Chassidic Tish Guide Part 2 - Chassidut Dushinsky

B"H

Don't be ashamed to admit that you have never ever heard about the chassidic group Dushinsky. You are not alone and most Israelis are not even aware that there is such group.

In the chassidic world, on the other hand, Dushinsky is well known. At least among the members of the anti - Zionist umbrella organization "Edah HaCharedit", such as Satmar, Spinka, Toldot Aharon or Avraham Yitzchak. But it is not unusual that Chassidim of "Agudat Israel" groups such as Vishnitz, Belz or Gur, don't know Dushinsky. Nevertheless, Dushinsky plays a very important role in the Edah and Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Ullmann is a member of the Beit Din Zedek of the Edah.

Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Ullmann is sitting in the middle (white scarf)



The Dushinsky group is relatively new. It is one of the few chassidic groups being named after a family name and not after a Shtetl. Additionally, Dushinsky does not have a direct line to the Baal Shem Tov. Instead, the group was founded approx. 70 years ago by Rabbi Yosef Zvi Dushinsky. The group is extremely anti - Zionist and in 1948, founder Rebbe Yosef Zvi tried to convince the UN not to agree to the foundation of a State of Israel.

See more on anti - Zionism here:

http://shearim.blogspot.com/2007/12/talmudic-reason-for-anti-zionism.html

http://www.jewsagainstzionism.com/rabbi_quotes/dushinsky.cfm

Anti - Zionist or not, there is a demand for the chassidic Dushinsky Tish. Especially from other Chassidim of the Edah. However, you can also find the national religious and litvishe visiting the Tish. Maybe a little less but probably due to the reason that Dushinsky is not too known.

During the winter months, the Tish starts at about 10pm, during the summer months at 11pm (on Erev Shabbat).

The Tish is smaller than in other chassidic groups and there is a more familiar atmosphere. Nevertheless, at least 200 Chassidim participate. Maybe even more.

Rebbe Yosef Zvi Dushinsky (not the one who went to the UN) does not eat a whole meal but usually gives a Derasha or sings together with his Chassidim.

Sometimes a well - known Edah Rabbi participates and also gives a Derasha.

The Dushinsky buildling complex looks a little neglected. The new synagogue right next to the old building looks just the opposite. Brandnew and very nice. The old complex might look neglected, however, it is kept clean.

The Tish lasts for about two hours. At the end, the Rebbe dances around the Tish together with some Chassidim. He usually does so three times. Afterwards the Rebbe says "Gut Shabbes" to every male participant. A custom I like very much because it is very personal and shows care.

Men and women have separate entrances. The entrance to the Ezrat Nashim is anything but easy to find. Of course, there are signs and arrows but sometimes you get lost with all the directions. Don't ask the male Chassidim, as they usually don't reply. Wait until someone female or litvish shows up. This once happened to me and my friend. A litvishe guy asked a Dushinsky Chassid and then explained us the way to the Ezrat Nashim.

However, the women's entrance is at the backside of the old building. Turn to the right, walk until the end of the fence, then turn left, enter the little gate, go straight and then left until the last door. Climb all the stairs until the top.

I found the Dushinsky women rather reserved but this might change in case you come regularly. But as soon as you ask something, you definitely get an answer without any hesitation.

Space behind the Mechitzah is rather limited, so be there early.

The Mechitzah is okay and once you got a place, you are able to see everything.

If you are at the Ezrat Nashim, just turn around and don't only look at the Tish but also at the new synagogue across the Mechitzah. Very worth seeing !!!

I got the impression that Rebbe Yosef Zvi Dushinsky very much cares for his Chassidim on a personal level. He looks like a respected person.

You don't necessarily have to agree to the Dushinsky policy, however, visiting their Tish is highly recommended. No matter if female or male.

Location: Shmuel HaNavi Street in Jerusalem

The present Dushinsky Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Zvi Dushinsky

People Talking

B"H

Every time it amazes me how people respond when I tell them that I write about haredi society. At a Shabbat dinner at friends in Mea Shearim, a woman (litvish) asked me if I am normal.
"Don't you have anything better to do ? Why don't you get married and have children ? And you know what - this is only your Yetzer HaRah convincing you to write".

The points she made sounded rather funny to me but the whole room was waiting for my response. All the guests, including our host, were anxious to hear what I have to say and stared at me with an open mouth. So I told the woman that it, first of all, does interest many people from abroad what is going on in Jerusalem. Of course, I don't know who exactly my readers are but it is much more positive giving people a serious idea about haredi society.
And it is even more important telling people all over the world the haredi point of view and not only some gossip, as many other writers or journalists do.

Everybody in the living room was quiet.

The woman said that she doesn’t necessarily agree with me but she made an interesting point:

"Does it give you a Chizuk - or in other words "Does it help you to become more religious?"

According to her, then everything would be okay and allowed.
Without hesitating I told her that, indeed this was the case.

The discussion was over and everyone happy. Obviously I had reacted in the right way and found everyone's approval.
However, the last point she made, has never really left my thoughts since. Does dealing with all the subjects including Chassidim bring a Chizuk (becoming more religious) ?

Generally speaking, I think that in most cases it doesn't but it very much depends on the person and on the purpose. Other writers have a certain goal, go to the Chassidim, find out whatever they are interested in and then leave. Subject finished. Now it is time to move on and make some money with all the new information.

With me it works very different and my friends can confirm that.
I think they would be so happy to confirm it, as I have been really going on their nerves lately. Talking about Chassidut without a break. There is hardly anything else anymore. I am lucky that most of my friends are more or less religious and, thus understand what I am talking about.

How has all this influenced me ?
After I had left haredi society, I would have never dreamt of going back. Well, maybe a little but nothing intense. I didn't even want to see the couple I know in Mea Shearim. No more influence and intensity.

Years later, I started my religious blogs and decided to explain Chassidut. Especially to German Jews who have absolutely no idea. First I described Chabad, Breslov and Gur but the next group, Vishnitz, was a problem. I didn't know too much about Vishnitz and hardly found any literature. The Haredim I asked only knew a little.
This was the point when I decided that I have to go out and speak to people. It actually took me more than another two months until I went to my first Tish ever: to Toldot Aharon.

For me, being back in society is a problem.
I didn't want to make the same mistakes again. Just keep cool and a distance. But, as it happens in life, the more you go, the more you get involved again.

A few weeks have passed since the litvishe woman made her statements, and today I can honestly say that it does give a Chizuk.

In the meantime, I am so much involved again that I sometimes consider taking a break from everything. No Chassidim, no synagogues, no nothing. Just getting a clear mind.
But on the other hand, I am an addict and cannot just leave everything. You can go away to another place but your thoughts always accompany you. I could be laying at the beach in Tel Aviv but my thoughts would be in religion itself and in the religious parts of Jerusalem. And as the Baal Shem Tov used to say: "You are where your thoughts are."

Masses in Mea Shearim

B"H

Perfect weather. More then 20° C and sunshine. Trees are blossoming and summer seems to be straight ahead of us. Nevertheless, winter is not over yet, as it is only March.

With a friend of mine I went to the Karlin – Stolin Synagogue for Maariv on Erev Shabbat. Many of you know Karlin – Stolin and their devoted prayers where they shout out the words, are more than famous and popular. Somehow Karlin – Stolin is becoming a ritual. There can hardly be another great Maariv prayer on Erev Shabbat as at their synagogue.

I admit that there aren't too many women taking part in the service and the Ezrat Nashim is empty. If you are lucky you can find five or six of them. And even if, the majority consists of visitors like us. But this doesn't mean you cannot have a great service. I can only recommend at Karlin – Stolin. The group even has its own Sidur called "Beit Aharon and Israel".

Afterwards we took part in our second ritual.
We went for a Shabbat meal to Rabbi Mordechai Machlis. Although the Rabbi doesn’t want any political talks in his house on Shabbat, he began his "ceremony" with a speech about the tragic events at the Mercaz HaRav Yeshiva in the Kiryat Moshe neighbourhood.
Eight Yeshiva students were shot by an Arab Terrorist and more than 30 were wounded. Rabbi Machlis had been to the mass funeral on Friday morning. As we are not allowed to mourn on Shabbat, the Rabbi made a very emotional speech but from one second to the other, his son Yehoshua changed the subject with a song.

After the meal, we went straight to the Dushinsky Synagogue were a Tish took place.

Next time we have to leave the Machlis house earlier, as most Tishes start at 10pm at the moment. The result of our showing up at 11pm was that we couldn't find a place behind the Dushinsky Mechitzah. I had a quick look on Rebbe Yosef Zvi Dushinsky and that was it.

Our next destination was Krechtnif. And there, we were lucky. An empty Ezrta Nashim except for the Rebbitzen who showed up with her daughters and in – laws. The only problem is that someone at Kretchnif had this great "idea" of hanging up some plastic foil on the metal Mechitzah. Now we have to stare through this foil and when you do so for ten minutes, your eyes just go crazy.
After about 20 minutes, we were dizzy enough and ready to leave. A pity, because the Krechnifer have such a great Tish and I like the Rebbitzen. Let alone the Rebbe dancing by himself.

Can please anyone take off this plastic foil.
I promise not to climb over or do something immodest. But just return the the status quo of the old Mechitzah !!!!!

We started walking down Mea Shearim Street and guess what:
The two entrance doors to the Mishkenot HaRoim building were wide open and shouted at us: "Come in, come in"!!!
The Mishkenot HaRoim are not really a chassidic group in a normal sense. They are rather a kind of secret group or organization whose present head is Rabbi Chaim Rabinovicz. Extremely anti – Zionist, secret and a member of the Edah HaCharedit.

However, don't get too excited now.
Very fast we realized that both doors are for men only.
Now what ?
Dress up as a men or give up ?
I started looking for a third entrance. But nothing. It cannot be that only men pray in this building. How about the group members wives ? Where do they pray ?
Maybe a good idea would be to finally go to the Neturei Karta Synagogue and investigate there. Someone might have an idea. It was such a pity because the Mishkenot HaRoim had a Tish.

A few meters further away, we reached the Shomrei Emunim Synagogue. But no Tish took place.

So guess what we did ?
Of course, we started our third ritual which is called "Toldot Aharon". It was Tish – time but unfortunately, it was so packed, that we didn't see much. Hundreds of women were standing on the metal benches and pushing each other. We stayed for a little more than half an hour and then escaped the scene. There was no air inside and an incredible heat.

The next morning I was really in my Neturei Karta mood.
I wasn't suddenly anti – Zionist but felt like something challenging. However, I ended up at Toldot Aharon for Shacharit. This happens when you get to Mea Shearim Street and this is the first place you see. I couldn't resist but I should have.

I walked in and saw the same as the night before. Women's legs on the metal benches everywhere. There was no space and eventually I chose the very last back bench. Now, don't ask me anything what was going on. I was there for almost three hours and saw NOTHING from the service. The truth is that I didn't even hear the service. Maybe a few words but that was it. The Toldot Aharon Mechitzah for Shabbat is simply a disaster. They put the metal bars onto the glass because the light is turned on and the men from downstairs might see the women.

There is only one thing I can tell for sure:
They had another Shabbat Chatan. Three or four young couples are getting married this week.

As you can imagine, I didn't have a great spiritual prayer service. In fact, I had no service. I prayed the Amidah twice, as everybody placed herself in position and finally even I realized what was going on. Otherwise there was just nothing.
However, the group members were in their talking moods and I had some nice brief discussions instead.

Well, what do you do when you sit in a synagogue and don't know what is happening ?
You look around.
This is exactly what I did. I stared at the clothes and head covers. Suddenly I noticed that a very young girl didn't stop staring at me. She couldn't have been older than 17 or 18 years old. She was definitely newly married. Maybe only for a few weeks.

I don't know how why but I always attract the desperate. I can enter a room with a thousand people but all the desperate only jump on me.

And the girl was desperate. Totally sad and I am sure that she has been crying out her eyes. Maybe her marriage is not the best, who knows. I had this experience a few months ago with another girl.

In the meantime, I tried looking into different directions but the girl kept on staring with the look "I want to switch with you".
Almost at the end, she left together with her mother but kept staring.

Later on I told my friend that there is another "case" and she just replied: "Oh, no".

But I promised one thing to myself. The Toldot Aharon Tish is great but the synagogue service at the Ezrat Nashim is just a disaster. I don't know how all the other women suffer through this by not seeing and not hearing. They probably got used to it.

Chassidic Tish Guide Part 1 - BELZ

B"H

After all I have experienced so far, I would like to share some of the information with other Jews. It goes without saying that this guide only provides a limited view into the chassidic Tish world in Jerusalem. And as I am female, not all Tishes are available to me anyway. But what can I do ?

Many readers sent me e - mails inquiring about Tishes in Jerusalem. Religious Jewish tourists love to go to the Belz Tish. The Belzer are the absolute No. 1 among visitors from abroad. Not at all due to my writings, as Belz is famous anyway. Nevertheless, people ask me how to get to the Belzer Beit Midrash.

Religious Jewish travelers who are planning to join a synagogue service, mostly ask for one particular chassidic group:
For Karlin - Stolin.

The Karliner are famous for their ecstatic prayers and Jews from all over the world are anxious to see this. Personally, I can highly recommend the Karlin - Stolin Synagogue in Mea Shearim.

A couple of German Gentiles asked me if there is a chance for them going to a chassidic Tish. I tried to explain them that one thing should be very clear:
The participants of a chassidic Tish should be Jewish only. The same applies for the synagogue visitors in Mea Shearim. Chassidim take this very seriously and if a Gentile dares to go and is caught, he will find himself being thrown out immediately.

So far, all Tishes have been great. However, it also depends very much on what you are looking for. For lots of dancing and singing or maybe something slower and serious; for a huge Tish or a family atmosphere.

I am going to introduce some of the Tishes and the first one will be Chassidut Belz.
_____________

The Belzer Tish

During the winter months, the Belzer start at 9pm, during the summer months at 11pm (on Erev Shabbat).

Several hundred Chassidim participate.

Rebbe Yissachar Dov Rokeach eats and his Chassidim sing.

The atmosphere is great but take into consideration that the place is extremely crowded. And behave well, as the Belzer are very organized and don't like to have everything upside down !!!

The Tish only lasts for approx. two hours.

Separate entrances for male and female.

The Mechitzah is not bad and women are able to see everything.

The place is extremely clean.

The Chassidim are friendly and open.

You will hardly find a place with greater Niggunim.

The whole Tish is very organized and everything is in its place. Or in other words, nothing goes wrong.

Food is mostly only handed to those whose names are read out loud. Someone told me that these are the Chassidim who during the week came to see the Rebbe and asked for a Beracha (blessing). Anyway, the fruit at the end, anyone male can grab.

In Chassidut Belz, Rebbe Rokeach is treated like a king by his Chassidim. However, the Belzer have a huge group and it is anything but easy to get to the Rebbe.

I can highly recommend the Belzer Tish and it is definitely an experience.

Location: Kiryat Belz near Kiryat Mattersdorf in Jerusalem


The Belz Synagogue in Jerusalem



Tish in Belz

Tragedy in Jerusalem

B"H

Shabbat is starting soon and I don't want to depress anyone. However, maybe you have heard it already or, in case if not, here is the terrible news:

Last night at about 8:30pm (Jerusalem time) a Palestinian terrorist from East - Jerusalem ran amok in the Jerusalem national religious Yeshiva MERCAZ HARAV.
Mercaz HaRav was founded by the first Israeli Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaCohen Kook, and is THE flagship of the national religious movement in the country.

Eight students were killed and more than 30 wounded. In about 20 minutes, a mourning service is taking place in front of the Mercaz HaRav Yeshiva in Kiryat Moshe. Later on, the funerals are taking place. After some years of peace, Jerusalem is back in the headlines.

Although we should be joyful on Shabbat and especially on Rosh Chodesh Adar B, Jerusalem is going to have a rather sad Shabbat.

My plans are as usual:
1. Going for Maariv to Karlin - Stolin tonight.
2. Shabbat Meal at Rabbi Mordechai Machlis.
3. Tish - I haven't decided yet which one.
4. Shabbat morning: Going for Shacharit, apparently to Toldot Aharon.

Despite the tragic attack, I wish you a great Shabbat and a joyful Adar B !!!!

The "Lost Tribe" Business

B"H

For some reason I am not at all into the subject of people from all over the world claiming to be part of the Lost Tribes. Maybe I am too Israeli to get excited about such claims. Honestly, it sounds rather ridiculous to me, and I am going with the haredi opinion not to accept such people as Jews, if they don't undergo an orthodox conversion (Giur).

For a couple of years now, the so - called "Bnei Menashe" are streaming to Israel. There are Indians, if really Jewish or not, who claim that they are from the Tribe of Menashe. How can anyone dare to claim this today ? It says in rabbinic literature that only the Meshiach will be able to determine who of the Jews belongs to which Tribe.

Many books have been written so far where the authors state that they found solutions. The Who is Who claim. Some even go so far to propose a DNA - Test.
I admit not knowing enough about DNA - Tests of Cohanim or Lost Tribes. This sounds far too science fiction for me. Can there really be a DNA - proof ?

From time to time, we read articles about people from all over the world claiming to be Jewish and a Lost Tribe Club. Peru, India and even some Africans.
I am just not getting excited about all the statements. As I said, I am too Israeli. And the "too Israeli" opinion is that there are people in this world who look for a better future. The poor from Third World Countries. Suddenly everyone wants to be Jewish and come to Israel where they hope for a better life.
Isn't it strange that people have never seemed to claim "Lost Tribe identity" hundreds of years ago. Only recently, the whole thing has started and Indian "Jews" have been flocking into Israel since.

First, the Chief Rabbinate (Rabbanut) didn't accept them as halachically Jewish at all, and all of them had to undergo a legal orthodox conversion (Giur). Some time ago, the Indians started doing their own thing and just arrived in Israel without informing the authorities. They came, no one knew where to put them and the worst was that they refused a conversion course and insisted on their self - appointed Jewishness.

Last Sunday, 18 couples got married at the Great Synagogue in Jerusalem. I was in the building when the event took place, as we had a shiur upstairs. Downstairs the wedding celebration took place. Ynet wrote about the event but didn't mention anything about the Jewishness of the couples. Someone at the event told me that they all had converted and now got married again. According to Halacha. And as the weddings took place in the Rabbanut building, they must be halachically Jewish.

However, I am not too convinced and remain skeptical. Are they Jewish or not ?
But, as I said before, I am too Israeli and see the whole world claiming that everyone is just Jewish.

However if people look for a blossoming future, why not go to Europe or the States ? Those countries restrict immigration and it seems to be much easier to claim a Lost Tribe identity.

Reality is that Israelis (not necessarily me) are racists and the Indians, no matter if Jewish or not, always remain outsiders in society.

No more Secrets

B"H

At one of the Tishes, I discussed different issues with a woman from the extreme chassidic Mea Shearim group Toldot Aharon. Basically we spoke about different chassidic groups but somewhere in between I mentioned that I could not enter the Toldot Aharon synagogue on Simchat Torah. When I arrived, countless women had already lined up in front of the entrance door and, as there wasn't even enough space for the female group members, I was told to come back another time. Never mind.

I didn't take it too seriously and perfectly understood the situation. However, when I spoke to that woman the other Tish night, she just thought the opposite. She couldn't stop apologizing anymore and I kept on telling her that everything is fine. Nothing had happened and I wasn't offended at all.
"No, no, no, she said, don't think we are like that. But we simply don't have enough space for all our members on Simchat Torah. Even us (the members) have to line up or arrive to the prayer service in shifts."

A second woman interfered and told me the same. I just kept on saying that it wasn't such an important issue to me.

But I also mentioned that I didn't miss too much. Because even if I didn't go to the Mea Shearim synagogues during Chol HaMoed Sukkot, I was able to see parts of the celebrations on "Youtube". Nowadays, everything is on the Internet anyway.

The woman had not expected at all this kind of remark. She just couldn't believe what I was telling her.
"Everything on the Internet ?"

"Yes, of course, I continued, what do you think. Many chassidic groups and even Kiryat Yoel (Satmar with Rebbe Aharon Teitelbaum) have websites. And if not, group members or outsiders write about the groups."

The Toldot Aharon woman was speechless.
"Apparently we cannot keep any secret anymore", she said very disappointed.

I tried explaining to her that there are actually no real Toldot Aharon secrets on the net. What does it mean at all ? Secret ?
People write about the Toldot Aharon customs, rabbis, history or dresses. This is not a secret, as it is so easy accessing the writings of the Toldot Aharon Rebbes including those of Rabbi Daniel Frisch at the Jewish National Library. Study the writings and then you are already able to understand many group concepts.
And almost all chassidic groups have videos on Youtube. From Kretchnif, to Bobov, to Belz or Lelov, and even Satmar. Let alone Chabad and Breslov. So what ?

Another point I made while talking to her was that people are interested in what is going on in the chassidic world.

"Who could be interested ?", she asked.

"All kinds of people, I responded. Let's take the Chassidim from Boro Park, Williamsburgh, London or Antwerp. Maybe they don't have the opportunity to come to Jerusalem but still would like to know what is going on in the Holy City. So, why not watch videos of the different rebbes on the Internet ?"

The woman was still reluctant.

"But I don't go to New York and when I don't go, I don't know what is happening in Boro Park. And I don't feel that I have to know it."

The whole time, I was busy explaining her the reasons and that she shouldn't fear that anyone publishes any insider secrets. I am almost sure that the Toldot Aharon members don't use the net too much and even if, they wouldn't publish the real internal group secrets.

"That's the way everybody does it today, I told her. And Chassidim in New York are also interested in knowing about the Tishes in Jerusalem or watching a video of the Toldot Aharon Rebbe and many other Rebbes as well."

When the Tish was over, I could see that the woman was still full of doubts. However, the reasons I gave her made her think.

Bar Mitzwah in Belz

B"H

The one's of you being in Jerusalem can run over to the Kiryat Belz neighbourhood and join a huge Bar Mitzwah.

At the moment, all Belzer Chassidim are gathering in the great Beit Midrash in order to celebrate the Bar Mitzwah of Rebbe Yissachar Dov Rokeach's grandson.


The Belzer Beit Midrash in Jerusalem



The Belzer have the greatest synagogue (7000 places) in the country although Chassidut Gur likes to state that once their construction is done, they will have the largest syngogue (10,000 places).

What makes one a Zaddik (Righteous) ?

B"H

Not only that I am unable to make up my mind about joining a chassidic group; but even if so, which one would be on the top of my list ?

As I have mentioned before, I am not a group person at all. I don't run with the crowd but always keep my own opinions and ideas.
All the years being among Chassidim, I could not say which Chassidut I prefer and which one I cannot stand. It is quite obvious that the Chassidim from different groups have their particular mentality and behaviour. This I cannot explain too well to an outsider but after a while, you simply notice the differences. I give you Chassidut Belz as an example, and hope not to offend the Belzer now. However, Belz is a great example.

Other Chassidim say the following about Belz:
The Belzer are only into their money. That's important to them.

When you go to the Tish of the Belzer Rebbe in Kiryat Belz / Jerusalem, you see hundreds of Chassidim serving Rebbe Yissachar Dov Rokeach anxiously. Once I arrived a little early and the Rebbe hadn't entered the hall yet. Chassidim were walking up and down, talking, whatever. Suddenly someone announce that the Rebbe is coming and then you should have seen the Chassidim running to their places. It was worse than when a general is coming to visit an army unit. I have never seen this before.
On Shabbat, the Belzer Chassidim all wear their best. The black shoes are shining like brandnew. However, if you only know them from the Tish, you notice a certain way of behaviour and even a special way of walking. One might call it elegant but others call it arrogant. There is a certain mentality among them I simply cannot explain. You have to see it yourself. Nevertheless, if you know Belzer Chassidim a little better and on a more personal basis, you very often get a completely different impression.
So far, I only have positive experiences with Belz but I do still notice this particular kind of behaviour when I go Tishing.

A few weeks ago I told a Chassid (NOT Belz) that acquaintances of mine want to join a certain chassidic group because they love the Rebbe. The Chassid smiled and said: "So, what if the Rebbe dies and if they don't like the successor ? What then ? They switch again ?"

These are exactly some of my reasons why I wouldn't join a chassidic group although I am very attached to Chassidut. But taking over a certain group behaviour, loving only one Rebbe and accepting only his ideas and Halachot (Psak Halacha) is just not for me. One of my biggest problems is seeing a chassidic Rebbe, it doesn't matter from which group, as a Zaddik (a righteous). I do agree with the Baal Shem Tov about the Zaddik concept. However, Rabbi Elimelech of Lejansk (in his book "Noam Elimelech") is already far beyond my Zaddik understanding. It was Rabbi Elimelech of Lejansk (1717 - 1786) who extended the original Zaddik concept and said among many other things: "When the Zaddik does great things he clothes himself into Ruach HaKodesh (a kind of Holy Spirit)".

Especially the Chozeh (Seer) of Lublin, Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchak Horowitz (1745 - 1815), added more aspects to the Zaddik concept. I am not listing all his ideas and teachings at this point, as it is a vast subject, but only mention a few.

According to the Chozeh, the Zaddik is higher than any ordinary Jew (Am HaAretz). It is the Zaddik's prayer which could bring Meschiach and the Zaddik elevates our material world to the higher spiritual worlds. The Peshis'cha movement with Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchak of Przysucha (Yiddish: Peshis'cha) didn't agree to that concept. Instead the Rabbi of Przysucha (1765 - 1814) claimed that a Zaddik (a Rebbe) should rather help everybody else becoming a Zaddik and not separating himself or considering himself as too special.

When I look at the historical background and look at chassidic Rebbes today, I am not sure if all the concepts don't rather sound too exaggerated. Maybe I am sounding like a Litvak now but I cannot help it. First of all, I always have the Chabad concept of a Zaddik in mind. When I am saying Chabad, I mean Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi and not all the Meschiach mess today.

In his "Book of TANYA", Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi considers the Zaddik as a person who has totally overcome his Yetzer HaRah (negative side in oneself). A concept, I personally like very much.
Although there are many different ideas about how a Zaddik should be, I am asking myself if all the so - called Zaddikim today, hence the Rebbes of chassidic dynasties, are all real Zaddikim and have overcome their Yetzer.

I am rather conservative and dare to claim that real true Zaddikim are extremely rare. Things are simply not the same anymore as they used to be hundreds or thousands of years ago. And I don't agree calling any chassidic Rebbe today a Zaddik. To me, a Zaddik must be an extraordinary person and shouldn't be only Rebbe and therefore called Zaddik. Not everyone inheriting his Rebbe position must be necessarily a Zaddik.

People familiar with the writings of Rabbi Yehoshua Heshel of Apta (1748 - 1825) and his book "Ohev Israel" probably know that the Apter Rebbe said that a Zaddik didn't choose his position by himself but was placed into it from Heaven.
But what about all the chassidic Rebbes ? Were they really placed into their position from Heaven ? In a way YES, as nothing happens in this world without G - d.

In other words, I don't see all the present or even some former chassidic Rebbes necessarily as Zaddikim. Many of them might do great things but doing good deeds and keeping Mitzwot doesn't turn one into the greatest Zaddik. Although Rabbi Nachman of Breslov saw himself as the "Zaddik HaDor - The Righteous of his Generation", he also taught that in a way, everybody has the ability of becoming a Zaddik himself.

To me a chassidic Rebbe is more an authority who I do respect. He can be a great person and very knowledgeable but nothing beyond it. A great person with lots of charisma, that's it. Would this be so bad ? Why should he automatically be a Zaddik ?

I could not cling to a Rebbe or agree to everything he decides. There are also other opinions and people. And as the Chassid I spoke to said: "What if Rebbe dies and I don't like his successor ?"

Sometimes at the chassidic Tishes I am really asking myself where G – d is. Everybody around me says "The Rebbe, the Rebbe, the Rebbe", and everyone, myself included, looks at the Rebbe.
Nevertheless, shouldn't we think of G – d as THE most important one and not the Rebbe ? At the Tishes one might get the impression that there is only a Rebbe and no one else.

There are times when someone like me is better far off by not making a final decision and, instead, remaining an outsider. I couldn't make anything final but admire people who can.

Big Brother is watching you

B"H

I have to admit that I really enjoy the talks with different Chassidim. It doesn't matter if it is Belz, Gur, Vishnitz, Dushinsky or Avraham Yitzchak. Everybody knows each other and each of them wants to be the best informed about the other groups. Vishnitz, for example, loves to emphasize that everybody else has his roots in Vishnitz. First I thought that this is just another exaggeration but then I realized that there is actually lots of truth in it.

Furthermore, countless chassidic groups today are related to each other. The Rebbes like to marry off their children to other Rebbe's kids. Thus, they gain something from each other. One famous example is the Vishnitzer Rebbe, Rabbi Moshe Yehoshua Hager, in Bnei Brak. One of his daughters is married to one of the two Satmarer Rebbes, Rabbi Aharon Teitelbaum, and another daughter is married to the present Belzer Rebbe, Rabbi Yissachar Dov Rokeach.

But how can that be ?
Two daughters from one family married Rebbes whose groups are officially "enemies".

Sometimes even the so – called enemies are more moderate with each other than one might think.

When Rebbe Aharon Teitelbaum gave a Tish in Jerusalem at his visit last August, the Belzer Rebbe sent a delegation. The background of the Machloket between Satmar and Belz comes from the 1980ies.
Then, the Belzer Rebbe decided to leave the anti – Zionist umbrella organization Edah HaCharedit and instead join the Agudat Israel. People say that the main reason for this decision was simply money. Chassidut Belz suffered a lot during the Holocaust and only a few years later, the former Rebbe, Rabbi Aharon Rokeach, passed away. At that time, his nephew R. Yissachar Dov was still a child and therefore wasn't able to take over leadership. For years, Belz was without a Rebbe. Today Belz has money but years ago, Belz needed the money from the Israeli government. And this you only get when you are not in the Edah but rather in the Agudah with its Knesset party "Yahadut HaTorah (including groups such as Gur and Vishnitz)".

As expected, the members of the Edah HaCharedit saw in Belz the big traitor running over to the Zionists. Additionally, Chassidut Belz founded its own Hechsher (kosher certificate) called "Badatz Belz – Beit Din Zedek Belz". Thus, Belz became a competitor to the Edah and its Hechsher "Badatz Edah HaCharedit – Beit Din Zedek Edah HaCharedit".

I asked some Belzer Chassidim about their today's relationship to the Edah, to Satmar and Toldot Aharon. I received plenty of different opinions. From very liberal to still hostile. One opinion was that the event took place a long time ago and some of the Rebbes have died in the meantime. So, everything is different today.

When Rebbe Aharon Teitelbaum came to Israel last summer, he made peace with Satmar's old rival Zanz – Klausenburg.
But why doesn't he do the same with Belz ?
Very simple. Politics.

A Chassid from a different chassidic group told me the following:
Since the two sons of the last Satmarer Rebbe, Rebbe Moshe Teitelbaum, have been fighting out their war about leadership, too much politics are involved. Both sons, Rebbe Aharon as well as Rebbe Zalman Leib Teitelbaum, see themselves as the new Rebbe.
As the followers of Rebbe Zalman Leib in Williamsburgh gossiped about Rebbe Aharon's wife that she could never be a worthy Satmarer Rebbitzen anyway, as she studied at the Hebrew speaking haredi school Beit Yaakov, Rebbe Aharon wants to be careful in his doings. If he made peace with Belz, the followers of Rebbe Zalman Leib would have another subject to gossip about. And who knows if Rebbe Aharon's Chassidim would agree to such a peace ?

When I speak to Chassidim, I am immediately told all the different politics involved. Each of them looks at the other group and everybody just knows anyone. They like to look at the other groups and find their mistakes and faults.

After Shabbat, many Chassidim ask me about the Tishes I have been to.

Who is getting married to whom ?
Everybody is interested. This seems to be the daily interest of a Chassid.

The historical knowledge of the Chassidim about Chassidut is just incredible. When you grow up in chassidic society, you learn all the connections very easily. Whenever I ask something, I am getting the story with the whole background. Afterwards my head is hurting due to the flow of massive information. Including chassidic stories and further details I have never even dreamt about.

Some weeks ago, when I went to Mea Shearim for Shabbat lunch, the family spoke about the latest weddings taking place. Even the kids knew what was going on and whatever takes me a long time find out, the kids know and remember right away.

Who says "Men don't like to Gossip" ?

B"H

"Women are naive and gossip. They are not interested in higher Jewish studies because they are too busy cooking and gossiping".

Women know that this is not true but obviously men don't. The everlasting stereotype opinion about the woman's mind. Although it says in the Talmud that women have more "Binah - Understanding", never quote this Passuk to a men.

Of course men gossip and Chassidim are not an exception.
Since I started writing about haredi subjects, the men I am dealing with don't leave me alone asking their questions. I am talking here about Haredim and not the national religious. By the way, according to my experience the national religious are not much better.

So, what is a famous gossip subject of chassidic men ?
It goes without saying that you should never say too much against their own chassidic group. If you do dare, wait for their response. One justification after the other and if you are still not convinced, they proof to you that this actually is only gossip from another chassidic group.

Chassidim love to hear about other group's Rebbitzens.
Of course, the Rebbitzen of their own group is the greatest Zadekes you can ever imagine. She is intelligent, great, can cook, clean, represent, is full of Chesed, and don't ask what else.
The Rebbitzen of another group, on the other hand, is doubtful. She is generally less bright than the Rebbitzen of the own group. She cannot be because she is in a different group.

Many times, Chassidim cannot really figure out some of the Rebbitzens. Their wives don't necessarily go to other Tishes and I have been asked many times about different Rebbitzens.
"How is she?"
"Does she have a brain ?"

To me such questions are rather funny. How do I judge a Rebbitzen if she is bright or the opposite. Most Rebbitzens are surrounded by a female crowd and many times you don't even get near her. Of course, you can go up to the Toldot Aharon or Avraham Yitzchak Rebbitzen. By the way, the two of them are of very different character.

I am not a Rebbitzen's intelligence investigator and I let the Chassidim asking me know. So far, I have only spoken to the Kretchnifer Rebbitzen and I didn't think about finding out her IQ.

However, male Chassidim don't leave me alone with these questions and I cannot understand what they would gain from it. Just feeling more superior over another group ? Instead of inquiring about the Rebbitzen I wish they would more inquire about the Rebbe. The Rebbe is much more important to me. How much brain does he have ?

Men gossip but I am unable understanding their gossip point.

Haya Sameach - היה שמח

B"H

"Haya Sameach" is Israeli slang and the translation is something ironic like "it wasn't boring".

It was a sunny warm Shabbat and many people who usually don't go out too much during the cold rainy winter changed their minds.
Last Friday night, Mea Shearim was packed. I didn't see any tourist buses, as it was Shabbat but it seemed like a few buses had come in and sent out all the Israeli visitors.

This time, I took a friend and we first went for Maariv (evening prayer) to the Karlin - Stolin Synagogue. As expected, only a few women were there but easily about 200 men. And as expected, the prayer service was full of Kavanah (concentration). From far away you can hear the Karliner prayers.

Afterwards we went to Ma'alot Dafna Rabbi Mordechai Machlis for Shabbat dinner. Later on, we returned to Mea Shearim and had a look at the Sheva Berachot at Toldot Aharon. As soon as there are Sheva Berachot, Toldot Aharon is packed; Ezrat Nashim, downstairs in the men's section. Packed and you can hardly move let alone see anything.

Unfortunately, only one of the two rooms of the Ezrat Nashim was available. As far as I heard, the second room was locked because it was only reserved for the bride's family. The result was that all the women were squeezed into one room and you cannot imagine what was going on there. The metal benches were shaking as soon as someone started climbing up. There was simply no chance seeing anything.

My friend and me stood at the side next to the benches and were able to have a glimpse. Rebbe David Kahn was sitting in the middle of the front table. To his right was the groom and to his left was the Rebbe's younger brother. It looked like all the Toldot Aharon Chassidim from Beit Shemesh had arrived as well. The Tish was packed and other male visitors from the outside had hardly space. However, there were some litvishe and national religious.

A whole group of national religious girls stormed into the Ezrat Nashim. They spread and took over everything. When those Israeli national religious come in, no Toldot Aharon woman can escape her destiny. The girls are Chutzpaniot and are not ashamed to ask the weirdest questions. Many Toldot Aharon women, especially the younger ones, find this rather amusing and answer.
The "Rabbi Kook fans" spread and we just escaped to the Avraham Yitzchak Synagogue. No Tish took place there and I suppose that Rebbe Shmuel Yaakov Kahn might have spend the Shabbat in Beit Shemesh.

What else is in the area ? Right, the Slonim.

So, we went to the Slonim and were able to move. Obviously they are not so famous among Mea Shearim visitors and the Ezrat Nashim was half empty.

I find it rather strange that the Slonim women hardly show up for their own Tish. The people you meet there are mostly from the outside or other groups. To me it is always a big change coming from the Toldot Aharon or Karlin and looking at the black coats again. Like Gur or Belz, the Slonim only wear black on Shabbat.
I have to admit that I do not like their Niggunim too much. They always sound the same. Just like an army melody. I cannot help it but Belz has the best Niggunim.

However, Rebbe Shmuel Brozovsky's Slonim Tish doesn't last for too long. 2 - 3 hours. He only makes Kiddush but doesn't have a meal. The Slonim emphasize on Niggunim and then they are done. And they were half done when we came. It was nice but short and we decided to return to Toldot Aharon. I was tired and didn't feel like walking down to Kretchnif or Dushinsky. We even forgot to check out if there was anything going on at the Shomrei Emunim.

Our second try at Toldot Aharon was much more successful. We entered and the national religious had enough and walked out. "Lot's of space", we thought but now the Ezrat Nashim was full of Toldot Aharon women. However, while we were standing at the side again, a group member pulled us up onto the metal benches. Finally we had a great view. Rebbe David Kahn was in a real swinging mood and the female group members were also in an extraordinary mood. Probably still enthusiastic about the great wedding last Wednesday. You could ask anything and got an answer. The national religious really had a lucky day and left with lots of information to think about.

Other visitors at the Ezrat Nashim: Satmar and Dushinsky women.

The next morning I got up early and went for Shacharit (morning prayer) to Toldot Aharon. Another Shabbat Chatan should take place. I walked in and saw that the second room still locked. The weather was great and I simply didn't feel like sitting in a room with a hundred women. No fresh air and especially no sunshine. I decided that this was it and walked to the Kotel (Western Wall) where I joined the prayer service of Rabbi Mordechai Machlis. The Rabbi is just great; inviting people to his home every single Shabbat and making a great Kiddush for anyone in front of the Kotel.

I was glad I didn't stay in Mea Shearim for Shacharit. After leaving Toldot Aharon, I thought about going to Breslov or Stropkov. But honestly, I saw the sunshine and I felt like I needed a break from everything. Just be outside and enjoy nature.
The Breslovers would say: "Enjoy G - d's Creation and get some Hitbodedut done".

I am not with any particular group and I am quite happy about that. But sometimes I do feel too attached to Toldot Aharon and I want to give me and them a break. Otherwise they might just hand me an application form and pull me right in.