Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
To philosopher
You post is spot on. According to Judaism, at 120 each person will be judged for every second of his life. As an example, we’ll be asked why we didn’t have Kavanah for the first Brocha of Shemoneh Esreh on May 11, 2005. In contrast, we can encapsulate the Chabad belief system as per the following, “A few years ago, a Chabad Rabbi said on VIN, “I tell everyone I meet, “There’s a special sale in Judaism, do one Mitzvah (Tefilin) and get 612 for free.” Obviously, Hashem is merciful, but we can’t assume that we’ll get a pass if we’re nonchalant in our Mitzvah observance. Chabad, on the other hand, teaches that if we do a Mitzvah, we’re doing Hashem a favor. Why don’t people understand this? Because we’re busy. If we’re rich, we’re formulating our plans for Pesach and if we’re poor, we’re trying to figure out how to make ends meet.
To yuda the maccabi
You make an interesting point, but it needs clarification because Kefirah is in the eyes of the beholder. Please provide a few examples of statements on YWN that you view as heretical and we can discuss them.
To mentsch 1
Your point is well taken. Many years ago, a friend told me that his Rabbi told him that Hashem could knock on your door and tell you exactly what he plans to do and it will still be a shock when it actually happens. We know that there is no shortage of statements from Chazal but no one knows how it will all work out. Only time will tell.
To Haimy
People are resilient. If 6000 comes and Moshiach hasn’t arrived our Rabbis will find some other Chazal to explain what happened. The Jewish people are eternal. We take a licking, but we keep on ticking.
To Anyone
I disagree with your thesis that there’s a disparity in how normative Jews view Chabad. Let me explain. First, all mainstream Jews agree that the following Chabad claims are false. That is, we reject that the Rebbe is Moshiach, was a Novi, is still alive, and we reject Manis Friedman’s contention that one can do any Aveirah of his choosing and nothing will happen to him. Second, we all agree that Lubavitchers, by and large, are very nice people and we encourage them to continue their fine Kiruv work. Where there is a difference is that one camp, of which I’m part, is troubled by Chabad’s distortions of our religion and so we address them, while the other camp overlooks the deviant Chabad belief system because they’re impressed by the good Chabad does.
To shlomo_frid
Please reread my previous post. I made one comment for you and the other for rescue. You have no reason to apologize unless you and rescue are one and the same, which I highly doubt.
To shlomo__frid
A synopsis in English please.
To rescue
Chazal say that the Jews will be redeemed if they’re totally meritorious or if they hit rock bottom so that puts a monkey wrench into your theory. Now on a personal note. You attacked me for no reason on two other threads. I asked you nicely to explain your position and you ignored my requests. You are a phony and a hypocrite. You can dish it out, but you refuse to discuss the issues like a human being. Checkmate dude. No one’s interested in your psychobabble. To borrow from the Bard, “Get thee to a Yeshiva and learn real values.”
To coffee addict
When I wrote that I thought you were a blind follower. My mistake. As I wrote in an earlier post, I spent 30 years in a Rabbi Miller based Yeshiva and many, but not most, of those who attended believed that he was infallible. I’m glad to hear that you’re rational.
To Haimy
A Rabbi whose opinions I trust also said that 6000 isn’t a sure thing. I don’t see why it’s such a big deal. We have a Torah to keep. That’s our responsibility. It’s Hashem’s decision as to when Moshiach will come.
To coffee addict
I’m very impressed with you. You listened, and most posters refuse to do that.
To rescue
How would you address someone who is saying that G-d fathered a child by the name of Schneersohn? Would you show the same courtesy for a Jew for Cheeses?
To rescue
Please tell me what I said that you find objectionable and I’ll clarify my position.
To coffee addict
I just want to add some perspective. I’m not here to bash Rabbi Miller. I completely agree that he was a great man. My only point is that he wasn’t infallible, something which many of his followers believe. Let’s just review. You started the thread by asking why some people don’t eat Empire chickens. Shortly after, Shtreimelech 1 said it’s because they used to employ MO shochtim and people haven’t forgotten. This led to my challenging the notion that Modern Orthodox are less religiously trustworthy than Charedim. I’m fully aware that some believe this, but I don’t see any basis for it. A shochet is a professional who must abide by the standards of his profession, like any other professional, Jew and gentile alike. I used to have a patient who was a Rabbi at MTJ (he moved to Lakewood). One day he told me the following, “There used to be a butcher on Grand St named Goldberg. He was clean shaven, but everyone knew that he could be trusted.” We’re talking about a neighborhood which had Rav Moshe and many other luminaries. They all trusted him. This is how I was raised. Rabbi Miller had a different view. If you want to follow him, that’s your right, but I have my own valid Hashkafah. Now if you’re one of those people who think that Rabbi Miller never made a mistake, explain why he continued defending Chabad until the end.
To coffee addict
Thank you for responding, that shows menschlichkeit. I’m familiar with Rabbi Miller’s haskgafah because I spent thirty years (1990-2020) in a Yeshiva run by his Talmud Muvhak. When Rabbi Miller’s statement came out on Toras Avigdor that “real Jews” meaning Chareidim should avoid MOs by treating them like relatives who have an infectious disease, I was furious. I brought this up to the Rosh Yeshiva and he said, “I agree 100% with Rabbi Miller.” I realized that he views Rabbi Miller as infallible. And of course, the main problem was that my Rosh Yeshiva refused to listen to anything I told him about Chabad because Rabbi Miller liked Chabad. I agree that Rabbi Miller was a great man, but there are things that he said that were wrong. So, let’s consider your theory that Rabbi Miller likes Charedim because they adopt Chumrahs. Well, I learn about seven hours a day and I also write a very well received weekly Dvar Torah over the internet. I do all this while maintaining my practice. Trust me. I love Hashem. I’m a Lower East Side Jew. We don’t judge people by their beards and black hats. If Rabbi Miller wanted to say that he prefers Charedim because they’re more devoted to Hashem, I would respectfully disagree with his opinion. The problem was that he used the term “infectious disease” to describe tens of thousands of observant Jews. You gave examples of MOs who do questionable things. That’s true but there are a great many Charedim in jail for various forms of theft. That’s an Issur Doraysa and it’s a form of Kefirah, because it means that they don’t believe that Hashem provides their Parnasah. But you won’t find me making blanket statements that all Charedim are atheists. No, they believe in Hashem, but we all have a Yetzer hora and Teivos. The only group I criticize is Chabad because in their belief system, the Rebbe and not Hashem is in control. Let’s continue this, I’m impressed with your responses because you seem like an Ish Emes.
To rescue
There’s definitely a materialism problem in the frum community. My point is that you’re making nebulous pseudo-academic statements which are too generic to lead to meaningful discussion. Are you upset with frum Jews in general or with its leadership? If you would clarify that point it would be a good place to start.
To coffee addict
You are fixated on Chumrahs. I didn’t say that MO’s are better Jews than Charedim. I simply challenged the opinion of Rabbi Miller, and those who agree with him, that MOs are on a lower stratus, because that’s nonsense. I don’t know why you think that adopting Chumrahs elevates a Jew. I’ll share a story. About 30 years ago I attended my cousin’s wedding. It was held in a Brooklyn catering hall. When I arrived a local (LES) Rebbitzen told me, “I came to the wedding, but I won’t eat anything here, because it’s not Kosher enough for me. It’s not uncommon for people who adopt Chumrahs to violate Doraysas. This woman had no right to cast aspersions on the hall. If she didn’t want to eat, that was her right, but she should have kept her mouth shut. Again, I’m waiting for you to give your definition of MO.
To somejew
You’re making a wrong assumption. Not every Mechallel Shabbos has the status of an Apikorus.
To always
The Bobover Rebbe was in a class by himself. I heard this story, “One day some fellow walked into the Bobov Beis Hamedrash and he was garishly dressed. In addition, he was clean shaven. The Rebbe greeted him and after a short conversation he left. The Rebbe noticed the looks on the faces of his Chassidim and so he said, “Die trachts as ehr hut nisht kein bood(beard). Ehr hut a bood, uber ehr geit dis interveinig.” YYA can correct my Yiddish, I know it’s not good, but you should get the point. YWN is now infected by rescue who is a one trick pony, all he does is criticize. Clearly, that’s not the Torah way.
To DaMoshe
She showed up on a different thread. I agree with YYA that she should be ignored and that’s why I’m not challenging her. This is not to say that there aren’t Lubavichers who view the Rebbe as a deity. There certainly are.
To rescue
If you have such a negative opinion of Orthodox Jews, why don’t you join the irreligious? Many years ago, I spoke to the mother of a girl I was dating, (the mother wasn’t observant, but she was very nice). She told me about something that a frum Jew did that totally turned her off from the religion. I mentioned this to my Rosh Yeshiva and he told me, “You should have asked her if she knows any bad irreligious Jews and if she does why didn’t seeing them make her become frum?” Instead of casting aspersions on others learn to work on yourself. You’re clearly far from perfect.
To Koifer Bikur
What’s best is to work on yourself rather than trying to change the world. I understand your frustration, but the situation isn’t going to change until Hashem decides that He’s had enough of this rampant obsession with Gashmiyus.
To Coffee Addict
If we can’t come to a consensus as to what Modern Orthodox means, then how can we make any cogent statements. It’s clear that you agree with Rabbi Miller that Charedim are better Jews than MO’s, but that’s based on your prejudiced view of Modern Orthodoxy. Rabbi Miller didn’t define MOs. He simply said that Charedim should avoid being stained by them. Do you consider Rav Herschel Shachter Modern Orthodox? I’m certain that Rabbi Miller did. Well he may very well be the Gadol Hador of our time. Again, it shouldn’t be that difficult for you to offer a definition of MOs. I’m waiting.
mnkl;j/l;l;”;
“;’/To DaMoshe
Don’t waste your time with that buffoon. He throws meaningless terms against the wall and hopes that something will stick. He obviously thinks that morality is defined by western values rather than the Torah and so there’s no getting through to him. Last year I brought up that Rav Aharon Feldman called Manis Friedman a Kofer for saying that any Jew can do any sin and face no punishment from Hashem. One of the posters on YWN had the nerve to say that Rabbi Feldman had no right to criticize that atheist unless he first called him to get a clarification as to what he meant. It’s crazy out there and getting crazier by the minute. Keep up the great work and ignore that pompous fool who deigns to pass judgment on others.
To rescue
The woman said that the Rebbe is the “Son of G-d.” Should we show her respect for having a “slightly” different viewpoint than our own? Hell no. We can excuse her as being psychotic, but that’s about the best we can do. If you’re siding with her and against DaMoshe, then your religious beliefs are dubious to say the least. Perhaps you also agree with the Kofer Manis Friedman who said that G-d no longer punishes Jews because of the long, bitter Golus.
To rescue
I’m a little confused. Are you criticizing the way I deal with Chabad? If that’s your opinion, then I’ll address it. I write in a rather folksy manner, while you tend towards the academic approach, so it’s a bit off-putting. Clarify and I’ll be glad to respond to your concerns.
To YYA
Obviously, had he put it as you did, there would be no problem, but as I’ve stated, Rabbi Plutchok told me that Millerites and Lubavichers are cult members and so they believe that their leaders are infallible. To be sure I know many Lubavichers who would agree with that Rabbi, but they would never publicly embarrass another Jew because they have good Middos. The same is true for Rabbi Miller’s followers. The problem is their inability to listen to any opposing viewpoint. To be fair, I had very few personal dealings with Rabbi Miller, but I spent thirty years with his Talmud Muvhak. He’s a wonderful person but any challenge to Rabbi Miller’s view gets you a one-way ticket you know where. Coming from the Feinsteins that didn’t sit well with me. You’ll probably ask why I went there. It was 1990 and I wanted to learn Gemara, I knew almost nothing at the time, and I read about the Yeshiva in the Jewish Press, so I signed up. I made a lot of friends and developed a taste for learning. As for Rabbi Miller’s shittahs, I basically ignored them.
To rescue
Would you elaborate on your last post? please cite example(s).
To DaMoshe and GadolHadofi
You beat me to the punch. Of course, the Chabad apologists will call her just another crazy that we should ignore as exceptions to the rule. Hameivin yavin
To Yaakov Yosef A
I’m definitely a follower of Toras Moshe, but I am not a follower of any Rabbi. Let me explain what I mean with a story. In 2004, I attended a certain shul (YI) whose Rav was Chabad. It was Shabbos Parshas Bo, and I sponsored the Kiddush, in honor of my father’s Yahrtzeit. The custom of the shul was for the Baal Yahrtzeit to give a speech. I gave a Dvar Torah in which I quoted Rashi that most Jews died in the ninth plague because they didn’t want to be leave Egypt, and so we should never give up hope of being redeemed, if we want to be in that twenty percent who’ll be saved by Moshiach. I sat down and then the Rabbi commented, “I want to thank Dr. “Qwerty” for sponsoring this week’s Kiddush, but I want to add that his speech is totally wrong. The Rebbe said that the Final Redemption won’t be like Yetzias Mitzrayim, because every Jew will be saved.” That’s total Chutzpah. He had every right to say that the Rebbe disagreed with me, but he had no right to say I was wrong. No Rabbi Has the final word. Judaism embraces differences of opinion. As for Rabbi Plutchok, he’s an out of the box thinker and so when he says he doesn’t know what’s right he means that he won’t “Pasken” on such questions as the age of the universe, evolution and other controversial subjects. But obviously he doesn’t stray one iota from our Mesorah and neither do I.
To yankel berel
As much as I love and respect you, somejew doesn’t represent a fringe of Judaism. All, or at least most, of Chabad have surrendered their free will to accept their handlers’ lies. Then we have the Millerites who blindly accept everything Rabbi Miller said. In much of the Charedi world shutting off one’s mind is obligatory. There’s no question that this has contributed to the number of OTD’s. Rescue has opened a very important thread. Sadly, I don’t believe that there can ever be rapprochement between the two sides because the braindead are convinced that their approach is mandated by the Torah.
To rescue
This subject is near and dear to my heart. There are two types of Orthodox Jews: followers and non-followers. What’s a follower? Many years ago, an acquaintance told me, “I tell everyone I meet that I don’t need my brain because I just do everything that Rabbi Miller says.” What’s a non-follower? Some years back I was with a group, and I stated that I’m anti-Chabad. One fellow remarked, “Oh you must be a follower of Dr. Berger.” I responded, “No. I’m an “agreer” of Dr. Berger. We came to the same conclusion but we each got there in our own way.” What are the characteristics of a follower? He’s convinced that he’s right about every issue and will never engage in any real discussion. Most often he’s following some dogmatic Rabbi. Non-followers recognize that we don’t have all the answers and we’re willing to listen and consider other points of view. As my Rav, Rabbi Moshe Plutchok said, “I don’t know what’s right, but I know what’s wrong.”
To Sechel83
Congratulations. Let it be that the Rebbe isn’t a Kofer because he argued with the Smag, but he is a Kofer because he claimed he’s a Novi without offering any proof. And he’s a Kofer because he said he’s god clothed in human form. And he’s a Kofer because he rejected the Gemare in Cheilek. But I thank you for writing. You prove conclusively, that Lubavichers are brain dead followers of the nut job called Schneersohn
To aaq
You’re a master of obfuscation, but I’m going to clarify the subject. Coffee addict started this thread by asking why some frum Jews won’t eat Empire. On Jan 25th Shtreimlich 1 gave an answer, “Empire used to use Modern shochtim and so this Yerusha has carried down.” Shtreimilich made it clear that in his view, at least, MO’s are less observant than other Orthodox Jews. I think that his assessment is correct and then I explained where this attitude comes from. It derives from bigoted Rabbis like Rabbi Miller who propagated the myth that Charedim are better than the Modern. I then suggested two possible reasons for Rabbi Miller’s position. I don’t know if they are the true reasons, and I don’t care. He’s clearly wrong. Case closed.
To akuperma
I concur that you have the right to spend your money as you see fit, but if you indulge in Gashmiyus and ignore Ruchniyus, you’ll be very disappointed when you come to the next world. I can’t tell you how to balance the two, for that you need to speak to your Rav, assuming he isn’t also gashmiyus driven as are so many of them.
To rescue
I like your style, not only in this thread but in general. Keep up the good work.
To Serendipity
You’re preaching to the choir. I could go on for hours. Pesach vacations, Yeshiva week. Orthodox Judaism is Gashmius with a side order of Daf Yomi. The Yetzer hora has taken full advantage of the wealth in the frum community to take us away from Hashem. Great post. It should do very well.
To aaq
You’re exactly right. Rabbi Miller believed that the MO were a virus that would infect his holy Charedim, but you didn’t explain why he felt that way. I’d like to present two reasons. First, he often said that the Chitzonius affects the Pnimiyos. Because of this principle it was important to dress as befits a Ben Torah. He therefore had disdain for the MO who dress casually. But there’s another reason that’s more to the point. Rabbi Miller felt that rank-and-file Jews should blindly follow their mentors and this isn’t the system in the MO world. Now we should be clear that not all Charedi Rabbis accept Rabbi Miller’s approach. I’m a Lower East Sider and the Feinsteins never told us what to do. My current Rav, Rabbi Plutchok also doesn’t believe that a Rav should throw his weight around.
To somejewiknow
Sorry, it’s not obvious. He stated clearly that he’s referring to those MO’s who keep the Torah. Now I know why you’re defending Rabbi Miller. He despised the State of Israel as you do, but with one big difference, he also was against Neturei Karta.
To Gadolhadorah
You nailed it. That’s exactly my point. Thank you.
To coffee addict
I’ll repeat his quote, “The MO’s keep the Torah and we’re obligated to love them. However, we should treat them as relatives who have an infectious disease and stay as far away from them as possible.” That sounds like it’s Der Sturmer worthy. As for your comment about blasting people in Kollel, he was referring to individuals who don’t want to work and want to live off their spouses and in-laws. He wasn’t vilifying an entire population. No comparison whatsoever.
To Sechel83
You accept that he had relations with every species in the universe. There are approximately 10 million species in the world. You do the math. He had the relations in about five or six hours. Even Wilt Chamberlain wasn’t that busy. Obviously, that Midrash isn’t meant to be taken literally. I will withdraw my statement about challenging a Rishon with one caveat. The Vilna Gaon was on the level of a Rishon. The Rebbe was an engineer and Shul Rabbi. That’s a major difference.
To yankel berel
Obviously, I’m not interested in anything Sechel says. I just want him around because Yedl and Shimon Katz try to defend Chabad by arguing that there are a handful of crazies. Sechel represents mainstream Chabd. They accept any insanity if it can be used to prove their lunacy.
To yedl
I heard Rabbi Shais Taub speak the other day and I was impressed. He actually sounded like a real Jew.To Sechel
I’ll respond to you if you answer the following two questions A. When did the Gaon argue against a Rishon? B. Do you believe that Adam Harishon had relations with every species in the world on the day he was created?
To yedl
I assume that you would consider Sechel as one of the handful of crazies. IMHO he represents the common Lubavicher, a brainwashed idiot when it comes to the Kofer in Queens but a perfectly functioning Jew in all other aspects of his life.
To coffee addict
Reports of my demise have been greatly exaggerated. You’re convinced that Aaq has refuted me but I don’t see it. Basically he repeated what Rabbi Miller said which is that Modern Orthodox Jews are second class citizens. I want an explanation for this view. In my not so humble opinion, all observant Jews are equal.
To yedl
I like and respect you but we’re going in circles. The Rabbi who told me that the Rebbe said he’s Moshiach in 1951 is also the one who said that when he became Moshiach he shut down Gehinnom. This jibes with Manis Friedman who says that no Jew can be punished anymore due to the long bitter Golus. His last name is Okunov if that helps you. We just had Seichel, whom I consider to be a typical Lubavicher, stating that the Rebbe is greater than Moshe Rabbeinu. He’s not crazy. He’s just repeating what he’s been told. Why don’t you tell me the profile of what you consider to be a “normal” Lubavicher? In addition, do you agree with me that the Rebbe was a Kofer for rejecting the Gemara in Cheilek which says that very few Jews will be redeemed by Moshiach and for stating that the Rayatz, and perhaps himself, were Noviim?
To coffee addict
Congratulations. You join the list of those who challenge the veracity of my statements. Let me present the full version of what Rabbi Miller said. I saw this in the Toras Avigdor Parshas Beshalach. “The Bnei Yisroel went through the Yam Suf in 12 channels. This demonstrates that diversity is a hallmark of Judaism. Askenazim, Sefardim, Satmar, Bobov Lubavich they’re all good. But there’s one exception, the Modern Orthodox. Yes, they keep the Torah, so they are our brothers and we’re required to love them however they are very far from the ideal of what a Jews should be. Therefore, you should treat them like a relative who has an infectious disease and stay as far away from them as possible.”
As for your “proof” that he wouldn’t have said such a thing there are two rebuttals. First, many Young Israels have Yeshivish mispallelim. This was the case on the LES. The YI was more lack hat than MTJ. Or you can say that Rabbi Miller drove out the moderns with his rhetoric. I went to his shul quite often and I only recall seeing black hatters. Checkmate.To Yankel Berel
You’re preaching to the choir. I didn’t introduce the “crazy” issue, that was yedl. He insinuated that I found a handful of crazy Lubavitchers and then defamed the entire group. I’m fully aware that the rank-and-file Lubavitcher has been trained to believe that the Rebbe is a deity.
To commonsaychel and pekak
Thank you for correcting me and doing so in a civilized manner. On January 25th shtreimelech 1 wrote that originally Empire used modern shochtim and so the reason they still have a bad name is because it’s a Yerusha from that “shameful” time. He’s probably a Chassid and I read that Finkel was a Chassid, so that’s why I mentioned Chassidim, but I should’ve said Charedim. Fine, I was wrong, but the point still stands, “The Chareidi world (Chassidim-Yeshivish) believe that they’re frummer than the MO, and it’s a canard, thanks for the word ujm. UJM also said that Chassidim don’t teach that they’re frummer than the Modern. I’ll borrow another word from that poster “hogwash.” Rabbi Miller, who’s beloved in the Charedi world gave a Dvar Torah on Parshas Beshalach (coincidence?) in which he said that regular, meaning Charedi Jews, should stay as far away as possible from the Modern Orthodox because they don’t represent the ideal of what a Jew should be.
To yedl
Thank you for your thoughtful post. I think we disagree in the way we characterize crazy. I don’t think that a Lubavicher who says that the Rebbe is/was greater than Moshe Rabbeinu is crazy. I believe that this is the Chabad “educational” system at work. The other day Seichel83 “proved” that the Rebbe is greater than Moshe (I say is because last year he cited a Psak of 100 Chabad Rabbis who decided that the Rebbe is Moshiach, that he’s a Novi and that he’s alive.) I don’t think that Sechel is crazy because he has presented cogent arguments in the past. Let me buttress my point with two incidents. The Rabbi of the Chabad shul I attend is a very fine person. He’s exceptionally bright and is raising a big, beautiful family however he said the following three things. I asked him when the Moshiach business started and he said, “In 1951 when the Rebbe took over, he announced he’s Moshiach so that’s it.” On another occasion he said, “The Rebbe shut down Gehinnom when he became Moshiach.” Finally, he’s the one who said that the Rebbe had a dream at three years old and decided he’s Moshiach.” Another story. This Rabbi’s cousin asked me if I read Dr. Berger’s book. I said yes so, he asked me to tell him something from it. I told him that Dr. Berger wrote that 8 Rabbis from Oholei Torah said the Rebbe is god clothed in human form. He responded, “So what’s wrong with that? I can prove it. We know that every Jew has a spark of Elokus. Rashi says that Moshe was equal to all of Israel, so he had all those sparks. Since the Rebbe is the Moshe Rabbeinu of our generation, he has the sparks of every Jew who ever lived. When you add up all those sparks, you have Hashem.” He too is a very bright, successful fellow raising a large family and so I would not call him crazy. I believe that the norm, by which I mean typical Lubavitcher, is brainwashed into believing that the Rebbe was a deity and so these comments are not exceptional. That’s why I’m convinced that there is no hope for Chabad. I think we basically agree with each other and it’s really semantics that we’re arguing about. Please feel free to write and we can continue this discussion. I consider you a mentsch.
To commonsaychel
Let me respond to your comment that I have a deep-seated hatred for anything Chassidish. My family was Chassidish Galitziyaner on both sides in Europe. I am a descendant of R Meir Premishlan, so I have tremendous respect and love for Chassidim. The only Chassidic group that I have criticized is Chabad and it has nothing to do with their being Chassidic; it’s because of their outlandish beliefs. As for your statement that Moshe Finkel isn’t a Chassid, Chat-GPT disagrees with you.
To ujm
As for your statement that the butcher wasn’t a Chassid, that’s not what AI says, and it’s rarely wrong. As for your contention that Chassidim aren’t taught that they’re frummer than the modern Orthodox, you must be joking. Let me share a personal story. I went to a Chassidish yeshivah on the LES until 5th grade at which point I switched to MTJ. Ninety percent of the boys were Chassidish, at that time Boro Park hadn’t yet become fully developed. When I started fourth grade a boy approached me, “This year we got a new boy who’s going to beat you in English and he’s a real Jew.” He considered me a goy because I didn’t have payos and I disn’t speak Yiddish.
To aaq
Thank you. That’s exactly what I was saying. But there’s an additional point that should be made. Many Chassidim are thieves as is evidenced by the number of them who are incarcerated for white collar crime. The Yetzer hora tells them that since they’re so Makpid on Kashrus, it’s okay if they steal.
To YYA
Fine now we’re good. You could’ve avoided all this acrimony by simply saying this last year when Yankel Berel challenged you. I hear what you’re saying about attacking the Rebbe. Let me share what Rabbi Plutchok said, “Yaakov, everything you think about Chabad and the Rebbe is true but keep it to yourself.” The reason I’m so strident is because of the statements coming from the other side, be it from Chabad or from their supporters. As I’ve said on numerous occasions, I’m not trying to get through to the Lubavichers. They are idolaters and/or cult members and so they can’t be reached. What irks me is when non-Lubavicher supporters try to defend this indefensible movement by saying things like there are a handful of crazies, but all the others are normal. I have extensive dealings with Chabad, and they’re all drunk on the Rebbe Kool-Aid. As a show of good faith, I’ll try to tone down the rhetoric. I’m impressed that you apologized, and to reiterate I like Lubavichers, I just dislike Chbad’s false beliefs.
To yankel berel
Thank you. Some of the things he’s said in the past were true, so I thought that perhaps there was such a Midrash. Of course, even if such a Midrash existed it would be totally irrelevant. Lubavichers are idolaters and so they’ll make up anything to convince themselves that their lies are true.
To TheWizard
Let’s follow your logic. You’re arguing that I should accept Rabbi Miller’s opinion regarding Chabad over that of Rabbi Plutchok because the former was a Gadol and Rabbi Plutchok is a mere shul Rav. Well, I would then ask you why you are putting your trust in Rabbi Miller who was only a Gadol, as compared to Rav Shach who was the Gadol Hador? If that approach doesn’t satisfy you, I’ll use a different line of reasoning. One of Rav Moshe’s grandsons is my patient. He’s a big Chassid of Rabbi Miller, but he hates Chabad. How can that be? The answer is that we’re Lower East Siders and we use our own minds to make our decisions. You seem to think that I became anti-Chabad because of Rabbi Plutchok. No, I met Rabbi Plutchok about 12 years ago, but I’ve been anti-Chabad for 25 years. If you’d like to continue this discussion, feel free to write, but you should learn how to show me a modicum of respect. I’m probably twice your age and definitely four times more intelligent than you.
To YYA
On Dec 3, 2025 Shimon Katz wrote that the Chabad belief that the Rebbe is Moshiach is factually wrong and dangerous. Since you’re claiming that you and Mr. Katz are in lockstep, please provide the post in which you articulated that exact position.
To the group
It’s obviously true that the Kashrus of Empire chickens is unimpeachable. So why do some question it? The answer comes from Shtreimlech 1 who said on January 25th that in the beginning they didn’t have a good name because they had modern shochtim. Let’s pay attention to what he’s saying. Chassidim are told in their Yeshivas that they’re more religious than the Modern Orthodox. That’s total rubbish, but they believe it and that’s why they require a Heimishe label. Let’s remember that the fellow who sold Treif chickens as Kosher was a Chossid.
To Yankel Berel
Yedl likes to play the crazy game. You know, there are some crazy Lubavichers but they don’t represent mainstream Chabad. Any Lubavicher who thinks that the Rebbe is Moshiach can be called crazy, but that’s not accurate because the belief that he’s Moshiach, that he was a Novi and even that he’s still alive are all widely held. Last year Sechel reported that there’s a Psak from 100 Chabad Rabbis proclaiming all three of those things. I checked it out and he told the truth. I’m sure that Sechel can find a Midrash which says that the Rebbe is equal to Hashem and then he’ll say, “What’s the difference equal greater?”
To Shimon Katz
If at first. You tried to use my Rosh Yeshiva against me and failed miserably. Now you suggest that I’m misrepresenting what Rabbi Plutchok said. So let me set the record straight. It was Rabbi Plutchok who taught me the term Millerites. It doesn’t refer to all followers only those who believe that he was infallible. Here are some snippets from the Rov. He told me that everything I think about Chabad and the Rebbe is true. He also told me the Rebbe’s gaavah was so great he convinced himself that he’s god. Boruch Hashem you don’t call me a liar like YYA did. I know what Rabbi Plutchok said just as I know what Manis means. I’m not trying to change your mind because I know that will never happen. You remind me of Paroah who wouldn’t listen to his advisors. But I do like you.
To yedl
I would be happy to respond to your post except for one problem, I have no idea what you mean by a crazy Lubavicher versus a normal Lubavicher. Please clarify that point. I know that their most respected Rabbi has declared that one can do any sin, and do it intentionally, and nothing will happen to him and no one in Chabad has challenged him.
To sechel83
Welcome back. I’m amazed that you’ve been able to stand on the sideline for so long. Now let’s deal with your points. The pshatim that Chabad has invented on that Gemara are accepted by no one outside of CH and by Chabad shills, but let’s put that aside because there’s a much clearer proof that the Rebbe was a Kofer. As yankel berel pointed out, the SMAG definitively ruled, there’s no Nevuah until Moshiach comes and the Rebbe stated that the Rayatz was a Novi. Now I’d like to address your last point. First, your logic fails me. What connection is there between my arguing with my Rosh Yeshiva and the Rebbe being greater than Moshe Rabbeinu Chas Vesholom? But that’s not my real concern. You’ve introduced a critical difference between Chassidim and Misnagdim. You accept anything your Rebbe said, because you have no choice, but I have every right to challenge my Rov. Since he refused to deal with me as an equal, I left him and found another Rov.