A day after he found himself as the sole winner of the Crown Heights election, Zaki Tamir was getting lots of love on the Brooklyn streets.
As he initiated a full length post-election interview with COLlive Editor Yehuda Ceitlin that lasted over 2 hours at Basil Pizza and Wine Bar, a diverse flow of people came over to congratulate him.
Even as some drifted from cordial greetings to offering unsolicited advice on how he should run things, Tamir’s response was identical to all: very courteous, like a seasoned politician.
But his win on Sunday was for being anything but a politician. In fact, many see the 31 year-old Miami native as a novice in this area – perhaps a trait that attracted voters fed up with communal wrangling.
Dressed in a dark suit and tie, the criminal defense attorney talks with the same conviction and vigor that he displays in the courthouse, to which he invites friends to come watch him in action. When he presents an idea, he does not explain it – he makes the case for it.
The only question is will he keep his playbook clear of sleazy backroom deals and corrupt intentions that historically crippled the leadership of the Vaad Hakohol – Crown Heights Jewish Community Council.
Here are excerpts of his interview with COLlive.com:
• Mazal Tov, Zaki.
Thank you.
• What’s your take on the elections?
A quirk made me Rosh Hakohol.
• Is that so…
A lot of people voted for the candidates on both extremes and I won because I was their second choice.
• What does that mean for you?
Being a second choice won’t be an excuse not to fulfill my responsibilities. I will turn to those who wanted Chanina Sperlin or Shea Hecht as their leader.
• But they didn’t win. You did.
True, but I will not be making decisions without consulting with them and making full use of their services regardless of what title they have.
• If I may, concerns were voiced over your trimmed beard now that you represent a Chassidic neighborhood.
That’s a legitimate concern and this is not the first time I’ve heard it. I understand that it’s now not only a personal issue but a public one.
• And?
Naturally there are personal aspects on this issue which I won’t discuss, but I can say that I’ve been in touch with a rabbi on this. Now, I will be turning to Rabbis Avrohom Osdoba and Yaakov Schwei and will be listening to what they tell me.
• Are you satisfied with the election results?
I’m very happy, although I expected and hoped for a much bigger Vaad. But this is the reality and we’ll work with it.
• Are you involved in determining who will be your colleagues?
I’m focused now on doing the work the voters expect from me.
• And regarding the election for a third rabbi?
The best approach (to such issues) is not to put the focus on them. Focusing on fighting elements doesn’t bring the solution and unity meetings with people smiling won’t change a thing.
• What are you suggesting?
Focusing on the work that is waiting for us where you’ll have both sides working on the same thing towards the same direction.
• So what are you hoping for?
To have an effect on every person’s life. Getting them involved with their neighbors and to give and take.
• What do you mean by that?
I have a grand plan: Establish communication between the Vaad and the people and the mosdos; centralize social and professional services available; Give ability to each individual to lobby a cause or problem; and be a vehicle for people to give and help.
• Would you like to elaborate?
Sure. Communication: We are elected by the people and we are accountable to them. We’ll encourage people to turn to our House of Representatives – the Netzigim of the Crown Heights Shuls – to relate to us what are the people’s needs and concerns.
• But the Netzigim body is not currently active.
True. That’s why I’m using COLlive.com to communicate with the people.
• Regarding social services?
Social services are widely available here in areas including health care, education, after-school programs for children, job training, treatment, therapy, and building/construction grants. There are dozens of benefits available that are untapped. There are services offered to not-for-profit organizations that are simply undiscovered.
We will put together a full list of what to do and who to turn to, from the MET Council and Jewish Board of Family Services to 311 and the Sephardic Angel. And so with the Gemachs, Hatzalah, Shmira, Shomrim, Misaskim etc. The idea is to give people the knowledge to help themselves and others.
• Regarding the lobbying issues?
We’ll set up a system where one can send a petition with his real name, the problem, and solution he suggests. The more people he gets to sign it the more likely we’ll get involved to take care of it. You see, I don’t have the right to decide which issues are more or less important for the community. Let the people decide.
• Can you give me an example?
Someone came to me the other day and asked why the Jewish Children’s Museum does not accept the Cool Culture Family Pass (free entry for low-income families to over 71 museums, parks and zoos). He’ll be able to send a petition and we’ll deal with it. Sometimes the problem solves itself after it’s raised in the public.
• And regarding your point about giving and receiving?
Here is the main hinge that will bring everyone together. The website we are going to open CrownHeightsUnited.com will be a Craigslist of exchanging services. Meaning: You are welcome to donate an hour of your volunteering in the area of your profession for the poor, sick or anyone and you can get an hour of electrical work, plumbing, accounting or lawyer consulting in return.
• Like The Park Slope Food Coop (members must contribute hours of work to shop there).
You can say that. No membership – no voice. This will be a project of the people by the people.
• Can this be introduced as Mas Hakohol (monthly tax required by the community’s bylaws but not implemented)?
That is what I’m thinking about, but will need to first suggest it to whoever will be my colleagues. It would be great though… Mas Hakohol is meant to be $15 a month, but if these 2 programs are integrated people will be able to donate an hour of their time of service as the payment and be entitled to receive an hour from a fellow member.
• So how do you get started?
Well, right now we need people who can volunteer hours of data entry, information technology and web design.
• Does this social awareness have to do with your upbringing?
Sure. I had little English experience when I went to law school. My wife used to stay up until 4 AM correcting my papers. Later we lived with our children in a home for the disabled to make ends meet. It was there that I began to understand that the government does not like the middle class.
• Meaning?
There’s a vacuum drawing people to live a life that is not legitimate in order to survive. My friends can’t open a bank account – how do you expect them to work on the books? They’re people who are not poor. They are making $10K a month, but after taxes and all they are broke. If there is a leak in the sink or need a dentist, they can’t afford it. It’s almost like it’s not worth it to have a good paying job.
• And your program will help them?
I always say, dreams are only real if they come true. I did a lot of research and I hope the community gets a taste of this wonderful project before it gets dismissed (by skeptics). We have an opportunity here to help and make things work in our community.
COLlive: 2010 Election Coverage:
+ Zaki Tamir Wins the Elections
+ Comeback For 770 Gabboim
+ Election Ends: 2,064 Votes Cast
+ Moshe Rubashkin Weighs In
+ New Ruling, Jingle & Yarmulkas
+ The Candidates Answer COLlive
+ Candidates at Heated Forum
+ COLlive on the Election Trail
+ 7 Election Facts to Know
+ Candidates Honor NY Senator
+ Hecht, Wilhelm Can Now Run
+ Candidates Agree: No Dirt
+ Candidates for 770 Gabboim
+ Candidates for Vaad Hakohol
+ Last-Minute Signing
+ No New Candidates Yet
+ Election Commitee Reps Chosen
+ Op-Ed: The Psak is Out, Now What?
+ The Ruling on Crown Heights
+ Community Din Torah Ends
I’m a comedian, can I do an hour for someone?
BTW, the way they are both sitted, is very cute and telling. So interesting…
Hmmm makes you wonder were peoples priorities are. The beard issue seems to be something many with beards are fixated on. Wrongly so! The rebbe did not judge one by his beard. So in Lubavitch a beard is in. Well guess what? Many chabadniks today trim there beards! Got a problem with that? First clean up your house, and your mess all you holier then thous. And then, and only then may you speak. Frankly, most of these pro-beard posters have skeletons in their closets. I’ll go with the trimmed beard blindly. I’d also hold judgement on trimmed beards –… Read more »
I LOVE READING YOUR COMMENTS BECAUSE EVEN WHEN YOU ARGUE- YOU DO IT WITH ACHDUS!! AAAND YOU GIVE ME A GOOD LAUGH. BECAUSE THE FACT THAT U GUYS R ACTUALLY ARGUING ABOUT THESE THINGS IS FUNNY AND MOST OF THESE DISCUSSONS GO ARROUND IN CIRCLES ANYWAY ANDDDD—U GUYS R JUST REALLY FUNNY!!!!!!!!
SO HELP US HASHEM BECAUSE WE WANT ACHDUS FOR ACHDUS AND NOT FOR MACHLOKES….
thank you-thank you very muuch!!!
Comparing this to craigslist, there have,r”l, been incidents of security problems for people posting on the internet. Is there a way that this site could be secured and monitored so that unscrupulous individuals do not post or reply?
Zaki has now become the role model for our youth. Let him show them that you can have a succesful career and askan and still have a proud full beard! You can’t go wrong when you do the right thing!
Ad Mossai Jingle
by Shevach Tamir
Produced: Ovadiah Tank
Recorded at: W4M Records, Bal Harbour Fl.
looking forward to lots of improvements, so help us give nachas to the Rebbe…..
He reminds me too much of President Obama. Big talk, big change, few concrete ideas. Mostly charisma.
I’m concerned.
A beard is an expression of chassidishkeit. NOT yiddishkeit – because russian orthodox galuchim also have very long beards. I feel that a chossid should represent chassidim.
Not having a beard may be OK for a misnagid or modern orthodox Jew, but a chossid must have a beard.
Not conducting oneself according to established chassidic traditions, and yet calling oneself a chossid – is a strong testament to ones’ integrity and commitment.
the rebbe said that there shouldn’t be an eruv in CH.
I happen to know him on a personal level, and let me tell you this guy can reach the sky. Oh this is good. ENJOY THE RIDE!
If someone like Rudy Guiliani would run for Vaad Hakohol, wouldn’t he win by a landslide, even though he probably eats Chazer has no beard or even a Yarlmuka, but he gets things done.
That is all that matters.
Good lucky Zaki!
And I hope people learn to look at the character of a person and not how long his facial hairs are.
Lets think of what the job entails, then demand our expectations. He is not a Rav but rather our politician.
Beards are important, as he agreed and so eloquently stated he will COnsult BOTH rabbonim on.
Ahava Vachva Vshalom Vreius!
It is the brain we need to be concerned about-rather than the beard;this man has a lot of brains and can help the community a lot.
It is vital that an experienced ,highly respected and independent third Rov be elected.
There is not the time for learning on the job.
A strong financial incentive will help attract the right personality
I had lost hope in this Vaad.
Beard, no beard, this guy is a Mentsch.
Quite impressed with his humility and integrity.
Good Luck!
We’re very proud!
I voted for tamir.However, the beard issue really bothered me. When you represent a community, you are the show person for that community. You represent us. In NY today, a beard is not an unusual thing that needs to be hidden. The litvish community do not have beards so that is who they are. Lubavitch have beards so if you don’t you are making a statement by not having one. I do find it embarrassing when I see pictures of community leaders in the frum, chassidishe world all with full beards. I know our kids have a problem with beards,… Read more »
First a Yechi Yarmulka. He could always change it, or cover it if he doesn’t feel uip to it.
A beard is a life time commitment.
some of the coments are really not in place. since when only mashpiim have beards? The guy is serious anough to consider it himself. And whast is wrong if I want my kids to look up to a guy with a beard. And for those who forgot – gashmius and ruhnius are not 2 sepazrete things – it is all one!!!!
to you and everyone else he is r’ pinye korf
he for sure earned and deserves the respect!!!!!
EXTREMELY WELL SAID and you are totally right!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LET US NOT GET CARRIED AWAY HERE!
I am impressed with your honest understanding of your position. Yes, your beard is your own personal thing, but you have the integrity and courage to not only realize, but publicly state, that as a leader, everything about you becomes public, and in your own words- answerable to the people. To me this is a true leader – one who knows that he is a public servant.
I agree wholeheartedly. LOWER RENT PRICES!!!! Seriously, there should be RENT CAPS and better living conditions.
No one deserves to pay $1800++ for a crumbling, infested 2 bedroom!
Dear Mr Tamir, I am 34 years old, and after finishing parnosa shiurim by the HFLS, it became clear that in the Syrian Jewish community, there is so much free “mentoring” that is passed to the younger generation, they end up becoming quite wealthy, perhaps we can widen and change our outlook to helping each other with parnosa, in the sefardic community, chessed is how can I get you to make 100,000 200,000 not just if you gave matza or veggies for Shabbos. In the Sefardic community people really work together. This new outlook would really help our moisdos as… Read more »
Having a beard is a display of godliness. Shaving and trimming ones’ beard is a by-product of roman/goyishe ideals and appearances. We have yet to find factual proof that our tzadikkim of history DID NOT HAVE BEARDS! The avos had beards, Moshe & aharon had beards, the shevotim had beards, ALL the rabbeiyim had beards. EXACTLY where and how is the rationale that having a beard is “optional”?! Do I understand that; It is an “option” for a YID to emulate goyim and goyishkeit?! Goyim do not wear yarmulkas – are you going to remove your yarmulka because you want… Read more »
when he was elected he had no beard! he never tried to deceive us! we voted for him because we thought he would be great for helping us begashmius! you want a mashpia go find one! but stay the hell out of his personal life! if you would rather us be mugged in the streets and treated like crap by the police and get zero financial help from the city as long as your kids have a beard to look up to [while being mugged and pushed around] then elect pinye korf! but u didint you elected him! so take… Read more »
its sad to see how secular the perspective of lubavitch has become…….and then they blame it on the rebbe, achdus,yiddishkeit
“What’s your take on the elections?
A quirk made me Rosh Hakohol.”
I think Tamir is the “Dark Horse.”
(A dark horse is a political candidate who is nominated unexpectedly, or an underdog in other fields who achieves unprecedented success.)
There have been presidents elected by being the “dark horse,” namely:
Abraham Lincoln
Franklin Pierce
Rutherford B. Hayes
James A. Garfield
Warren G. Harding
Go Yudi……….
i agree to #14 totaly! we live in the rebbes shchunah & listen to evrything he wants
Why all the yada yada over beards? many of the outgoing and recent Vaad members had beards and were functional morons! Let’s have some achdus ahavas yisroel over here.
No one said that you can only help someone if you have a beard but Part of leading a chassidishe Lubavitch community is respecting that which the community holds by. Respect is the Underlined word here. And I think that Zaki (a man of respect) is someone who is willing to grow a beard for this cause. Thank you!
the 7 mosrim that testified againts us had big beards. a beard dosn’t make the person. next time you need help from someone ask him if he has a beard first, then ask him for help.
in the times of the frierdike rebbe the chairman of agudas
chabad (kramer) was without a beard
i wonder how many of those people defending the beard, ware a beard them selves
dai dai dai
Glad to hear you will be consulting mashpiim/rabbonim about the beard!!! This was a big issue for us!
We are behind you whether or not we voted!!
Lots of hatzlacha, hope you can help bring rent prices (and cell phone towers) down!!
its time we made an Eruv in Crown heights
i was not voting for a mashpia
about zacki become a shomrim shmira discussion? But since its mentioned… Lets clear a few things. Shomrim & Shmira are currently 2 separate individual organizations who since the times of Chazzan in the Vaad have been running independently from the Vaad. and I quote Chazzan “When Shmira/Shomrim separated from the Vaad, no one complained as it was a content legal battle that was easier to defend privately then as a community run organization” It is not in ANYONES power to tell them what to do, its like telling ULY and OT to both join forces. The job of the counsel… Read more »
Zaki, Mazal tov on your win. I’m excited about the new start. My advice to you is as follows, as we prepare for a fresh start with new people this should also apply to the council where there are worn out desk chairs. I’m sure you catch my drift. Don’t be afraid. GOOD LUCK, you’ll need it & I’m with you.
I agree as well that Zaki is representing a chassidishe Lubavitch community and therefore out of respect for the community and it’s standards-the right thing for him to do would be to grow a beard…And it seems like he is getting the message to do the right thing because it looks like he has started to grow his beard…Zaki keep it up…we r proud of you!
Does Yossi Popack who help many moisdos have a beard
Does Sam Melamed former vaad hakohol have a beard
Izaac Zelimier O”H Shomrim Coodinator have a beard
Drizen Who helps many have a beard
Isaac Hager who helps out in the police department have a beard
Zalman Lezel a Shmira Member who helps many have a beard?
You dont need a beard to help people…
and We all know that many of the bearded ones… meant to help people… yeh ill just leave it their.
Mr Tamir, I am very impressed with your answers and your drive. You seem like an intelligent young man with a good head on your shoulders.
I believe you will make a difference for our community
thank you
You make an old teacher very proud…..I am not surprised….Keep up the good work and giving your family and all of us in Miami Beach nachas…..Keep up the good work….
yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayy
Did anyone notice by which retaurant they are sitting?
It’s not fair for those men not to be able to vote. . . Personally I think it should be Bar mitzvah and up but whatever but it should be at least 18 and up…..
if you have a issue with shomrim or shmira it is your issue not mine. the jury came back with a not guilty vertict. why did you wake up now for peace? why didn’t scream sholom when blood was flowing in the street during the court case. now that shmira lost that fight you are looking to make peace? i chalenge any one in the community to a debate about this issue. the proof is in the evidence and that is a matter of fact not propeganda. so to any one with a smart idea about shmira and shomrim keep… Read more »
yep,now we can go back to the same old garbage.
how can a community be so stupid?
no comedian could have come up with this
just unreal
who thought a year ago that we’ll have din torah and fair election? thank you to the exiting vaad. giev credit where credit is due.
good luck zaki!
I agree with #9!!!
18 times the word “people” chai was used in the interview l`chaim
Himself mentioned that a beard helps with Gashmius….. To those who say he only deals with gashmius look up those sichos from the Rebbe…..
I agree with you 100%. We see tragedies amongst us day in day out and we are still fighting. These people are supposed to be doing good for the community, and they definitely are by protecting us, but at what expense?! How many people have to get hurt from their personal rift? Let us resolve this once and for all! Imagine if everyone worked TOGETHER to stop the violence that goes on in our community. Things might finally get done in our community! Enough is Enough! No one is interested in your personal fight! Keep it amongst yourselves please.
They should be dissolved, and then rebuilt as one organization, open to all volunteers of goodwill.
with or without a beard u are my hero………
zaki make money and u wont need a beard,,,and the whole ch will think u are a hero chossid and when ever else u wont to be…………………
I am grateful that ZT seems to understand that the beard is an issue because he is representing us and being looked up to by our youth.I hope this will be reflected in practicality
that’s a great idea why shuldnt there be once and for all a vote for one security organization lets them go to rabonnim to figure it out then have every one vote and elect one leader
get rid of machlokos
I agree with you 100 percent, but it would be harder than trying to make peace between radical Mishichistin and extreme Anti’s.
The fight between those two parties (Shmira and Shomrim) is so severe, it seems as though there can never be Sholom between them until Moshiach comes.
However, if you draw up a petition, I will definitely sign it. It never hurts to try.
zaki, we are very proud of you, and wish you much hatzlacha. I know its none of our business, but we think the beard you are currently growing looks pretty good and hope it stays!!
“we are the laughing stock in boro park and Williamsburg who are smart enough not to have elections”
B”H we now have a lot more respect from them due to the (almost miraculous) arbitration process.
The vote is not only democratic, but was uniquely devised, instituted and fought for by the Rebbe (remember who that is?).
…about that beard though… seems like your mashpia needs to have a talk with you 😉
Smart enough? The Rebbe himself wanted these elections. Are we smarter than him?
When asked who should be a Mohel? A Yoray Shomayim with a beard or a excellent Mohel without a beard….. the answer is???? So why bother Zaki? We had many beards representing Kan Tzeevah… and what holiness did they bring?
When looking for a healthy, well oiled Gashmius community … we do not look for the beard … but who is best with his hands!
Zaki, Stop saying “the people”, “the people”, “the people” in every interview and article you write. It sounds like communist Russia or North Korea.
i agree, hope we see his beard (and everyone else in need of growing their’s…) in the uncut version. And the brochos will surely flow down on Klal Yisroel, their families, and themselves!
Moshiach NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kol Hakavod to Zaki! He’s got his head on streight, he’s ambittious, and knows where he’s heading.
being that zaki is representing a chasidishe community it makes all the sense that he is taking the beard issue seriously, (lubavitch does not find it to be a minor issue) i did not vote for him but see from his answer to this issue that he is taking the people he represents seriously, kol hakovod and much hatzlocha.
About the Shmira Shomrim issue and Crown Heights security as a whole we need a security coordinator who will be elected by the people not appointed for life he will need to some one respected by enough Shmira and Shomrim members and the Police etc since this election will be a new thing the possibility of everyone over 18 male and female voting seems like it can happen
honestly now we know what they both look like from every angle… and why arent they eating the great food that basil has…..
totally agree with #4
yes, he’s not a rabbi or a mechanech but for heaven sakes – he represents the Rebbe’s shchuna! kan tziva! its already weird that we have such a young guy representing us to the world
we are the laughing stock in boro park and Williamsburg who are smart enough not to have elections
I want to create a petition for a community vote for Shmira and Shomrim. The community will vote for who they want to protect them and the community will decide who will be the coordinators of that organization. It has been way too long and way too many people getting hurt from this stupid ridiculous machlokes! What do you guys think? should we put together such a thing?
i Agree 100%
Well said!!! In total agreement with that. Let us not mix matters here.
Concerning the beard…. we are looking for gashmius from Mr. Tamir. The ruchnius we need from the rabonin. His personal life and personal decisions must remain his own.