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Wednesday, 26 Adar I, 5784
  |  March 6, 2024

Appeal to Help Accused Dayan

Crown Heights residents were asked to contribute to the dayan under house arrest for alleged involvement in the "get case." Full Story

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TO 11 AND 32
October 22, 2013 10:02 pm

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.

#91 & #92
October 22, 2013 8:49 pm

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!

To 91
October 22, 2013 7:40 pm

Good point.

There are many Criminal Lawyers who are Friends of Chabad
October 22, 2013 8:32 am

With so many criminal lawyers that are Friends of Chabad, I cannot understand why they are not asked by the community for their assistance.

Hecht says he didn't do it
October 22, 2013 5:07 am

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.

A Jew is a Jew
October 21, 2013 3:47 pm

He helped many women who’s husbands did not want to give a get….no one should ever be in that position

Wish everyone would listen to comment 34
October 21, 2013 12:21 pm

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.

Stop other activism that has nothing to do with him
October 21, 2013 12:11 pm

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.

dont get it
October 21, 2013 10:35 am

whats the point in arguing in the comments if you have some negative details keep it to yourselfs and not write LOSHIN HORAH!!!!!

NO QUESTIONS
October 21, 2013 10:33 am

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

Paypal
October 21, 2013 9:14 am

Is there a way to pay with paypal?
If one of the oversight commitee has a paypal account can you post the email address?

to#80
October 21, 2013 8:35 am

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.

I just donated
October 20, 2013 11:27 pm

Those of us that donated, please share your good act of donating in the comments

HE SHOULD NOT PLEAD GUILTY IF HIS NOT!
October 20, 2013 8:28 pm

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

to #77
October 20, 2013 8:05 pm

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.

#34
October 20, 2013 8:04 pm

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”.

just donated $100
October 20, 2013 7:34 pm

He is a close relative of mine. Please donate and help him get competent legal help!

to#76
October 20, 2013 6:59 pm

That’s not your place to tell him that.

To # 67
October 20, 2013 6:12 pm

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.

to #67
October 20, 2013 5:03 pm

you can drop it off at the ncfje office on 824 eastern parkway

Prenup
October 20, 2013 4:53 pm

It’s about time that the local Beis Din start implementing the pre-nup Get agreement at every wedding.
Other Beis Din’s do.

Donate!
October 20, 2013 4:21 pm

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.

I see that Nevua (Prophecy) is alive and well here.
October 20, 2013 4:04 pm

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.

Mentchlkeit, PLEASE!!! :(((((
October 20, 2013 3:53 pm

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 »

Ariel
October 20, 2013 3:38 pm

Do people know that everybody that comments here is not Chabad or observant? Stop taking these comments seriously.

Bochur
October 20, 2013 3:20 pm

I just donated $36

You can Trust Shia Hecht
October 20, 2013 3:14 pm

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.

Im a kid w/ out a credit card how can i give , are there pushkas anywhere?
October 20, 2013 2:58 pm
Tzedoko Umishpot
October 20, 2013 1:11 pm

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!

Show your true colors
October 20, 2013 12:46 pm

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.

epstein is the kingpin
October 20, 2013 12:46 pm

Mendel Epstein and his daughter Batsheva Hersko are the big fish.
this dayan was unaware.

Hashem should help!

Pained
October 20, 2013 11:17 am

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.

To all dear readers.
October 20, 2013 11:02 am

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.

NYS 'Get' Law
October 20, 2013 10:51 am

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!

Disgrace
October 20, 2013 10:24 am

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

Unfortunate
October 20, 2013 10:20 am

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.

just donated
October 20, 2013 10:16 am

we should just hear good news

Help
October 20, 2013 8:31 am

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.

Embarrassed.
October 20, 2013 8:13 am

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 »

To #21
October 20, 2013 8:06 am

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.

please clarify
October 20, 2013 7:30 am

Why was he involved?

Get
October 20, 2013 5:05 am

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 »

This guy is for real
October 20, 2013 4:25 am

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

Embarrassed when i read about it
October 20, 2013 2:14 am

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 »

Dummies
October 20, 2013 2:10 am

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 »

A Bunch of Dummies
October 20, 2013 12:57 am

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 »

Just gave a $100!
October 20, 2013 12:41 am

Thanks for posting!

sources
October 20, 2013 12:27 am

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?

TO #14
October 20, 2013 12:27 am

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 »

Disgrace
October 20, 2013 12:20 am

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.

to 29
October 20, 2013 12:18 am

you sound like maybe you were one of those awful men withholding a get from a woman.
just be kind

an idea to get money
October 19, 2013 11:47 pm

they can start by selling the cattle prod. Thats gotta be worth something.

Ask some1
October 19, 2013 11:40 pm

Tommorow morning you can ask someone the name in the mikva/shul its not a secret but still dosnt belong online

Clarification is in order
October 19, 2013 11:40 pm

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.

Reminds me of...
October 19, 2013 11:32 pm

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 »

The Name
October 19, 2013 11:25 pm

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.

Ahavas Israel
October 19, 2013 11:24 pm

I agree, help him!

Furthermore
October 19, 2013 11:20 pm

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 and take it back
October 19, 2013 11:11 pm

I wrote 14 and take it back. He was an aide at their Bais Din and didn’t do anything. He should be helped.

ch woman
October 19, 2013 10:59 pm

it should be a didan notzach

Have we learned NOTHING?!?!?!
October 19, 2013 10:52 pm

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
October 19, 2013 10:50 pm

Agunos is a big problem today and this was a bais din that was helping agunos.

he got caught
October 19, 2013 10:48 pm

Thats what he probrably told you he was at the wrong place at the wrong time.I would rather help out Rabashkin

He needs your help!
October 19, 2013 10:41 pm

I know this man personally. Please STOP talking negatively!! If you have nothing nice to say DON’T SAY IT!!

Are we so heartless?
October 19, 2013 10:39 pm

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

I take it back
October 19, 2013 10:36 pm

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.

CONTINUED - about Mrs. Musia
October 19, 2013 10:23 pm

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.

confusion
October 19, 2013 10:19 pm

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.

please help this man
October 19, 2013 10:16 pm

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 asking for names are usually the yentas who wont help
October 19, 2013 10:12 pm

Those who care to help will help just out of of pure compassion even without names

A good question might be..What is the source of the problem stemming from?
October 19, 2013 10:08 pm

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 »

to # 14 you are a am haaretz
October 19, 2013 10:06 pm

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

Knows him
October 19, 2013 10:05 pm

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!

Must know?
October 19, 2013 10:02 pm

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

#14
October 19, 2013 10:02 pm

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 didn't know halacha
October 19, 2013 10:01 pm

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).

A Chabad issue?
October 19, 2013 10:01 pm

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 »

To 2 & 3 & 8 *9
October 19, 2013 9:58 pm

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 »

piyon shvuyim
October 19, 2013 9:38 pm

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!!

To $#
October 19, 2013 9:38 pm

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.

Collive should be ashamed of itself
October 19, 2013 9:36 pm

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.

I got my answer
October 19, 2013 9:32 pm

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 »

We all need to help!!!
October 19, 2013 9:28 pm

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.

Help a real victim
October 19, 2013 9:14 pm

Better help Rubaskin

BEIS DIN SHOULD PAY
October 19, 2013 9:08 pm

The Beis Din he worked for should pay all bills.

honesty is an option
October 19, 2013 8:55 pm

He may have been acting according to the Halacha. But he broke the law. He could help himself by pleading guilty.

Which "local"Dayan
October 19, 2013 8:54 pm

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 »

to#s 2 &3
October 19, 2013 8:43 pm

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!

To #2-3. My real name is Y. Hershkop
October 19, 2013 8:36 pm

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.

Ariel
October 19, 2013 8:35 pm

Who is my money going to?

Meir
October 19, 2013 8:28 pm

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
October 19, 2013 7:53 pm

Name the Rabbi first.

This is not a case where confidentiality of the defendant is called for

Who is it?
October 19, 2013 7:48 pm

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.

kevin
October 19, 2013 7:47 pm

Already donated… I really hope the community rally’s around this cause.

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