To Shimon Katz
As to your contention that Chabad invented Kiruv in America, that’s not something worth arguing about, so if it will make you happy, I’ll concede that point. On the other hand, it’s totally disingenuous for you to claim that the present form of Chabad is simply a continuation of the Rayatz’ work. As Rabbi Herschel Schachter said, when he was interviewed by Dovid Lichtenstein, “Many Lubavichers daven to the Rebbe instead of to Hashem and this is Avodah Zarah.” This was not true under the Rayatz. Nor did we have a Manis Friedman stating that Mitzvahs are optional and that no Jew can be punished today no matter what sin he commits. Yedl acknowledged that there are serious issues in CH, and he’s quite aware of what’s going on. On a personal note, I appreciate what you did for me in helping to eliminate YYA from this thread, but if you shill for Chabad, I will challenge you.