By COLlive reporter
Over Shabbos, appeals were made in Crown Heights shuls for residents to assist with the legal costs of a rabbinic judge and arbitrator who is a defendant in the ‘get case.’
He is accused of association with the rabbis arrested in an FBI sting in New Jersey and New York on charges of plotting to kidnap and torture a man to force him to grant a divorce to his wife.
He was released on $500,000 bail. Upon instructions by U.S. Magistrate Judge Douglas E. Arpert, he is currently under house arrest and monitored by an electronic ankle bracelet.
A group of caring local residents have formed the “Committee for 5774 Initiative” to help raised funds to defend him. Members are Golan Ben Oni, Lipa Brennan, Sholem B. Hecht, Shea Hecht, Yosef Orenstein, Moshe Pinson, Yoni Raskin and Benzion Stock.
“Because of his well-intentioned activities, he is now facing a very serious legal challenge and must put together a capable and respected Defense Team to help clear his name and exonerate him,” they wrote in a letter Friday.
Calling him a Torah scholar who “has devoted himself to matters of Halacha and especially Gittin,” they said “he was not knowledgeable of all of the details involved at the time that he joined together with the other members of the Bais Din to effectuate the Get.”
They asked the rabbis and gabboim in the community to “appeal to your Congregants to be generous and donate as much as they possibly can so that we can help the family in their time of need.”
“The Prosecutors are trying to make this a case which could involve a sentence of Life in Prison,” they warned.
The letter said the family has been able to put together, from their own resources, $15,000 but the total $50,000 is needed by Monday, October 21, 2013. Knowledgeable people in these types of cases estimate that the legal fees could rise to $200,000 or $300,000, they said.
The committee is operating with the help of the National Committee for Furtherance of Jewish Education (NCFJE) Pidyon Shivuyim Fund, a recognized 501c3 organization. Donations are tax-deductible.
To donate – click here
I promise you that Sholom Mordechai or his family would never agree with you and would be pained by your comments. Throughout their struggle they continue to be extremely concerned about other people’s suffering.
List a name of Friends of Chabad who are Criminal Lawyers and we can ask the askonim to contact them!! The Friends of Chabad can help our community!
Good point.
With so many criminal lawyers that are Friends of Chabad, I cannot understand why they are not asked by the community for their assistance.
If he was called to be an eid and didn’t know the details that’s one thing and that’s what reliable community leaders say happened. The get crazies on this thread who want to make it about “helping women” don’t have a clue and are defending repulsive tactics. As many have posted, those gets aren’t kosher, so how exactly were they helped? And yes, saying that he was involved in that is untrue (again, according to NCFJE) and a tremendous disservice to him.
He helped many women who’s husbands did not want to give a get….no one should ever be in that position
The letter from NCFJE states that he did not know (and did not approve) of Epstein’s actions. Wish more posters on this thread would realize that and stop harming him by defending stuff that he did not do and that should not be done.
He’s not for the invalid prenups and get laws which cause invalid gittin. Also the get activism on this thread can only paint him in a negative light. Concentrate on helping his defense.
whats the point in arguing in the comments if you have some negative details keep it to yourselfs and not write LOSHIN HORAH!!!!!
Know them over 20 years, his family and him are the best of the best, dosen’t get better, they leave with real ahavas Israel and give their time to all, help, no questions, this was being at the wrong place at the wrong time, thanks
Is there a way to pay with paypal?
If one of the oversight commitee has a paypal account can you post the email address?
I wrote #77 and i’m not #67. Plus, how can you guys know if the person that reply to you is the same person. You can’t tell in the comments section.
Those of us that donated, please share your good act of donating in the comments
I know him and his family personally and they are upright people, i dont think he should plead guilty, it must be a trap!, i don’t know how he got into this mess, please everyone help as best as you can, Hashem should have rochmonus already
I was really waiting for you to make my comment but as you don’t understand the dangers of internet I was forced to make my comment. I will reiterate the internet is no place for you #77 or any child.
I have news for you. You were listing what the federal government doesn’t like. Let’s add one more item to the list- read it and read it well then look at events current, past and present: “Jews”.
He is a close relative of mine. Please donate and help him get competent legal help!
That’s not your place to tell him that.
If you are a kid you should not be on the internet. With all your good intentions you should be studying Torah in your house or shul. Ask your parents to donate and add what you want to give to this worth cause with your parents donation.
you can drop it off at the ncfje office on 824 eastern parkway
It’s about time that the local Beis Din start implementing the pre-nup Get agreement at every wedding.
Other Beis Din’s do.
The Rabbi above is a gentle talmid chachom and son of a Lamed Vov’nik who creates huge K”HS in the velt with his halocha knowledge and yiras shomayim and one should be very careful before commenting negative thereby perhaps stopping others from helping this young family R”L.
It looks like Internet comments are also where Nevua rests in our days, as well as with children and the other category!
A man was arrested on a Federal Charge. In America there is a PRESUMPTION OF INNOCENCE, until proven guilty. This is an appeal so that he can get money for a lawyer so he can defend himself….That is all.
I’m afraid I understand now why this man’s family did NOT wish his name to be printed. NOT because he had anything to hide or be ashamed of (as his only “crime” was was appearing as an ade, at what he believed was a legitimate proceeding) but because of all the shameful comments being bandied about in many of these posts! I too, know this Rabbi personally- he is kind & diligent & wise beyond his tender years! He works w/ a VERY reputable Beis Din in Flatbush, whose Gittin are recognized & accepted worldwide w/o question. He also extends… Read more »
Do people know that everybody that comments here is not Chabad or observant? Stop taking these comments seriously.
I just donated $36
I just donated because I trust the members of the Vaad.
Shiah Hecht has been instrumental to help many women obtain a Get.
If he says the man is innocent then he knows it and he can be trusted.
First give – then do the mishpot. Every single person that knows him has the same things to say about him. Kind, eidel etc. If you don’t know him then zip it. To shoot first and ask questions later is not just dumb but plain retzicha!
We are always talking about how destructive it is to see our rabbonim fighting, and how the ridiculous politics drives away our youth. We’re always saying how we want nothing to do with that or other disgraceful fighting within our community. Well, here’s your chance to show that you’re above the hatred, and that you truly do care about another Yid. Show yourself that you can help take care of one of our own when he’s in trouble.
Do the right thing.
Mendel Epstein and his daughter Batsheva Hersko are the big fish.
this dayan was unaware.
Hashem should help!
It is so painful to read about a wonderful Dayan who is.such a mentch having to go through this. Yes- he was very well intentioned and showed compassion for a fellow Jew. He is a big mentch. For anyone to post negative comments it is beyond hideous. Remember- Hashem knows and listens and expects his children to look out for each other. Please- stop and listen to yourselves.
Lets not to discuss who is right and who isn’t. When Yid in street, shul ask for tzedakka we are not asking so many questions. We just give. Lets do the same again. In this situation we not just help one Yid , we help the whole family.
Just help your fellow Jew.
Thank you.
I have heard many cases of husbands extorting their wife for a get.
They usually get caught up in beis din where they are charged hundreds of $$ by toyens and dayans who usually do nothing! The wife is finally left having to pay the husband, anyway.
What I never understood is why?
We B”H have a “get” law in New York state. The law was written with the advice and consent of Gedolei Yisroel.
What we need is competent rabbis,lawyers and judges who together, can utilize that law, al pi halacha, to procure a kosher get!
All of you self hating ignorant fools. If you have no intention helping this poor guy out tjhan keep your stupid thoughts to your selfs
It is quite common to be called in to be a witness or even to be a sofer that writes the get, without having knowledge of any of the facts about the divorce itself!
They are just the functionaries and they rely on the credibility of the Rav.
This is like bringing a stolen car to a mechanic. He will fix it. He doesn’t ask to see the title.
we should just hear good news
None of you were asked to determine if he is innocent or guilty. A fellow lubavitcher is in trouble. If you are able to help keep him out of jail, please do!
If not, please just go about your day.
I am so embarrassed by some of the comments here and can’t believe theses comments are coming from people who learn chassidus especially the Rebbes sichos. I know the man personally. He is a sweet and honest gentleman who will give you the coat off his back. Whether you know all the details or not, it’s irrelevant! Imagine this was your son, brother, father etc looking at a possibility of life in prison, you would move worlds to save him. No one is asking you to go that far, this commitee have got off their chairs and are giving of… Read more »
I approached the people who make up this committee to see if I can help. I have particular skills that have proved very successful in the past for cases of Pidyan Sh’vuim. I guess if they want my help they will get back to me. PS I donated as well.
Why was he involved?
These cases are never straightforward. One of the Toyens who has been arrested has been working for us for nearly 3 years pro bono (we have not paid a cent) to help us get a kosher get for our daughter. At no time did he ever suggest he could ‘encourage’ the husband by any of the means suggested. He has always been the personification of mentchlichkeit. I can only speak as we have found. I hope and pray that these Rabbis don’t become scapegoats. Sure the ex-husbands have all come running forward… but why did they withhold a Get in… Read more »
Having called this Dayan for help regarding a complicated matter last year (I had never met him before) he was extremely helpful, selfless, forthcoming and sincere. I was extremely impressed by him and he deserves all the help he can get!
This is truly a worthy cause!
He should be exonerated as soon as possible.
Rabbi Yitzi Lowenthal – ChabaDanmark
How dare you come hijack this appeal with ur garbage??? If you dont want to give money then don’t! Why spill venom from your mouths? Write an op-ed with your thoughts. I promise you that this money is not going to a restaurant bill! If you have a hard time paying the bills of this “violent gang member” then give tzedakah to his cause like you do to every crack-addict beggar you give money to. Who are you to judge who gets tzedakah or not??? For sure do not start bashmutzing him. I gave all my maser from the past… Read more »
With comments like 40 and 44 there are indeed plenty of dummies on this board. The whole aguna thing is way out of hand, forcing a get as Schachter does when a woman merely wants it and the husbands wants to save the marriage is an avla and if a get results it’s 100% posul midoraisa. If a woman goes to arkaos when a man is willing to go to a Bais Din that follows halacha, no get can be forced either. In most cases, actually in all except for those mentioned in Shulchan Aruch EH 154. If one is… Read more »
I hate it when a bunch of ‘Caring Residents’ tell the community ‘Dummies, trust us, his innocent and give us money!’ Do they really think that we’re a bunch of fools who don’t know how to weigh facts vs. accusations? Of course we want to help out a fellow Jew. We always have and we will continue to, but not with an appeal with this attitude. How do we know if we are protecting someone who was rightfully accused? Now I am not suggesting that he is guilty until proven innocent, all I want is a few basic facts about… Read more »
Thanks for posting!
What are the gemorrah sources that (a) a man has to give a get, and (b) the logic of giving the man the upper hand?
Comparing Charles Manson to this individual is stupid and pathetic at best. In my opinion however I think it’s purely evil. The shame only lies on you. And no, I don’t respect your “halachic”, seeing that you clearly are lacking in one of the simanim that every Jew is supposed to have; Rachmanus. I’m sure you are one of those who also feel SMR deserves the 27 years he got. I hope you read this post. I’m not going to say “I hope you feel remorse” or something else similar because I don’t think there is any hope for those… Read more »
A man is in danger, and all of you have nothing better to do but to talk a bunch of garbage. You people are disgrace lubavitch . A man is in need of help domate money. If you have no intention keep your big mouths shut.
you sound like maybe you were one of those awful men withholding a get from a woman.
just be kind
they can start by selling the cattle prod. Thats gotta be worth something.
Tommorow morning you can ask someone the name in the mikva/shul its not a secret but still dosnt belong online
What would help people to donate is a letter signed by choshuve rabbonim and respected leaders of the community declaring the importance of donating to this. Otherwise, I’m afraid the mixed reactions will continue.
Reading these comments of all those who are quick to insult the Dayan, I am reminded of the divrei chazal that people are judged by themselves when they die. How? The beis din sel maala inquires of the deceased “how would you judge someone that transgresses this sin and that sin”… G-d intentionally blinds him/her of the fact that it’s his/her own transgressions being cited. Whatever the person recommends as punishment is that which is meted out. i.e. the ultimate victim of judgmentalism is the judgmental person him/her- self. By the way, this crime IS a victimless crime. He was… Read more »
Anyone interested in the yungermans name can easily find it by calling any member of the vaad. I’m sure they are all listed in the Anash list.
Anyone who does call should be ready to donate if that piece of information is so important to them.
I agree, help him!
The appeal should be rewritten. He was an eid and actually knew nothing about the case. But someone reading it from the sidelines, who wasn’t in a shul that mentioned it, would think it’s an appeal and justification for a Wolmark type. This is not the case. The appeal really needs to state that “he had no knowledge of the crimes committed by Epstein et al”.
I wrote 14 and take it back. He was an aide at their Bais Din and didn’t do anything. He should be helped.
it should be a didan notzach
I know the young man well and I intend to donate and encourage everybody else to do the same but have we learned nothing from the SMR fiasco? The federal government does not like it one bit when the defendant is portrayed as a innocent victim, they don’t like when no remorse is shown, they don’t like when there is a public campaign to spread a specific version of the story. Money has to be raised for his defense but it must be done quietly without any spin. If we antagonize the FBI again we can expect the same result… Read more »
Agunos is a big problem today and this was a bais din that was helping agunos.
Thats what he probrably told you he was at the wrong place at the wrong time.I would rather help out Rabashkin
I know this man personally. Please STOP talking negatively!! If you have nothing nice to say DON’T SAY IT!!
Why do people feel the urge to degrade Rabbi S before they even had a chance to hear his side of the story? The way I know him, he’s the sweetest individual and the most patient individual. If you don’t want to contribute to his defense fund that’s fine, but please do not gleefully throw your fellow community member under the bus. Thank you.
Boruch Sholom Wolf
Based on the true comment that the Alter Rebbe helped even a Jew who committed a great crime it might be ok to help him out of criminal court. But the fact is he made mamzerim with his clear participation in gitei meuso (posul midoraisa) and he should be removed as a dayan, a sofer and anything else.
I meant to say – she never married AGAIN.
I am not sure what happened, but I believe the Russians took away her husband and he was never heard of again.
the comments are talking about someone who came to be an aide for the get and the article is talking about a rabbinic judge and arbitrator.
its important for the National Committee to say who it is, what the charges are, and if he is pleading guilty.
and how much money was raised from him in Monsey last week.
He’s not asking you to help him escape justice. All we ask is that he gets a competent lawyer who can help him. This is a father of two small children. You’ll hear his name in shul sooner or later. He was asked to serve ad a witness for a get and was caught up in something real awful.
Thank you
Those who care to help will help just out of of pure compassion even without names
Why do the husbands of these women who no longer care nor want to be married to them and in turn inflict further emotional pain by not giving over a get. I fortunately have not been in this position, but as a Yid, it seems quite clear and common sense to believe the wife does deserve the get inorder for a normal healing to begin within the realm of freedom. I heard from a person in some cases a strong conversation from other Orthodox men to this Orthodox man took place inorder for the husband to see that a conscience… Read more »
you are 100% wrong, those gitten are 100% kosher, there is something called chayev legaresh a bes din can force a man to give a get and if they do its 100% kosher
go learn something
I don’t recall pidyon shvuyim discussing guilt and innocence of American law, (even guilt or innocence of Halacha btw)
The mitzvah is a mitzvah regardless, especially that this yungerman just was in the wrong place at the wrong time!
1-If you really need to know, and are interested in helping, contact one of the respected people who created the vaad to help him, their names are listed.
2-he was asked to come to help with the aidus, or writing. He had no prior knowledge that this was an illegal get. His intention was to help a woman that needed it
before you go making psak dinim like that go to the gemara and learn all the details inside. there are certain cases where force is permitted. do you know the details to each individual case?
He learned Kav Noki. He never learned the laws of Get Meuso and the gittin were posul. At least more should be known of the situation before running to publicly help him (what people do for him privately is different).
This episode is a mess. I wish Chabad would steer clear of it. I can’t imagine the Rebbe would condone such actions. The popular question is: what if it was your daughter? I am going to answer that question. If it was my daughter – I would encourage her to get a legal divorce. I would tell her to be happy that she is rid of this creep from her daily life and now she needs time to heal. If she has children, then for sure, she should be helping the children heal, and for a mother to be searching… Read more »
I actually do know his name. the reason why people dont know is because the family specifically requested that his name not be made public. Even if you knew his name you still wouldnt know who he is. he is a frum, ehrliche lubavitcher with 2 small children living in ch but was working for a beis din in a diffrent neighborhood. As you can see the donations are being received by rabbis iin the community who are well known and respected. Their word should be enough to know its not a scam or anything. and it is also a… Read more »
This is a Mitzva of piyon shvuyim that is a very serious case!! can everyone stop trying to be so nosy and just donate!!!! There is a very respectable group that took it in their hands to take care of and you could trust them that this is a cause that you should donate to!! and could col stop posting all of the posts that people are writing, enough is enough!! Just help!!
Apparently he didn’t know squat, he was just there to be an aide till he got arrested. What a nightmare!
To #10 that Bais Din will hang him out to dry to save themselves.
What’s next, a collection fund for Charles Manson? Those gittin are posul and all they made was mamzerus (second marriage not chal and an aishes ish). See Rabbi Eliashiv’s piskei dinim if you can’t open a Shulchan Oruch.
It seems this guy was just asked to be an aide at a Get & that’s when the FBI stormed in. So he really was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. My son heard a family member explain it all in Shul, so I am going to donate. He is going to pleads guilty to keep costs down & get a decent lawyer, which is terrible. Apparently the others can afford the best lawyers. It would be heartbreaking if the poor man is sent to jail because he can’t afford a good lawyer and the real sleaze… Read more »
please keep negative comments to yourself. with a little research you can find out- without broadcasting it on the web. he is a very fine young man who deserves all of our support.
Better help Rubaskin
The Beis Din he worked for should pay all bills.
He may have been acting according to the Halacha. But he broke the law. He could help himself by pleading guilty.
I didn’t read any “local” name on the indictment which is all over the media, secular as well. Perhaps Y. Hershkop will help us out, at least by telling us where we can get this information? Since you don’t want to say who it is? Since you probably don’t know either! By the way, nobody DEMANDED anything. We asked for information, very politely I thought. You need to keep a lid on that famous temper. There are many worthy causes, including SMR, who can use my donation. At least I know who they are. I hate to say this, but… Read more »
He is a local ch dayan, an eilache yungerman, and he deserves our help and support…..if you were r”l in his shoes..you would not want your name to b shmeared all over town! Please do tzedakah she’ll emes , donate generously!
Stop demanding things when you won’t even put your real names. If you really want to know his name you would find out very easily.
Who is my money going to?
BS”D why does 2 and 3 (is your Psak based on Halacha) think they are entitled to know
If you won’t give, don’t discourage others (Pirki Avos) and the Alter Rebbe helped many people who had done a crime (not to infer that this fellow did so)
HELP A FELLOW YID
Name the Rabbi first.
This is not a case where confidentiality of the defendant is called for
I think we are enttitled to know which of the defendents is the one we are asked to help.
Also, please explain the Halacha in making someone give a Get. Thank you.
Already donated… I really hope the community rally’s around this cause.