well – known that many Beitar fans belong to the Sephardi haredi movement. Whether SHASS or not, most fans are right – wing, and do not allow the club owner, Arkadi Gaidamak, to buy an Arab soccer player for the team.
If you go to the Machane Yehudah Market today, you might hear different opinions. The market is a stronghold of the right and the traders say that only some youngsters at the age of 15 or 16 were freaking out. Not all Beitar fans should be seen as the new "Yigal Amirs" of Israeli society. They shouted, so what.
Is this a reason to punish a whole soccer team ?
The Israeli official soccer authority says YES and is planning to let Beitar play one game at home without any spectators.
The left – wing paper HAARETZ calls the Beitar fans "The 1000 children of Yigal Amir". Haaretz uses a play on words, as Amir just celebrated the birth of his first son. Is Haaretz exaggerating ?
Leading politicians such as Ehud Olmert see the same danger coming up as twelve years ago. Yesterday, posters were hung up in the religious Har Nof neighbourhood where Shimon Peres was called "Arab President" and a picture showed him with a Khafiyeh (Arafat's head cover). Responsible for the posters is the right – winger Baruch Marzel.
The left is afraid to loose. Daliah Rabin – Pelosof, the daughter of Yitzchak Rabin, wishes that Amir had faced the death penalty instead of rotting in jail. However, she and her followers have to accept that also a murderer has human rights.
The right and Amir himself consider the Rabin murder as a success. Fact is, that for the past years, Yigal Amir has been more present to us than the murdered Prime Minister. Amir is just everywhere. First the whole fuzz about his wedding, than about the birth of his son and now the newborn is the latest gossip subject. Amir is probably very proud of himself when he hears that thousand of Beitar fans obviously support his actions.
Everybody can have his own opinion but I think that it is disgusting that Yigal Amir together with his wife Larissa Trimbovler planned the birth of their son according to the memorial day of Yitzchak Rabin. Not only the press is establishing a new "evil symbol"; the hunt after the baby is also the fault of the Amir family. How cruel can someone be by using a baby for their own political statements ?
Beitar, Beitar and again Beitar.
The Israelis press is jumping on the fans of the Jerusalem local soccer club Beitar Yerushalaim. The day before yesterday, Beitar played in the Haifa soccer stadium Kiryat Eliezer against Maccabi Haifa. Before the game started, officials had called for one minute of silence to remember the brutal murder of a youth in Tel Aviv a few days before and additionally the former Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin. The Haifa fans stood in silence while the Beitar fans started screaming phrases against Rabin. That he was "garbage", for example.
Since Rabin was murdered twelve years ago, left wingers have been exploiting the Rabin memorial for their own purposes. According to the leftists, right - wingers do not mourn about Rabin and furthermore, also have no right to mourn. Wasn't it the religious fundamentalist Yigal Amir who murdered the left – wing symbol Yitzchak Rabin ? Whose memorial is Rabin really ?
After the incident in the soccer stadium, the left sees a new danger coming up. The evil spirit of Yigal Amir continues crawling through our society. But who are really the Beitar fans and who was screaming in favour of Amir ?
It is well – known that many Beitar fans belong to the Sephardi haredi movement. Whether SHASS or not, most fans are right – wing, and do not allow the club owner, Arkadi Gaidamak, to buy an Arab soccer player for the team.
If you go to the Machane Yehudah Market today, you might hear different opinions. The market is a stronghold of the right and the traders say that only some youngsters at the age of 15 or 16 were freaking out. Not all Beitar fans should be seen as the new "Yigal Amirs" of Israeli society. They shouted, so what.
Is this a reason to punish a whole soccer team ?
The Israeli official soccer authority says YES and is planning to let Beitar play one game at home without any spectators.
The left – wing paper HAARETZ calls the Beitar fans "The 1000 children of Yigal Amir". Haaretz uses a play on words, as Amir just celebrated the birth of his first son. Is Haaretz exaggerating ?
Leading politicians such as Ehud Olmert see the same danger coming up as twelve years ago. Yesterday, posters were hung up in the religious Har Nof neighbourhood where Shimon Peres was called "Arab President" and a picture showed him with a Khafiyeh (Arafat's head cover). Responsible for the posters is the right – winger Baruch Marzel.
The left is afraid to loose. Daliah Rabin – Pelosof, the daughter of Yitzchak Rabin, wishes that Amir had faced the death penalty instead of rotting in jail. However, she and her followers have to accept that also a murderer has human rights.
The right and Amir himself consider the Rabin murder as a success. Fact is, that for the past years, Yigal Amir has been more present to us than the murdered Prime Minister. Amir is just everywhere. First the whole fuzz about his wedding, than about the birth of his son and now the newborn is the latest gossip subject. Amir is probably very proud of himself when he hears that thousand of Beitar fans obviously support his actions.
Everybody can have his own opinion but I think that it is disgusting that Yigal Amir together with his wife Larissa Trimbovler planned the birth of their son according to the memorial day of Yitzchak Rabin. Not only the press is establishing a new "evil symbol"; the hunt after the baby is also the fault of the Amir family. How cruel can someone be by using a baby for their own political statements ?
The Battle between Yad Le'Achim and Kibbutz Ramat Rachel
B"H
It has been going on for a few weeks now. The Israeli anti - missionary organization Yad Le'Achim is running ads against the Jerusalem Kibbutz Ramat Rachel. Yad Le'Achim accuses the Kibbutz of hosting different Christian missionary groups as well as messianic Jews. The Kibbutz, on the other hand, claims that they do not investigate clients who want to book the facilities of the Kibbutz.
Fact is, that Ramat Rachel has been hosting such events for the past few years and I do not understand why Yad Le'Achim is only reacting now after Sukkot. It is well - known that those missionary groups hold lectures where they announce that all the rabbis in Mea Shearim should be converted to Christianity.
Well, this must be a kind of a joke because no rabbi let alone Admor in Mea Shearim would ever do such a thing. No Torah educated Jew would ever take such a thought into consideration and only arrogant and ignorant Christian missionaries are able to believe their own words and imaginations.
Yad Le'Achim put a ban on Ramat Rachel. No Jew should book the facilities and celebrate a Bar Mitzwa or a wedding there. But it does not look like the Kibbutz is showing any regret. What they care about is the profit they make from all kinds of people using the facilities. It does not matter who it is and what is proclaimed. The main thing is that the rent is being paid on time.
It has been going on for a few weeks now. The Israeli anti - missionary organization Yad Le'Achim is running ads against the Jerusalem Kibbutz Ramat Rachel. Yad Le'Achim accuses the Kibbutz of hosting different Christian missionary groups as well as messianic Jews. The Kibbutz, on the other hand, claims that they do not investigate clients who want to book the facilities of the Kibbutz.
Fact is, that Ramat Rachel has been hosting such events for the past few years and I do not understand why Yad Le'Achim is only reacting now after Sukkot. It is well - known that those missionary groups hold lectures where they announce that all the rabbis in Mea Shearim should be converted to Christianity.
Well, this must be a kind of a joke because no rabbi let alone Admor in Mea Shearim would ever do such a thing. No Torah educated Jew would ever take such a thought into consideration and only arrogant and ignorant Christian missionaries are able to believe their own words and imaginations.
Yad Le'Achim put a ban on Ramat Rachel. No Jew should book the facilities and celebrate a Bar Mitzwa or a wedding there. But it does not look like the Kibbutz is showing any regret. What they care about is the profit they make from all kinds of people using the facilities. It does not matter who it is and what is proclaimed. The main thing is that the rent is being paid on time.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Who is afraid of Gur ?
B"H
When you ask people about Chassidut Gur (Gerer Chassidim), almost everyone is going to tell you the same things. Even the Gerer Chassidim themselves.
The Gerer Rebbe is the absolute number one in their society. What the rebbe says is law. No discussion about that.
Gur is like an army and they stand behind their rebbe. No matter what.
And, the Gerer Chassidim are very much into modesty (Zniut). Unfortunately, they do not allow women coming to the rebbe's Tish. Instead I was offered to come to the synagogue. The Zniut laws make it almost impossible to talk to a Gerer chassid in the street, and I am very lucky to know a few of them, as I sometimes buy in a shop run by the Gerer. They were very excited when I told them that I am writing about Chassidut and, of course, emphasized the importance of their rebbe. In other words, Gur is the most important Chassidut in the world.
Recently I asked them about the Gur - Satmar connection and one of the Chassidim gave me a long list of how the previous Gerer rebbes had all met with the Satmarer rebbes. Also when Rebbe Yoel Teitelbaum lived in Israel (in 1946), he met with the Gerer rebbe at that time. Both sides keep up the connections until today but, as far as I found out, only the rebbes are in touch. The Chassidim are not although they see each other all the time in haredi areas in Jerusalem.
People sometimes wonder how a woman is able to get in touch with Chassidim such as Gur or others. Let me tell you from my experience that it very much depends on the circumstances. It is easy talking to Gur in the shop but it makes it even easier when the Chassidim see that someone knows something about religion and Chassidut. Especially someone female. Then they become curious and want to know more. And after that stage, they suddenly have friends who can add some more information and so on. And Gur is no exception.
When you ask people about Chassidut Gur (Gerer Chassidim), almost everyone is going to tell you the same things. Even the Gerer Chassidim themselves.
The Gerer Rebbe is the absolute number one in their society. What the rebbe says is law. No discussion about that.
Gur is like an army and they stand behind their rebbe. No matter what.
And, the Gerer Chassidim are very much into modesty (Zniut). Unfortunately, they do not allow women coming to the rebbe's Tish. Instead I was offered to come to the synagogue. The Zniut laws make it almost impossible to talk to a Gerer chassid in the street, and I am very lucky to know a few of them, as I sometimes buy in a shop run by the Gerer. They were very excited when I told them that I am writing about Chassidut and, of course, emphasized the importance of their rebbe. In other words, Gur is the most important Chassidut in the world.
Recently I asked them about the Gur - Satmar connection and one of the Chassidim gave me a long list of how the previous Gerer rebbes had all met with the Satmarer rebbes. Also when Rebbe Yoel Teitelbaum lived in Israel (in 1946), he met with the Gerer rebbe at that time. Both sides keep up the connections until today but, as far as I found out, only the rebbes are in touch. The Chassidim are not although they see each other all the time in haredi areas in Jerusalem.
People sometimes wonder how a woman is able to get in touch with Chassidim such as Gur or others. Let me tell you from my experience that it very much depends on the circumstances. It is easy talking to Gur in the shop but it makes it even easier when the Chassidim see that someone knows something about religion and Chassidut. Especially someone female. Then they become curious and want to know more. And after that stage, they suddenly have friends who can add some more information and so on. And Gur is no exception.
Slow Changes in Chassidic Society
B"H
At the Shabbat meal last night, a chassid told us that the rebbes of the two chassidic groups Toldot Avraham Yitzchak and Toldot Aharon are back in town. Rebbe Shmuel Yaakov Kahn from Avraham Yitzchak had been to Beit Shemesh for quite a while. Within the past few years, the town of Beit Shemesh became something like the new Diaspora for many Haredim including chassidic groups. Especially newly married couples cannot effort living in Jerusalem anymore. And Mea Shearim might look neglected and full of garbage in the streets, however, it is actually very expensive to live there. On the other hand, Beit Shemesh is spacey and cheaper.
After the meal we decided to go to Chassidut Dushinsky first instead of running after Toldot Aharon and Avraham Yitzchak. We arrived rather early and there was nothing going on at Dushinsky. Never mind, we went a few meters further to Chassidut Kretchnif. Although Kretchnif has a large building right across Chassidut Karlin, inside it is quite small. When we arrived, the door to the women's entrance seemed to be closed but we were lucky. Kretchnif had a Tish and the rebbe was already in the middle of eating his "Gefilte". Kretchnif is always a good and popular place to go to and what I like most is the family atmosphere. Everyone is welcomed and the rebbe is encouraging anyone to sing and participate. This is a great advantage of smaller groups.
We stayed for an hour or so and enjoyed ourselves. However, we wanted to continue and kept on walking to Mea Shearim Street. Unfortunately, there was nothing special going on at Shomrei Emunim. It is always so funny when Chassidim pass by and just open the front door to the Shomrei Emunim synagogue. They look inside and ask: "Is there a Tish" ? No, okay, and they shut the door. In case there is, the synagogue is packed with people.
The Shomrei Emunim Rebbe lives in Bnei Brak and, therefore, not too many Tishes take place in Jerusalem. But if so, people just storm inside.
We decided to go to the Slonim. What else is there and we discussed all the possibilities, Jews have in New York. Probably at each corner a different Tish takes place. In Jerusalem we are limited which is really a pity. Especially the Holy City should have more events of this kind.
We passed the Great Breslov Synagogue and walked up to the Slonim. On our way we suddenly heard a great chassidic song sung by hundreds of loud voices. Wow, we thought, this must be Avraham Yitzchak. Who else ?
No Tish at the Slonim and we ran over to Avraham Yitzchak were the walls were already shaking. Avraham Yitzchak is our personal number ONE Tish in Mea Shearim.
The main reason for their enthusiastic Tish is definitely Rebbe Shmuel Yaakov Kahn. He was eating his chicken soup and conducting the Chassidim with his spoon. This is what he likes most: eating and singing. We had not seen him for a few months and in my opinion, he put on some weight. Never mind, he was in a good mood.
What caught our eye was that when he went out to the restroom, one of the Chassidim took his hand and helped him leaving. As we had never realized this before, we thought that he might not be too well. Today however, a chassid told us that they always lead him out this way and that he was fine. Well, I really hope that the rebbe is okay.
Hundreds of people were participating in the Avraham Yitzchak Tish. Also the womens' section was crowded but after a while we were lucky and found two seats. Some female members offered us some soda water and it is always easy to talk to the younger women.
I have read it on the Internet but we have also realized it "life" that a certain amount of young Avraham Yitzchak women try to be more modern. The same with Toldot Aharon but a little less obvious and more carefully.
It does not mean that the women try to run away from certain group traditions or their Takanot (internal laws). Just the opposite, they want to be group members but start changing a few strict laws. Maybe too strict in their eyes.
Members of such societies cannot just start changing traditions and have to be careful. So, what they usually do is start changing little things such as the head covers (Yasameh). Some of the women still wear the most modest kind, the Yasameh covering the neck and going down until the chest. However, I would say that the majority does not wear this kind of long head cover anymore. Half of the other women do cover their necks but many of them just wear a simple Yasameh which does not totally cover the neck.
As in every society, you can find different people and different groups sticking to each other. And it is almost impossible to keep up all the strict laws forever.
You do not have to change the whole society but in order to make women more comfortable and accepted, men should not be afraid of accepting slight changes.
At the Shabbat meal last night, a chassid told us that the rebbes of the two chassidic groups Toldot Avraham Yitzchak and Toldot Aharon are back in town. Rebbe Shmuel Yaakov Kahn from Avraham Yitzchak had been to Beit Shemesh for quite a while. Within the past few years, the town of Beit Shemesh became something like the new Diaspora for many Haredim including chassidic groups. Especially newly married couples cannot effort living in Jerusalem anymore. And Mea Shearim might look neglected and full of garbage in the streets, however, it is actually very expensive to live there. On the other hand, Beit Shemesh is spacey and cheaper.
After the meal we decided to go to Chassidut Dushinsky first instead of running after Toldot Aharon and Avraham Yitzchak. We arrived rather early and there was nothing going on at Dushinsky. Never mind, we went a few meters further to Chassidut Kretchnif. Although Kretchnif has a large building right across Chassidut Karlin, inside it is quite small. When we arrived, the door to the women's entrance seemed to be closed but we were lucky. Kretchnif had a Tish and the rebbe was already in the middle of eating his "Gefilte". Kretchnif is always a good and popular place to go to and what I like most is the family atmosphere. Everyone is welcomed and the rebbe is encouraging anyone to sing and participate. This is a great advantage of smaller groups.
We stayed for an hour or so and enjoyed ourselves. However, we wanted to continue and kept on walking to Mea Shearim Street. Unfortunately, there was nothing special going on at Shomrei Emunim. It is always so funny when Chassidim pass by and just open the front door to the Shomrei Emunim synagogue. They look inside and ask: "Is there a Tish" ? No, okay, and they shut the door. In case there is, the synagogue is packed with people.
The Shomrei Emunim Rebbe lives in Bnei Brak and, therefore, not too many Tishes take place in Jerusalem. But if so, people just storm inside.
We decided to go to the Slonim. What else is there and we discussed all the possibilities, Jews have in New York. Probably at each corner a different Tish takes place. In Jerusalem we are limited which is really a pity. Especially the Holy City should have more events of this kind.
We passed the Great Breslov Synagogue and walked up to the Slonim. On our way we suddenly heard a great chassidic song sung by hundreds of loud voices. Wow, we thought, this must be Avraham Yitzchak. Who else ?
No Tish at the Slonim and we ran over to Avraham Yitzchak were the walls were already shaking. Avraham Yitzchak is our personal number ONE Tish in Mea Shearim.
The main reason for their enthusiastic Tish is definitely Rebbe Shmuel Yaakov Kahn. He was eating his chicken soup and conducting the Chassidim with his spoon. This is what he likes most: eating and singing. We had not seen him for a few months and in my opinion, he put on some weight. Never mind, he was in a good mood.
What caught our eye was that when he went out to the restroom, one of the Chassidim took his hand and helped him leaving. As we had never realized this before, we thought that he might not be too well. Today however, a chassid told us that they always lead him out this way and that he was fine. Well, I really hope that the rebbe is okay.
Hundreds of people were participating in the Avraham Yitzchak Tish. Also the womens' section was crowded but after a while we were lucky and found two seats. Some female members offered us some soda water and it is always easy to talk to the younger women.
I have read it on the Internet but we have also realized it "life" that a certain amount of young Avraham Yitzchak women try to be more modern. The same with Toldot Aharon but a little less obvious and more carefully.
It does not mean that the women try to run away from certain group traditions or their Takanot (internal laws). Just the opposite, they want to be group members but start changing a few strict laws. Maybe too strict in their eyes.
Members of such societies cannot just start changing traditions and have to be careful. So, what they usually do is start changing little things such as the head covers (Yasameh). Some of the women still wear the most modest kind, the Yasameh covering the neck and going down until the chest. However, I would say that the majority does not wear this kind of long head cover anymore. Half of the other women do cover their necks but many of them just wear a simple Yasameh which does not totally cover the neck.
As in every society, you can find different people and different groups sticking to each other. And it is almost impossible to keep up all the strict laws forever.
You do not have to change the whole society but in order to make women more comfortable and accepted, men should not be afraid of accepting slight changes.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Rebbe Aharon Teitelbaum in Jerusalem
B"H
One of the two Satmarer Rebbes, Rabbi Aharon Teitelbaum, was visiting Jerusalem in August. You will be surprised about the amount of followers he has in our city.
One of the two Satmarer Rebbes, Rabbi Aharon Teitelbaum, was visiting Jerusalem in August. You will be surprised about the amount of followers he has in our city.
Big Brother is always around
B"H
Pamphlets are everywhere. It seems that cars just drive by and throw out all the pamphlets with new rabbinic decrees mostly signed by Rabbi Nissim Karelitz from Bnei Brak.
Friends of mine picked them up in the streets of Mea Shearim and gave them to me. One pamphlet mentioned a certain chassidic man in the neighbourhood inviting guys for Shabbat and besides all the food, they had to listen to what was called "irreligious opinions". Additionally, the hosts full name and address was given. Another one of those "flying messages" mentioned two shops in Malchei Israel Street selling Tallitot with a seal of a company which has no connection with the shops.
It is not only those public messages. In religious neighbourhoods everybody knows everything. The worst what can happen is that someone lives on the ground floor and all the kids from the "hood" stare through the window. I have experienced it myself when I visited friends and many people complain about being stared at.
Someone chassidic and living in such a neighbourhood, of course, knows all society rules and the fact that everybody is watching all the others. Even if they do not intend to watch you on purpose.
After a while I would just go wild not having my privacy. Although we go to chassidic neighbourhoods every Shabbat and I have lots of friends from religious societies, I really enjoy my "freedom" during the week when I am somewhere else in town.
As we go to different Tishes, we also met many people of different chassidic groups, and as we are a kind of regulars, we realized that we are also being watched. No one at a Tish cares what exactly you wear. What I am trying to say is that, of course, one should be dressed modestly but when you only comes once in a while, no one is going to make a fuzz if you wear a skirt with many colours or a black skirt.
However, as soon as one goes regularly and meets people, things are starting to get very different. On Shabbat, I dress modestly and behave in a certain way but not only because I want to but also because I have to.
Pamphlets are everywhere. It seems that cars just drive by and throw out all the pamphlets with new rabbinic decrees mostly signed by Rabbi Nissim Karelitz from Bnei Brak.
Friends of mine picked them up in the streets of Mea Shearim and gave them to me. One pamphlet mentioned a certain chassidic man in the neighbourhood inviting guys for Shabbat and besides all the food, they had to listen to what was called "irreligious opinions". Additionally, the hosts full name and address was given. Another one of those "flying messages" mentioned two shops in Malchei Israel Street selling Tallitot with a seal of a company which has no connection with the shops.
It is not only those public messages. In religious neighbourhoods everybody knows everything. The worst what can happen is that someone lives on the ground floor and all the kids from the "hood" stare through the window. I have experienced it myself when I visited friends and many people complain about being stared at.
Someone chassidic and living in such a neighbourhood, of course, knows all society rules and the fact that everybody is watching all the others. Even if they do not intend to watch you on purpose.
After a while I would just go wild not having my privacy. Although we go to chassidic neighbourhoods every Shabbat and I have lots of friends from religious societies, I really enjoy my "freedom" during the week when I am somewhere else in town.
As we go to different Tishes, we also met many people of different chassidic groups, and as we are a kind of regulars, we realized that we are also being watched. No one at a Tish cares what exactly you wear. What I am trying to say is that, of course, one should be dressed modestly but when you only comes once in a while, no one is going to make a fuzz if you wear a skirt with many colours or a black skirt.
However, as soon as one goes regularly and meets people, things are starting to get very different. On Shabbat, I dress modestly and behave in a certain way but not only because I want to but also because I have to.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
