ב"ה
Tuesday, 25 Adar I, 5784
  |  March 5, 2024

“Call Me a Sheep Who Complies With Rules”

From the COLlive inbox: A baal teshuva who is now living in Crown Heights shares her thoughts after the street clash between bochurim and the NYPD at the unsanctioned Simchas Beis Hashoeva was shared on social media. Full Story

Picture of the Day

Next Story »

Video: Pants on Fire

Subscribe
Notify of
229 Comments
oldest
newest most voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
non BT and agree 100%
October 6, 2020 10:37 pm

dont be ashamed to say, yes these people are making a mistake and are not listening to the rabbis.

other community members that are saying the same these people are not the true representatives are our community.

Anonymous
Reply to  non BT and agree 100%
October 7, 2020 9:15 am

Cult of scarcity vs. God of abundance.
So true.
Couldn’t have made it more clear than this article.
See Dr. Yitzchok Smith of emes.news

Following simple Covid rules:mitzvah meets science
Reply to  non BT and agree 100%
October 14, 2020 10:24 pm

STOP COMPLAINING when someone tries to help you! The mayor and the police are not selecting people because of their religion. They are selecting them because of their BEHAVIOR. Go to other neighborhoods around CH, Park Slope, East NY…PEOPLE WEAR MASKS. They don’t have the positive rates CH has. And stop misusing claims of anti-semitism. You don’t know what antisemitism is if you call THIS antisemitism. And comparing BLM protests and other protests — look at them. Most people in those protests wear masks and masks are typically given out at those rallies. This is medicine and science. The virus… Read more »

1939
October 6, 2020 10:39 pm

How did following the rules work out for the Jews in 1939? They hate us and will always persecute us. If we follow the rules, they’ll make more rules until we can’t live like that anymore. We need to stand up and live our lives and not let anyone tell us how to live. Especially when the current risk is so low.

Ask mashpia
Reply to  1939
October 6, 2020 11:53 pm

The Rebbe said to clarify something another views as wrong (something that turns their head) with a mashpia.

This comment is completely in question, and absolutely, and entirely, needs to be asked by of mashpia. If they don’t have a mashpia, they now have the greatest task, spoken directly in over a hundred sichos, private letters, and set as a campaign proceeding all chassidishkeit.

Last edited 3 years ago by Ask mashpia
My father died because of people like you
Reply to  1939
October 7, 2020 12:47 am

FORGET THE POLITICS. JUST DO EVERYTHING IN YOUR POWER TO AVOID SPREADING THE DISEASE. EVEN IF YOU HAVE ANTIBODIES YOU CAN HARBOR SPORES IN YOUR NOSE AND PASS THEM ON TO OTHERS. THIS MEANS NOT GATHERING AND YES, WEARING A MASK. IF YOU DON’T AGREE THAT MASKS HELP (why do surgeons where them?) THEN AT LEAST WEAR ONE TO AVOID CHILUL HASHEM.

Its a virus!!!
Reply to  My father died because of people like you
October 7, 2020 4:39 am

It’s a virus!
The president of the United States got the virus, and he’s the most protected man in the world( anyone who comes in contact with him must get tested and…..)
And yet he still go the virus!
You cannot control anything!
Enough with this garbage,of masks and social dissctnce.

Educate Yourself with Facts
Reply to  Its a virus!!!
October 9, 2020 3:43 am

You left out some important facts… 1.) The President rarely ever wears a mask. 2.) The President rarely ever socially distances himself from people. 3.) The rapid testing the President and the White House are using has a 30% false negative rate. For those who don’t know that means, for every 100 people who test negative, 30 of them are actually positive. 4.) The President himself has said, he doesn’t always get tested everyday though it is quite often. As for what you call “garbage of masks & social distancing”… I highly encourage you to educate yourself on the scientific… Read more »

Masks that are worn by the masses dont work
Reply to  My father died because of people like you
October 7, 2020 6:12 am

Cant compare, surgeons wear a mask for different reasons, and for covid, health care workers are fitted and use certain masks.

For covid the cloth masks do not work, just look at anyone with glasses and ask, why is there fog, the pores of Coronavirus is much smaller so they get out and you feel safe, and boom your hit.

Anonymous
Reply to  My father died because of people like you
October 7, 2020 9:20 am

Nope sorry. You’re father did not die from people like us. Are you Hashem? masks are not designed to catch a tiny virus like covid. Covid flows freely through the weave without any problem. That’s the science wether you like it or not. It’s normal to try to find what to blame a loss on but it doesn’t make it true. I hope you find comfort.

Anonymus
Reply to  Anonymous
October 7, 2020 1:31 pm

The regular cloth or surgical masks aren’t blocking the virus, obviously, but the majority of the virus is not airborne and is attached to respiratory droplets, which are blocked very effectively by masks. Even the droplets can partially get through the mask and also over it (hence the glasses fog), but still, wearing a mask significantly reduces the spread if you are the one carrying the virus.

Aha it’s the mask
Reply to  Anonymous
October 12, 2020 2:08 am

The mask is to blame? So you are Mehader then to buy the Israeli mask which DOES protect against the virus? No you aren’t mehader. I didn’t think so.

Thank you!
Reply to  My father died because of people like you
October 7, 2020 12:14 pm

I picked my mother up from crown heights yesterday and later on her test came back positive. She went to shul on Yom Kippur because it was extremely important to her. She went to the hospital last night and was discharged and when I drove her home Kingston ave was shut down for Simchat Beis Hashuevah. Much to my anger no one was social distancing, or wearing masks including stores, which I could see from my car. Why am I calling people out? Because the worst thing for the elderly in the community is isolation. And here the younger generation… Read more »

Worst thing is death not isolation!
Reply to  Thank you!
October 8, 2020 2:42 am

Why are we so stupid? We won’t eat food without 35 hechsherim but we are willing to be meikel on vchai bahem!!

The real issue
Reply to  1939
October 7, 2020 1:14 pm

The real issue is that BLM rioters and looters are permitted to gather wherever, whenever, and however. Their behavior is approved and applauded by those in power.

a separate issue...
Reply to  The real issue
October 7, 2020 4:24 pm

I’ve noticed that our community members frequently like to use the BLM protests as justification that we can also do whatever we like- Newsflash: one has no impact on the other! Two wrongs do not make a right. The problem posed by the protests and riots in our current pandemic (regardless of political and/ or social justice beliefs) does not make our lack of cautions any less of an issue now! I understand the anger that people feel about the understanding that our government showed towards the protestors and the rioters that we are not given in equal measure- stop… Read more »

Dw
Reply to  1939
October 7, 2020 9:38 pm

The rules are not targeting the Jews like it was in 1939. It is asking Everyone to wear mask. How to live you say? Exactly to live.
Wear the mask and follow the halacha rule of not making a chill hashem

great work
October 6, 2020 10:51 pm

i 100% agree with u on this one

Yes and the Protests were Just Fine
October 6, 2020 10:51 pm

Why not just put up a sign saying ‘Protest’? The real problem is not whether or not masks and social distancing should or should not be enforced, but IS about the selective enforcement that lead peaceful religious gatherings to be raided rather than gatherings to protest law enforcement and riot. That, and the fact that, against all reason or logic, the police are favoring those groups that support defunding them, burning their cars, violence and looting over the communities that would never think of doing any one of those things. Shades of 1939, people.

Last edited 3 years ago by Yes and the Protests were Just Fine
The real problem
Reply to  Yes and the Protests were Just Fine
October 7, 2020 1:04 am

The double standard by government is a problem. The REAL PROBLEM is a virus that kills and people who won’t stop the spread.

Huh?
Reply to  The real problem
October 7, 2020 1:21 am

it doesn’t kill…. how many hospitalizations? Deaths? Most of the deaths were from Cuomos incompetence…

Huh?
Reply to  Huh?
October 7, 2020 1:22 pm

It doesn’t kill???? And if it doesn’t kill, talk to those who are still suffering, in one way, or many others……..We’re not debating statistics, people have experienced, and r”l, continue to experience, great suffering. And it’s not just the old….Hashem Yaazor

Anonymous
Reply to  The real problem
October 7, 2020 9:24 am

It’s going to spread despite the best of efforts at destroying our way of life with masks and social isolation. Instead it needs to be treated right away for lives to be saved.

Last edited 3 years ago by Anonymous
Say no to dictatorship
October 6, 2020 10:59 pm

We can’t allow Government to control our shuls and yeshivos. We don’t give up a tiny bit or they will want more control. Yesterday the police tried to stop the dancing. Tonight they gave out masks.

Why was there dancing during a mageifa...
Reply to  Say no to dictatorship
October 7, 2020 1:05 am

…especially since rabbonim, doctors and experts warned against gatherings?a

Anonymous
Reply to  Why was there dancing during a mageifa...
October 7, 2020 9:28 am

Because it’s simchas beis hashoeiva. And now we know a lot more than before on how to prevent and treat this virus. This no longer meets the criteria of a mageifa especially for the young

Last edited 3 years ago by Anonymous
Bullying
Reply to  Why was there dancing during a mageifa...
October 7, 2020 11:51 am

They are clearly being bullied into encouraging people to cooperate with the ridiculous nonsensical rules that don’t help at all

Your ranting now
Reply to  Say no to dictatorship
October 7, 2020 11:03 am

are you actually planning on doing anything to stop them?

Yup
Reply to  Your ranting now
October 7, 2020 11:52 am

Absolutely. I refuse to wear a diaper on my face. No more of this nonsense

YES YES YES
October 6, 2020 11:01 pm

I have had all the same thoughts!
You don’t like our mayor, our governor, you don’t believe in COVID or masks-whatever the case-it is a still a chilul HaShem when the whole world is looking at the Jews.
And let’s take a moment for our police officers who have been going out of their way for us especially these past few months and this is how we respond?

Unlearned
Reply to  YES YES YES
October 7, 2020 6:26 am

You are clearly unlearned as you have no clue what the definition of chill hashem.. I highly advise you open a book and start learning some toivah before you completely get fagoyished..

Please share
Reply to  Unlearned
October 7, 2020 11:31 am

What is the definition of chilul HaShem?

Clueless
Reply to  YES YES YES
October 7, 2020 6:27 am

Perhaps your not aware but the cops are on our side they were doing it only to show that their doing their job..
They said it themselves buddy check the facts before you protest..

True!!
Reply to  Clueless
October 7, 2020 12:59 pm

You are absolutely right!!!! Glad someone knows the facts

where you even there?
Reply to  YES YES YES
October 7, 2020 7:30 am

this is a clip from literally a few minutes of an isolated incident that happened. For hours, each night there have been no issues at all with the police.

maybe yes
Reply to  YES YES YES
October 7, 2020 1:15 pm

but still we have the right to dance and by the way my kids were complaining that there was no ice cream truck this year

100% agree!
October 6, 2020 11:01 pm

Complete chillul hashem, no respect for others, and just the opposite of everything we stand for!
A simchas beis/yom tov/shabbos at home won’t kill you, but a simchas beis like this might kill others chas veshalam
Respect yourself and respect others.

Who said???
Reply to  100% agree!
October 7, 2020 12:25 am

I don’t know if you have been living on this planet for the past half a year but as we saw, staying home can kill. Teenagers and adults alike can fall in to depression. The worst thing one can do for their mental health and subsequently their physical and spiritual health, is, stay closed up in the four walls of their home. These suffering kids may not be part of the rates and statistics but believe me they are more sick, and their deaths are much more painful then those who died from corona. Once someone falls in to the… Read more »

Depression
Reply to  Who said???
October 7, 2020 3:33 am

I agree depressidefinitely been triggered by teenagers staying home
I wish I had a souolution and hope it won’t lead to long permant depression

It's not either or..
Reply to  Who said???
October 7, 2020 8:34 am

It’s not either or: one think is not staying home, the other is going on Simchas Beis on Kingston Ave.

18 year old
Reply to  Who said???
October 7, 2020 11:00 am

As an 18 year old I can confirm lockdown was very bad for my mental health. No way I’m going through that experience again.

Dw
Reply to  Who said???
October 7, 2020 9:43 pm

If people would have listened and follow the rules of masks and social distance we would be in this position

Clueless
Reply to  100% agree!
October 7, 2020 6:34 am

Again an unlearned am Haaretz who quotes Hebrew words without the slightest clue what it means Buddy start learning Chilul HaShem means doing a aveirah or going against Halacha period nowhere does it say anything about standing up against a guy while holding up your Jewish values (Simchas beis rebbes initiative! Not considered a Jewish value?) On the contrary that’s called a kiddish HaShem not one rov said there is a problem with it on the contrary rabbi bron was there! Risking lives you say? Does it not mean anything and then one person died from corona in CH in… Read more »

Sheep teshuva
October 6, 2020 11:02 pm

If you are imbarresed of a minhag yisroel than you still need to do teshuva.
Dont call it a chilul hashem, in russia you wouldn’t keep shabbos or kosher for the same reason

The rabbonim havent said anything
The gedalya society is not medical professionals its a bunch of politicians like poltrak etc.

The police clearly did it only for a show, and they blocked the street for the rest of the night they love it
Its all antisemitisim
Am yisroel chai!!!
Lets keep on dancing 40 years of the rebbes horaa!

" are we going against our Rebbe?"
October 6, 2020 11:03 pm

No! The government is imposing on us to go against our religion. We are IN tishrei – imagine if I tell him forget about December 25! Also Why would the Rebbeim risked their lives for in Russia? Didn’t they go against the government there? They risked their lives for yiddishkeit! If we stand up the government WILL fall! The mayor FULLY supported 15,000 protesters by the BLM but us no?! We have to be ashamed for allowing the goyim to be leading us, instead US LEADING THEM! We have the full right to stand up for our religion! The Rebbe… Read more »

Ask mashpia
Reply to  " are we going against our Rebbe?"
October 7, 2020 12:00 am

The Rebbe said to clarify something another views as wrong (something that turns their head) with a mashpia.

This comment is completely in question, and absolutely, and entirely, needs to be asked by of mashpia. If they don’t have a mashpia, they now have the greatest task, spoken directly in over a hundred sichos, private letters, and set as a campaign over all chassidishkeit.

Replying
Reply to  Ask mashpia
October 7, 2020 12:39 am

When you will listen and obey to whatever the Rebbe answers you through Igros kodesh only then will I go seek my mashpia!

True
Reply to  Ask mashpia
October 7, 2020 6:43 am

I think all these people dancing don’t have a mashpia, or know how mashpia works.

Where's your bitul?
Reply to  " are we going against our Rebbe?"
October 7, 2020 12:06 am

The Rebbe urged the election of a Beis Din for Crown Heights. You are going against Yiddishkeit by not listening to the Rabbanim.This isn’t about mesoras nefesh – it’s about pekuach nefesh – ask Dr. Rosen. It’s about not making a chilul Hashem. It’s about ensuring yeshivas, shuls and businesses can stay open.

Since when is there only one Dr in crown heights
Reply to  Where's your bitul?
October 7, 2020 2:12 am

There are many Drs in crown heights why is there only one being regarded as “the Drs said”

Very wrong
Reply to  " are we going against our Rebbe?"
October 7, 2020 12:16 am

What you said is your own personal opinion. Decisions in life, especially in a serious matter like this, should only be led by our rebbe. And the rebbe’s opinion is in fact to listen to medical professionals. The rebbe never said to implement your own personal opinion and make decisions by it.

Anonymous
Reply to  Very wrong
October 7, 2020 9:00 am

Dr Zelenko is also a rofeh yedid and his patients didn’t die like ours. He didn’t defer to the corrupt department of health when they tried to stop him from saving lives

Anonymous
Reply to  Very wrong
October 7, 2020 9:47 am

Listen to medical professionals? You mean like Dr. Zelenko and many many others? Or only to the department of health ‘expert’ who is radical left and getting payed off to let people die?

Last edited 3 years ago by Anonymous
Labor Day, July forth etc were cancelled
Reply to  " are we going against our Rebbe?"
October 7, 2020 8:28 am

I will remind you that labor day was cancelled this year as was July forth. As we’re many other street fairs and events.

We should not ask to be treated differently for the dancing. Maybe for shul but the simchas beis does not need to be done that way.

The bus was a great idea and there is no need to also gather on the streets when there is a good reason to be worried about large gatherings like this one spreading a virus that puts lives at risk.

100%
Reply to  Labor Day, July forth etc were cancelled
October 7, 2020 2:05 pm

but the massive protests were not…….

Agree
October 6, 2020 11:04 pm

Loud and strong.

be positive!
October 6, 2020 11:04 pm

Instead of posting and reposting these videos that are a chilul Hashem why don’t you find some nicer things to post, BH we are doing just fine without anyone giving us musar, instead of posting all the mivtzoim we do , the food we give out for free, all anyone is going to see is when for 5 minutes the police pushed us, what about the protesters that were handled many times by the police, no, they are fine cuz they are not hasidic Jews,we are the only ones who don’t listen, what about the looters who destroyed Manhattan, no… Read more »

You are not fine
Reply to  be positive!
October 7, 2020 12:50 am

No you are not doing fine. You only think you are. What you are is selfish.

Seriously?
Reply to  be positive!
October 7, 2020 1:44 am

So we shouldn’t address the problems our community has? You’re admitting that what is happening is a chillul Hashem so why not address it? This is the problem….people who turn a blind eye to issues that cause bigger issues.

Since when is there only one Dr in crown heights
Reply to  be positive!
October 7, 2020 2:14 am

And notice how noone is fighting the police in video

Two wrongs don't make a right
Reply to  be positive!
October 7, 2020 11:09 am

They looted Manhattan? They killed an “innocent” black man on high drugs? They did a lot of things which are wrong. We are better than that. Don’t compare us to them and say we’re doing good. We have a lot to work on and this superficial arrogance won’t help

Embarrassing video
October 6, 2020 11:05 pm

Is this what we want our kids to see?

Anonymous
Reply to  Embarrassing video
October 7, 2020 1:10 pm

Yes very much so. along with the Maccabees coming soon with Chanukah.

Well written
October 6, 2020 11:06 pm

Well written, so elquent and true. What is it going to take to have crown heights be mentchen and a Kiddush hashem. I am embarrassed of crown heights as well.

Donate! Donate! Donate!
October 6, 2020 11:06 pm

You’re so right!
The Rebbe said that the best way to do anything in life, is by bringing it directly into action!
Let’s all donate to the Drive by Simchas Beis Hashoeva so we can have more of this safe yet exciting celebration for Sukkos!

I donated, so can you!

http://www.charidy.com/sbh

now that is a good idea
Reply to  Donate! Donate! Donate!
October 7, 2020 1:18 pm

the truck drives by letting the whole community have simcha

This sentence is where you are, I'm afraid, naive
October 6, 2020 11:07 pm

“Call me naïve, but I for one do not believe that any medical professional who went through 8, long, trying years of school would be dishonest. I also do not believe that our Rabbonim would put out false statements.”
There is lots of corruption going on, with infringements on our first amendment rights. Scared of large gatherings? Don’t go.

I don’t think that correct
October 6, 2020 11:07 pm

Rather, that’s not only correct its ON THE BALL!

I’m in! Yes I’ll donate too!

THANK YOU
October 6, 2020 11:08 pm

You’re the voice of the silent MAJORITY. Thank you for speaking up.

Chaim Hershkop
Reply to  THANK YOU
October 7, 2020 1:51 am

Really is she? We are in a sea on millions of liberals, in a blue city, surrounded by millions of progressives (really regressive), yet those who agree with the rest of the city are still considered the silent majority? You joking!!!

And if your self righteous position is “about saving lives”, how dare you be silent, especially when you’re the “MAJORITY”?
People are literally dying in the streets, thousands, if not millions of hospitalizations, and you’re being silent? Shame, shame, shame!!! Whats a disgrace!

I personally know the OP-ED
Reply to  Chaim Hershkop
October 7, 2020 12:21 pm

Nechama would be pretty upset to hear someone calling her a liberal. She’s voiced her extreme dislike for Cuomo, DeBlasio, the violent rioting, etc. Don’t assign political labels like that!

Well...
Reply to  I personally know the OP-ED
October 7, 2020 9:29 pm

Writting an artical should expect backlash 😉

Bullying
Reply to  Chaim Hershkop
October 7, 2020 12:39 pm

If you really believe in what you say, and if what you say is truly valid, you do not have to resort to verbal bullying in order to make/force your points.

Please show respect for others when you express yourself. If you have none, keep it to yourself b/c the Torah teaches that a judge who does not acknowledge that there is more side is not allowed to judge the case.

There is absolutely no need to stoop that low, and it actually undermines what you are trying to say.

Please think about this!

Baaaahd idea
October 6, 2020 11:08 pm

Your entitled to your opinion. However, the facts dont care about your feelings. The fact is that your information is incomplete. Our zip codes are not highest infection rates by a third or even half. Zip codes in Bronx and Chelsea have higher infection rates yet they are not being shut down. Your welcome to comply with the nonsensical, unscientific and Unconstitutional mandates from our government and how follow the rabbis and doctors who follow them as well. Just keep in mind that sheep get slaughtered r’l.

*You're
Reply to  Baaaahd idea
October 6, 2020 11:49 pm

It’s you’re

----
Reply to  Baaaahd idea
October 7, 2020 12:31 am

I like your pun in your title by the way. But in your comment you are wrong. First of all, this article was not about condemning de blasio and cuomo for being hypocritical. I’m sure she agrees with you about that, but that’s not what it was about. So what you wrote about the Zip codes in the Bronx and Chelsea was irrelevant. Just because other places have higher positivity rates, that doesn’t mean crown heights is exempt from following protocol. And that which you wrote which WAS relevant was incorrect. not only is wearing masks and social distancing not… Read more »

Get- and ask your mashpia
Reply to  Baaaahd idea
October 7, 2020 12:49 am

There have been hospitalizations reported through bachurim on mivtzoim.

Bold statement
October 6, 2020 11:08 pm

“The whole world, all races and religions, are complying with standard guidelines (masks, social distancing, etc.), yet we are not.”

Let’s get real, this absolutely not true and you know it.

Really it’s true.
Reply to  Bold statement
October 7, 2020 12:12 am

I live by Utica where most people are wearing masks and it’s embarrassing the closer I get to Kingston the increase in the lack of regard for others.

Since when is there only one Dr in crown heights
Reply to  Really it’s true.
October 7, 2020 2:17 am

Maybe cuz masks are a waste of time they don’t help

Not true at all...
Reply to  Really it’s true.
October 7, 2020 4:44 am

Don’t compare anyone pls

Oh come off it
Reply to  Bold statement
October 7, 2020 12:23 am

Go outside of crown heights…almost everyone is wearing masks. Name a whole community who doesn’t?

I guess I agree...
October 6, 2020 11:09 pm

and as Ben Shapiro (the GOAT) said yesterday, two things can be true at once:

ONE
Are we handling this is the best way? No.
We should probably NOT dance in the street with music blasting, WHILE the police are literally standing right there, trying to get us to stop.
(I put the emphasis on what it looks like and the real consequences, and not as much on the listening to the rules part, but either way, the result is the same.)

TWO
Is the Mayor of NYC an anti-semitic, pro-BLM idiot who panders to the Leftist mob? Definitely yes.

Last edited 3 years ago by I guess I agree...
----
Reply to  I guess I agree...
October 7, 2020 12:49 am

Ben shapiro is not the GOAT, he does not believe in moshiach because it’s not a democracy

The GOAT?
Reply to  I guess I agree...
October 7, 2020 6:41 am

How about we as Chasidim of the Rebbe listen to his words including listening to mashpiim, rabonim and doctors. Let Ben entertain you if that’s what you want in the restroom but when it comes to action, aim a little higher.

Agree 100%
October 6, 2020 11:11 pm

It is quite shameful when people ignore Rabbonim and the local doctors.

When this becomes national and international news it’s a huge chillul Hashem.

Give me liberty or give me death
October 6, 2020 11:15 pm

That’s what I call resistance.
Truth of the matter is a precedent was set when BLM and antifa were allowed to destroy the city.
Fool me once…

Good grief
Reply to  Give me liberty or give me death
October 7, 2020 12:08 am

If you could please be a little more dramatic.

Daniel Vardi
October 6, 2020 11:20 pm

Every word is priceless. I heard once in a fabrengen, about the difference between a chassidishe yid and a chosid: A chassidishe yid does everything chassidishe with a lot of enthusiasm, but not necessarily devoted to every word of the rebbe. A chosid is, simply, does what the rebbe wants him or her to do – even if you don’t really like it or it’s hard for you to comply… Vehamevin yavin…

Thank you
October 6, 2020 11:29 pm

Well written, well said, and I agree with you. I don’t like wearing a mask, I don’t like that we can’t have our usual simchas beis hasoieva, but we have to listen to our Rabonim and doctors, and not just do what we feel like doing. Especially since
A. It’s causing a chillul Hashem
B. It could lead to our schools and shuls being closed.
How can we take that responsibility lightly??
A gut more and a gut yom tov to all!

Whatever
October 6, 2020 11:34 pm

You’re entitled to wear a mask. I’m entitled to not wear a mask. If you think it helps, wear one. I won’t put one on to appease anyone. I don’t see other communities curtailing their behavior to appease me either.

Personal?
Reply to  Whatever
October 6, 2020 11:43 pm

Wow, what a short comment and how many times it says “I” or “me.”
This is not about you personally. This is a GLOBAL pandemic and we are currently dealing with a COMMUNITY problem.
But go ahead and make it a personal issue.

----
Reply to  Personal?
October 7, 2020 2:08 am

true. thats a good chap right there.

Exactly the point
Reply to  Personal?
October 9, 2020 2:11 pm

Community must not step on an individual. Let’s admit it, no one can stop Corona spreading right now. Only herd immunity will take care of Corona in the long run. Not quarantine, not social distancing, not injections. The sooner we get herd immunity, the sooner it will be over. We must do it gradually, without overwhelming our hospitals. According to my info, our hospitals are not overwhelmed now. Can COLLIVE provide a reliable data on the uptick of hospitalizations after 7 days of Simchas Beis? Let’s talk facts. I expect no such uptick as we are getting close to herd… Read more »

Hello
Reply to  Whatever
October 7, 2020 9:34 am

To appease or to PROTECT?

Kop Doktar
Reply to  Whatever
October 7, 2020 7:28 pm

Yep. Even though we are all on the same boat, if you want to drill a hole in the boat under your seat, it’s your right! You are so smart! Great point!

clarify
October 6, 2020 11:38 pm

The rabonim never said you cant have SBH. They said that you should listen to the doctors! one doctos said not to have while another said its fine!

so everyone is free to listen to their doctors and do as they wish.

Wow.
October 6, 2020 11:40 pm

Don’t blame your issues on the Rebbe! You yourself said that the medical professionals may have an agenda in place. When did the Rebbe ever say we should listen to them over other medical professionals? Here’s a beautiful story that sheds light on the Rebbe’s opinion for such situations: During the Sukkot Festival of 1957 (5718) there was a flu breakout in Crown Heights. Dozens of Chabad Chassidim were bed-bound and could not come to Shul. The Rebbe’s chief-of-staff, Rabbi Chodakov, informed the Rebbe and asked for a blessing for their health. The Rebbe replied, “The Chassidim should dance with… Read more »

Hmmm
Reply to  Wow.
October 7, 2020 12:06 am

The Rebbe did not say they should go infect others in their shuls. He was saying to be joyous and get up and dance. How can you misconstrue this to mean that when the law is asking you to stop, you don’t have to listen because you don’t like to be forced to do things you don’t like to do?
Wear the mask, and dance to your heart’s content from six feet away or with your household!

Missing the point.
Reply to  Wow.
October 7, 2020 12:35 am

When the Rebbe addresses a specific situation then that has his brocha and he is the protective cover.
There were many times that the Rebbe was upset when his words were extended to situations beyond his initial statement.
Nevertheless, it would be wise to make one extension of what he said: To take (or make for yourself) a mashpia; extend that to mean – make yourself a mushpa.

NOT TO COMPARE!
Reply to  Wow.
October 7, 2020 3:52 am

The story is very nice admittandly,
However,
1- that was a specific situation not a Horaa Letamid,
2- Unfortunatly, we don’t have that same way to ask the Rebbe, and therefore need to follow the Rebbe’s general directives which is, following advice of Medical Profetionals and Chassidishe Rabanim, both of which apparently we have.

Freedom Won't Come Back if You Give it Away
Reply to  Wow.
October 7, 2020 6:38 am

Similar story of the Alter Rebbe requesting the sick be carried into Shul, if necessary, to participate in Simchas Torah.

Different here..
Reply to  Wow.
October 7, 2020 8:40 am

There are rules and there are exemptions..
The rebbe said once for Chassidim to do so( they were protected by his Brocho) that’s the exemption..
But the rule is that when you’re sick or at the risk of becoming I’ll you don’t go dancing with others …

Very distressed
October 6, 2020 11:42 pm

I cry as I watch this. How can our community come to this? Yes, we all want a simchas beis- it’s something so so beautiful, but we can’t have one as we normally do. This isn’t just creating a chillul Lubavitch but in fact a big chillul Hashem. Although it is a small group in crown heights, you don’t understand how bad this reflects on the other Chabad communities in the country. Please be concerned for your health as well and wear masks. Thank you. Mashiach now!!

Freedom Won't Come Back if You Give it Away
Reply to  Very distressed
October 7, 2020 6:36 am

It is Zman Simchasainu! Dry your self righteous tears. Stay home if you want, but you would probably feel better if you went out and danced.

nope
Reply to  Freedom Won't Come Back if You Give it Away
October 7, 2020 4:53 pm

what if I am a woman?

...
Reply to  Very distressed
October 7, 2020 9:36 pm

Vehaikar lo lefached!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why does everyone feel the need to bring in the re
October 6, 2020 11:44 pm

why can’t people do and say what they want without misquoting the rebbe. The rebbe is not here now and you don’t know what he has to say about what you just said so please just do what you think is right and leave the rebbe out of it.
It bothers me that people need to make themselves feel and justify what they are saying so they bring the rebbe in.

----
Reply to  Why does everyone feel the need to bring in the re
October 7, 2020 1:08 am

You are so ignorant. If the Rebbe says something which applies for now, it is completely irrelevant if the Rebbe is actually here now or not. The Rebbe was very adamant about listening to the Rabbonim and the Doctors. Is that good enough for you?

A little confused...
October 6, 2020 11:46 pm

I’m just a little confused, weren’t the police the ones that blocked off the streets for the Simchas Beis Hasoeiva this year in the first place? So do they want us to dance in the streets or not? Are we going against the law or are they facilitating the dancing?

NYPD simchas beis
Reply to  A little confused...
October 7, 2020 2:23 am

Yes the NYPD did close the streets, one of us tattled to someone and told the NYPD to disallow it

I'm throwing up
October 6, 2020 11:46 pm

I’m sick to my stomach that the Jews don’t listen to the mayer and governer just listen to them they only mean the best for every one of you.and you have a chutzpa to not listen not very imprest and this has to stop.

Careful
Reply to  I'm throwing up
October 7, 2020 12:09 am

Please use a bowl when you do that. And take off your mask cuz it can get messy

Wow just wow
Reply to  I'm throwing up
October 7, 2020 12:49 am

Im sick in the stomach at how naive u are

Chabad houses/shluchim
October 6, 2020 11:48 pm

Chabad rabbis have always been very astute about understanding the people they serve in the world out there, and treating them on their own terms. All Chabad houses know that they have to have davening outside, social distancing and masks, otherwise the secular and traditional people who are their congregations just won’t come, and won’t respect them at all. This is the reason Chabad has succeeded in kiruv. I worry that Chabad is not projecting a proper, dignified image to the world, and this will seriously impact outreach work. The reason Chabad have succeeded in kiruv is because they are… Read more »

Leaders aren’t gods
October 6, 2020 11:51 pm

WE need leaders who aren’t hiding the cure for political gain. Coumo sent the old who are the vulnerable to die in nursing homes but wants to shut down schools for children. Don’t treat leadership like gods and everyone get your own rav

Agreed
Reply to  Leaders aren’t gods
October 7, 2020 11:18 am

Agree completely. Following your rabbanim and doctor’s means following your own rabbanim and doctor’s. Unfortunately people make mistakes. Unfortunately not all doctors have pure intentions. The Rebbe said many different times to consult with doctors, but many times he also said to get a second opinion. Don’t just trust the ch doctors because that’s what you’ve been taught to do. Do research, talk to doctors outside the community and find out if it’s really a risk to your health not be wearing a mask. I don’t believe there is anyway that wearing a mask can prevent anything. I wear a… Read more »

Can’t dance but can protest
October 6, 2020 11:51 pm

Our government and the media lost their credibility when they insisted that everyone must stay home — no work, no school, no religious functions — BUT YOU ALSO MUST GO OUT AND PROTEST.
Did you see the protest in the summer at the Brooklyn Museum? TEN THOUSAND people crammed together. But that okay because it’s a protest, right?
If you don’t want to get sick, stay home. If the government shuts down schools, tack up a BLM sign and call it a protest.

But...
Reply to  Can’t dance but can protest
October 7, 2020 12:25 am

Those 10k people all wore masks!!

Well
Reply to  But...
October 7, 2020 1:29 am

What a joke. Did you see the photos?
Evidence on mask effectiveness is mixed at best. When that many people are crammed that closely together, I truly doubt the masks are making much of a difference.

Fake news.
Reply to  But...
October 7, 2020 4:47 am

Stop spreading fake news.
Go look at photos. No masks.
50k plus pple.
100% hpycrcy.

Last edited 3 years ago by Fake news.
One thing does not make the other okay
Reply to  Can’t dance but can protest
October 7, 2020 12:56 am

The politicians may well be biased. But that does not mean we should behave carelessly.

Questionable evidence
October 6, 2020 11:54 pm

This video looks like it was taken at the end of sbh when the police are clearing the streets. This is exactly what happens every year without fail, the police start driving and pushing while the bochurim rudely ignore and keep on dancing. No connection to coronavirus.
And if this isn’t sanctioned, why are there so many police literally blocking off traffic so everyone can dance?

No need for shame!
October 6, 2020 11:55 pm

As Jews, we must hold ourselves to the highest standards of respect. These images don’t reflect that at all. They are NOT representative of who we are. That being said, how dare anyone in the secular world accuse us as a community of disrespect? Did these same people condemn the BLM protests? Did these same people cheer us on when we closed our Shuls and schools BEFORE NYC closed theirs? No. There are two types of people in this world. There are contributors. And there are haters. You will never please the haters!! Just accept it. And YES we must… Read more »

Wow!
Reply to  No need for shame!
October 7, 2020 12:21 am

That was so beautifully said! This comment needs to be read and internalized by all. Thank you!

THANK YOU
Reply to  No need for shame!
October 7, 2020 10:05 am

Thank you for taking your time to sum everything up so clearly and compassionately. You focused on the strengths of our community while at the same time emphasizing the need for the bullying to stop. Keep on spreading your light!

No shame in doing what’s right
October 6, 2020 11:55 pm

Sorry but the whole premise here is misguided. I need to wear a diaper on my face to make people happy?! We can’t keep our minhagim because the government thinks it’s not safe?! It was fine to be in a group outside by BLM protests and riots but now it’s not? We need Geon Yakov to stand up for what we believe is right without government telling us what to do. Enough of this nonsense. We stood up to them and tonight they didn’t bother us. Sorry you feel ashamed of people exercising their freedom of religion in public without… Read more »

Oh come off it
Reply to  No shame in doing what’s right
October 7, 2020 12:21 am

Please stop making this a power struggle. All of NYC is following what they should except for us. At least all of those BLM and crazy rioters wore masks. Barely see any masks on Kingston Ave.

Freedom Won't Come Back if You Give it Away
Reply to  Oh come off it
October 7, 2020 6:29 am

Antifa have worn masks long before the virus.
They are not wearing masks to comply.
They are criminals hiding their faces.

No need
Reply to  Oh come off it
October 7, 2020 10:18 am

The reason you don’t see masks is because people are choosing to not wear diapers on their faces. And that’s ok it’s their choice. There is no shame in making an educated decision. There are clear proofs that masks don’t work and can even be damaging

So stupid
Reply to  Oh come off it
October 7, 2020 11:18 am

what a lie
You show me pictures of those rioters wearing masks. Did your even LOOK? NO ONE wore masks

Yup
Reply to  So stupid
October 7, 2020 12:09 pm

Only the thugs and looters who wanted to hide their faces and do whatever they want without consequences. It wasn’t for health reasons

Dancing through a mageifa
Reply to  No shame in doing what’s right
October 7, 2020 12:54 am

There is a mageifa going on. My father died from it. And you just want to dance.

Huh?
Reply to  Dancing through a mageifa
October 7, 2020 1:26 am

he probably died from hospital incompetence or Cuomos negligence…

You're wrong
Reply to  Huh?
October 12, 2020 1:22 am

Nope. He was almost gone when Hatzalah came for him.
He passed away for Covid alone.

Simcha poretz geder
Reply to  Dancing through a mageifa
October 7, 2020 2:28 am

Moshiach Now!!!

Ya btw
Reply to  Simcha poretz geder
October 7, 2020 9:44 pm

What ever happened to that?
Sooo… u gotta listen to the rebbe and listen to drs and rabbonim etc? AND WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO LISTENING TO THE REBBE AND DANCING ALL NIGHT LONG!!
And on another note, SIMCHA PORETZ GEDER!!

Anonymous
Reply to  Dancing through a mageifa
October 7, 2020 9:08 am

There is no mageifa going on for the vast majority. You’re father died from the actions of the mayor and governor you wish to follow now. Stop blaming his death on people who refuse to be bullied into wearing masks and social isolation forever. That is not a cure for covid. Did your father take hydroxychloriquine and zinc at the first sign of symptoms?
They are using your pain and fear to control you and cause you more pain and fear.

You're wrong
Reply to  Anonymous
October 12, 2020 1:25 am

My father was from the early victims. Why are you telling me how he died?! It was not negligence on the part of anyone. It was not the hospital. And there were no symptoms that would prompt HDCQ. He had a fever which went away. Then suddenly, his oxygen levels dropped and he was gone.

There isn’t
Reply to  Dancing through a mageifa
October 7, 2020 10:11 am

The mageifa is over in crown heights Boruch Hashem. Now it’s a virus. No need to live in fear for the rest of our lives. I lost a family member too but that’s not a reason to lock ourselves up now. This bullying and shaming needs to stop. It’s time for us to live our lives

Yes said so clearly!
Reply to  There isn’t
October 7, 2020 9:46 pm

And coming from someone who lost a fam member means a lot!!
There’s no reason to lock ourselves up and live in fear for the rest of our lives… time to live our lives!

CH Resident
October 7, 2020 12:02 am

Kol Hakovod!! Could not agree more with what is written here. YOU are the voice of the silent majority in Crown Heights. Our neighbourhood has become a chilul hashem and we have ourselves to blame for that. Nearly every other community in New York wears face masks and practises basic social distancing. Instead of being the talk of the media, we should do what is right, lead and act as the Rebbe would want.

Confused
October 7, 2020 12:03 am

I can’t figure out what the bal teshuva piece has to do with any of this. Are you ashamed of your lifestyle and your choices based on the actions of others? Sorry but that’s misplaced. It has nothing to do with people insisting on their freedom of religion. No we won’t try to pacify the government to hopefully lessen their decrees No more

nope
Reply to  Confused
October 7, 2020 4:56 pm

I highly doubt shes ashamed of her lifestyle. She is giving us insight as someone who was exposed to the outside-of-crownheights-lifestyle.

Thank you!
October 7, 2020 12:13 am

Thank you Nechama to put to paper what so many of us are thinking.

Could someone please !!!!
October 7, 2020 12:14 am

Could someone please print some large banners for tomorrow night’s protests on Kingston ave. it could say “IMPEACH THE MAYOR” or “DEFUND THE MAYOR” or BLUE LIVES MATTER MORE”.

Blue lives matter
Reply to  Could someone please !!!!
October 7, 2020 11:19 am

this is the best thing I’ve seen all day

Opinion
October 7, 2020 12:34 am

The main problem here is that prominent members of the community like rubashkin etc organized the unjustified hachnosas orchim this year by building half a mile long sukkah, providing entire hotels like eishel to the so called guests who were explicitly asked by doctors/rabbonim not to come this year. I’m surprised that rubashkin whose own parents suffered so badly from the virus put the entire community into such a sakonna.

Rubashkin knows
Reply to  Opinion
October 7, 2020 12:53 pm

Rubashkin knows that the way his parents were treated in the hospital was the issue. There was an article about it

This gives me a chance
Reply to  Opinion
October 7, 2020 9:50 pm

…. to thank the hero of our community, MOSHE RUBASHKIN!! We cannot thank u wnough for standing up for the right thing!! We love you!!

Shame
October 7, 2020 12:44 am

On those who are embarrassed of practicing judaisim

Do teshuva!
Am yisrael chai!
Dance!

Chaim Hershkop
October 7, 2020 12:49 am

Another Jew ashamed to be a Jew. She should check her own self-esteem, Jewish pride and Jewish strength. Which is obviously very low, as she’s afraid to write her name as she points an ugly finger on her brothers and sisters. I would ask, where are her articles defending her people in recent mouths of unjust targeting, and where was she when mouths ago we were targets of daily attacks on the street. I would also ask her, in what way has she contributed in helping struggling families in recent months, HOWEVER, SHE IS NAMELESS! We are so lucky and… Read more »

Mistaken
Reply to  Chaim Hershkop
October 7, 2020 1:40 am

Except she did come forward and post her name, proudly and rightfully so! She is not pointing an ugly finger at her brothers and sisters chas veshalom!! You want to help fight and defend your community? Stop advocating for people to break the rules and potentially endangering many Jewish lives!

Heartfelt and Eloquent, but....
Reply to  Chaim Hershkop
October 7, 2020 1:53 am

What is happening on Kingston at night this week is not the effective way of addressing the wrongs that you describe here.

In effect, you are saying that because there are current and prior injustices toward the Jews, we therefore somehow have the “right” to do anything we want, any way we want, anywhere we want, no matter what, with no responsibilities either.

That is NOT the way to get legitimate issues addressed. And it is just plain wrong-headed and childish. AND it ultimately hurts the whole community.

From the OP
Reply to  Chaim Hershkop
October 7, 2020 2:13 am

Hi Chaim, Nechama here! I would like to point out a few things: 1. BH my Jewish pride, strength and self esteem are quite strong. 2. Months ago, and now, all I talk about are the anti Semitic attacks taking place. If you know anything about me, both personally and over social media, you would see how vocal I am. 3. I did contribute to struggling families in recent months to the best of my abilities. As much as I was able to during a pandemic, I gave tzedaka to numerous platforms for families struggling through COVID losses, hardships, etc.… Read more »

This has been going on for mouths now
Reply to  Chaim Hershkop
October 7, 2020 2:21 am

Every mouth I wish covid would end and then the mouth passes and a new mouth of Covid comes. How many more mouths must we endure?!?!?!

Seriously, do some spellcheck guys, it doubles your credibility even if what you’re saying is ridiculously judgmental against someone you don’t even know. Get a life and stop point your “ugly finger” at a someone who is a completely stranger. L’chaim

Agree with every single word !
Reply to  Chaim Hershkop
October 7, 2020 2:45 am

Beautifully expressed !!!!
Kol hakovod👍

What on earth are you talking about?
Reply to  Chaim Hershkop
October 7, 2020 3:37 am

The author is not ashamed to be Jewish or of her Jewish brethren in general. She is ashamed of the reckless behavior and CHILUL HASHEM being made by a selfish percentage of them. YOU should be ashamed of YOURSELF.

Your opinion!!
Reply to  Chaim Hershkop
October 7, 2020 4:06 am

I hear and agree with the point you mentioned of doing what’s right despite critisisim and displeasure of others.
However, the writer of this article is expressing her feelings, based on where she comes from and how other yidden she is contact with see things. We as Lubavitchers do need to take that into account, as commented above about the Shluchim all over.
I give the writer alot of credit for bringing this up and not worrying about the responses(both positive and negative) she will undoubtly recieve.

Freedom Won't Come Back if You Give it Away
Reply to  Chaim Hershkop
October 7, 2020 6:25 am

I see a name on the article. Do you want to amend your comment?

Ahavas Yisroel
Reply to  Chaim Hershkop
October 7, 2020 6:44 am

No shame to speak so hatefully about a fellow yid? Chossid?

Agree with every single word !
Reply to  Chaim Hershkop
October 7, 2020 7:47 am

Your comment was written , the way every comment ought to have been written – with גאון יעקב!!!
Kol hakovod !!!

What are you talking about?
Reply to  Chaim Hershkop
October 7, 2020 10:27 am

She did sign her name!
And Jewish pride is defined by Torah, not by you

These people need to get out of the way too!
Reply to  Chaim Hershkop
October 7, 2020 6:31 pm

https://gothamist.com/news/video-nypd-orthodox-dance-party-crown-heights-coronavirus?fbclid=IwAR3bJbv_f8IspOKbGpUqj15Ab3Qiyc9DmaLTXap03ZWTFB-7_kKF75jmJ00 “No one get arrested, no one got hurt. There was no tear gas, no pepper spray, no billy clubs,” noted Ephraim Sherman, an Orthodox resident of Crown Heights. “Those are good things. I’m glad my neighborhood didn’t have violent arrests. That would’ve happen if they didn’t look like me.” Sherman, who works as a nurse practitioner in a COVID wing and strongly opposed the gathering, told Gothamist that police actually helped barricade the street for a similar celebration on Sunday. “Last night, the police wised up and didn’t want it to happen,” he added. “But they blocked the street… Read more »

The real shame
Reply to  These people need to get out of the way too!
October 7, 2020 8:57 pm

The police had no problem helping the simchas Bais take place. It was our own people insisting that the police stop them. That is the real chillul Hashem. Not the dancing itself which took place throughout the night.
It’s our own people always looking backwards to see what everyone else is thinking and trying to please them all. That’s not our way. We’re not a PR firm

Spot on!
Reply to  The real shame
October 8, 2020 12:03 am

That’s absolutely correct

When we can dance together
October 7, 2020 1:02 am

THANK YOU for this article. The ignorance and herd mentality in many of the comments here makes me despair. But then I remember that it is pushback by people who can’t think for themselves. The frum community is definitely being picked on. But many people care more about simchas beis hashoeva and shuls being open than about people’s health and lives. Government overreach is a thing. And if we were BLM looters we’d get a pass. That’s not okay. But that doesn’t absolve the frum community of being more compliant. There is a massive chillul Hashem happening now. Part of… Read more »

Anonymous
Reply to  When we can dance together
October 7, 2020 9:37 am

The virus is completely treatable that no one needs to die from it anymore. We don’t need to shut down our way of life anymore thanks to a roifeh yedid Dr Zelenko. Time to listen to the science and stop living in fear. Fear has now become the new mageifa

Last edited 3 years ago by Anonymous
The can’t dance but protest comment says it all
October 7, 2020 1:03 am

Your op-Ed is very well written and communicated and if not for the double standard we have been experiencing I would applaud your words. The crowd that showed up to dance is minuscule compared to the sometimes 10k or so protesters who would gather at any one time and the authorities did not even attempt to break them up or suggest they simply do not gather in the first place. Where was Gov. Cuomo than to flash photos of their protests on his oversized screens to call out the protesters for being ‘super spreaders’. Check Mate!

Not a double standard
Reply to  The can’t dance but protest comment says it all
October 7, 2020 1:42 am

It would be a double standard if everyone was wearing a mask while dancing outdoors. It’s not a double standard when people are not wearing masks and comparing themselves to thousands of protesters who did wear masks.

Miniscule?
Reply to  The can’t dance but protest comment says it all
October 7, 2020 3:39 am

Why is ANYONE showing up to dance during a contagious mageifa?! And why make a chillul Hashem?!

Stop
Reply to  Miniscule?
October 7, 2020 12:18 pm

News update: it’s not a mageifa anymore. It’s a virus that can be treated now Boruch Hashem.
Translation: it’s not a chillul Hashem to do what’s right.
Was it a chillul Hashem when the rebbe climbed over the gate at botanical gardens to do Tashlich?!?! Of course not! It’s geon Yakov

Anonymous
Reply to  The can’t dance but protest comment says it all
October 7, 2020 9:12 am

It’s irrelevant what the blm were allowed to do. We don’t need to excuse our right to peacefully assemble and celebrate our holiday as we wish. Stand tall and strong and let the young dance in the street until the streets dance with them.

lets go back to russia
October 7, 2020 1:33 am

in the times of the friediker rebbe in Russia should we have listened to the rules not to teach your kids yiddishkeit?

your are going back to the inquisition where we had to hid for what we believe in!

right now they are using some tyranny, if you show them now you listen they will just do more and more till the whole yiddishkeit is banned, just like russia…

You're contradicting yourself
Reply to  lets go back to russia
October 7, 2020 8:43 pm

Yes the friediker rebbe had mesirus nefesh for the chinuch of yaldei yisroel. THIS IS EXCATLY WHY WE SHOULD TAKE PRECAUTIONS IN ORDER KEEP OUR SCHOOLS OPEN AND TAKE CARE OF OUR CHILDREN’S CHINUCH!!! WE SHOULD HAVE MESIRUS NEFESH FOR THEIR CHINUCH EVEN IF IT MEANS OUR TISHREI WITH NO SBH IS NOT THE SAME!!!

Two wrongs do not make a right!
October 7, 2020 1:36 am

OK: we all probably agree it was unfair when this summer’s protests (the peaceful ones AND the violent ones) included very little mask wearing, no social distancing, etc.–with few or no repercussions to the offenders there. At the same time, it is a copout to use that as an excuse to participate in what has been going on, on Kingston Ave. at night, especially in what made it to the international news! We are better than that! I agree 100% with the OpEd writer, and I admire her respectful, even tone in the OpEd here. For those who argue that… Read more »

Chaim Hershkop
October 7, 2020 2:00 am

Now look at that.
The author of this article was cornered in to posting her name.

Now lets see how she has stood up to injustice in the past and how much she’s been involved with helping our families in recent months and beyond.

770
October 7, 2020 2:08 am

this is no longer about safety when a shul the size of 770 is allowed “according to law” to have 25% but up to 10 people. there is no logic in that. this is about control

Please read carefully!!
October 7, 2020 2:26 am

Greetings to all! I have read all comments posted here, and all the comments which are opposing against the original writer are interestingly sharing the same thing: they are all based on feelings without the accompany of the mind aka “sechel”. Feelings without the accompany of the “sechel”, how truthful, chassidishe, and strongly that they might seem, are known to be by Chassidus and kabbala as: TOHU. The TIKUN is having feelings which are accompanied by the sechel. The sechel says that it is possible that participating in this Simchas beis is in fact causing to spread the virus and… Read more »

Nope
Reply to  Please read carefully!!
October 7, 2020 9:02 pm

You obviously haven’t read carefully enough sorry. At this point following the mask rules and no simchas Bais rule is completely illogical and we should not be following it blindly

Do you even know why
October 7, 2020 2:46 am

Before you criticize, maybe find out why the police were pushing them out of the street. Police actually let them dance in the street, but a few people decided they don’t want it, and told police to stop it. Police honestly couldn’t care less… As soon as they were told to stand down, the rest of the nights dancing continued. This wasn’t from the government, this was our own people trying to put a stop to the joy. If you don’t want to go, don’t. But this inner fighting and massering on each other, or cursing out each other in… Read more »

Chilli Hashem
October 7, 2020 3:01 am

Regardless of whether it’s right or not, anti-Semitism or not, the fact remains that this is still a huge Chillul Hashem!
Screaming “anti-Semitism” every time the government imposes new measures doesn’t change the fact that everybody is looking at us and wondering why we’re not following the rules.

Sinat Hinam ...
October 7, 2020 4:40 am

Double standards, they are not dancing they are protesting, so to protest and march through CH was ok during covid like 10K gathered & marching all night, to do rally for political campaign is ok too, but to small amount of Jews to dance a little bit is not? You can choose to stay home and not to participate in any above gatherings- but someone called police on fellow Jews that doing nothing but dancing, instead of it go and distribute masks and close all Kingston Ave from Empire till EP to keep social distance… you can do better then… Read more »

Thank you!
October 7, 2020 5:38 am

Thanks for writing this article. Yes, our community is embarrassing itself for no good reason at all. Those living in their Crown heights bubble may not feel the extent of the embarrassment but this does not good for the community as a whole. Stop living under a rock and face the reality. Comply with basic rules set by the governments worldwide!

Since when
Reply to  Thank you!
October 7, 2020 9:09 pm

Since when do we make decisions based on what public opinion will be?!
Am Yisrael chai!
Our minhagim our alive and well and we won’t be ashamed of those that scorn us. Haters will anyway find reason to hate.
No use trying to please anyone.
We just need to do what we know is right.

Freedom Won't Come Back if You Give it Away
October 7, 2020 6:23 am

Worried about what people think? TUCKER CARLSON gave his approval the night before last. In just one short sentence that he slipped in praising orthodox Jewish communities not cooperating. Police would much rather deal with a group of young men who are breaking the rules by singing and dancing, in contrast to breaking windows and having deadly objects cast at them. We can be proud of how we break rules as a contrast to rioting and looting. The Rebbe taught us not to be ashamed of who we are. The Rebbe often contradicted doctors and frequently said to get a… Read more »

Really?
Reply to  Freedom Won't Come Back if You Give it Away
October 7, 2020 12:27 pm

If the doctor would tell you to take antibiotics would you take it or would you question that also? Please dont give opinions about medical practice if you haven’t gone through one.

Thank u!
Reply to  Freedom Won't Come Back if You Give it Away
October 7, 2020 10:07 pm

Great comment!

Tucker Carlson?
Reply to  Freedom Won't Come Back if You Give it Away
October 12, 2020 1:12 am

How is he an authority on epidemics and how to handle them? You must be taking a political stance of this issue when it is a medical one as well as a Chillul Hashem.

Flatbush yid
October 7, 2020 6:33 am

The fact is that the mayor allows BLM to protest,riot and loot and gather by the thousands during the epidemic. He allows the homeless to prey on innocent people in the upper west side. The reason these two democrats cuomo and Deblasio are closing yeshivas and businesses in orthodox communities is because we support Trump. We must dump every democrat in future elections.

Trump2020
October 7, 2020 6:39 am

Trump2020

Mr y l g
October 7, 2020 7:11 am

Who ever the writer is i am shour you also have positive about thèse fellows as well. Its always good to share both sides or at least in your thoughts so that things totally dont get out of hand.as we say.just like the story of the spys. The world is the same just looks different.all the best.

Please ask all your secular friends
October 7, 2020 7:19 am

If they were so perturbed about all the BLM protests and riots and killings as well. It seems the world loves to zoom in on us religious Jews. Maybe it’s wrong that there was SImchas Bais Hashoeva and maybe it’s right, but was is definitely wrong 100% is how many of your secular friends and many people in NYC, led by our government, are all into supporting massive protests for BLM, excusing violence and bigotry in the name of BLM while they are at it, yet become all righteous and zealous when they see the religious celebrating their holidays. Let’s… Read more »

But...
Reply to  Please ask all your secular friends
October 7, 2020 12:09 pm

They all wore masks

Re: your #2 statement
October 7, 2020 7:28 am

Take a drive around town, there are people from all backgrounds, race, religions walking around NOT wearing masks. Have you been for example to Prospect Park where tons of people hang around in close proximity, many without masks. Do you and your friends walk around the park telling these park-goers off, or do they just hone in on us frum Yidden? You said this statement publicly and you should publicly apologize and correct your false statement, which has as an aim to show how Yidden are the only ones not wearing masks & spreading covid to all of NYC, and… Read more »

It doesn't matter
Reply to  Re: your #2 statement
October 7, 2020 12:31 pm

It doesn’t matter if all the Secular people in the world are wearing masks or not. That’s not the main point here. The main point is that many are indeed wearing masks and following social distancing and for matters like chilul hashem we should follow that as well.

Tucker Carlson?
Reply to  Re: your #2 statement
October 12, 2020 1:14 am

It’s time to take a trip to Manhattan. You will rarely see an unmasked person here.

Word choice
October 7, 2020 8:02 am

People keep using the phrase Chillul Hashem when they mean to say they are being embarrassed. They either have a very strong opinion of themselves or they think that people saying “no” to ever increasing nonsensical government over-regulation is somehow embarrassing to G-d. When the head of the CDC says it’s ok for protesters not to wear masks because racism is more dangerous than Covid their whole argument goes right out the window. As for Rabonim telling us to do x or y, or doctors. Unless you asked them specifically and they were responding to your sha’aleh their opinion is… Read more »

Personal opinion?
Reply to  Word choice
October 7, 2020 12:36 pm

Excuse me? What rabbi broin has said is not a “personal opinion”. It’s a statement from the “Mara d’atra” which the community should follow as the rebbe stated many times about following the “Mara d’atra”. Second of all, it’s also halacha to listen to the mara d’atra. So please before you post comments like this look into halacha and what the rebbe has said regarding this matters.

Sorry for putting my input
Reply to  Personal opinion?
October 7, 2020 4:22 pm

But rabbi broin said to follow the doctors. The doctors aka dr rosen says to follow the cdc/ government. So bottom line everyone is pointing the finger at someone else and not taking responsibility. Me I say we follow what Hashem wants. The Rebbe says follow the beis din but if the beis din says follow the goyim (bottom line the cdc), I don’t believe that’s what the Rebbe meant!

Remember
October 7, 2020 8:23 am

This is the same mayor that has blood on his hands when he specifically arranged for covid patients to go to nursing homes. Spreading the disease among the VULNERABLE. When Trump sent him alternatives which he didnt touch. Trust his directives as balanced?? Admit it to yourself. The answer is unfortunately not.

You're wrong
Reply to  Remember
October 12, 2020 1:15 am

It was the GOVERNOR of NY with the nursing home fiasco. Not the mayor. Get the facts straight before getting political.

Thank you for sharing
October 7, 2020 8:35 am

The fact that they had tried handing out masks first shows they had no intention to shut down Simchas Beis if everyone would wear a mask. But when that obviously didn’t work they had no choice but to shut down the dancing. The difference between the BLM protests and Simchas Beis isn’t antisemitism, its that they all wore mask and were forced by other protesters to put one on or go home if they didn’t wear masks. That is definitely not whats happening here. The other difference is that cases are on the rise directly due to activities like this,… Read more »

Agree
Reply to  Thank you for sharing
October 7, 2020 11:36 pm

Just to provide an empirical data point, I went to multiple peaceful protests where everyone was wearing a mask the entire time.

If you weren’t wearing a mask you were asked to leave.

Not unsafe
October 7, 2020 9:08 am

1. The virus did not spread from the protests so it won’t spread from this.
2. Only young people in the video, so they are very unlikely to have complications and will contribute to herd immunity if they catch the virus and lead to a safer environment.

Still doesn’t look good to the outside world, but there’s a limit to how much people are ready to put up with (especially the young). After months of dangerous protests left unchecked officials have used up all of their credits.

Not true
Reply to  Not unsafe
October 7, 2020 12:42 pm

1. The protests majority wore masks , if not all.

2. Not only young people were there. The camera can’t catch all people. Also, young people are also able to spread the virus even if their immune system is stronger.

Nonsense!
October 7, 2020 9:11 am

Yeah. Listen to the politicians. That will stop the spread! Right? Wait, no? We’re months into the 2week quarantine? But the politicians said it would stop. easy for you to say but people have lives to live and children to feed. If you’re scared stay home. The lockdown was never to stop the spread it was to”flatten the curve” (if you even remember what that was) so we dont overrun hospitals. Wow how politicians pivot and how easily people comply to the whims of their overlords.

Last comment?
October 7, 2020 9:14 am

Freedom of religion – learn from FL – they don’t infringe on religious rights even during this pandemic – the religious institutions made all their own decisions based on guidance not based on a requirement for the most part – since there is separation of church and state. That’s should be the end of any of these conversations. It has nothing to do with pandemic etc. basic rights are being trampled on and it’s important that it’s stopped. While at it, medical freedom doesn’t exist, but if Gay rights now exist and other such rights, surely medical rights should exist… Read more »

No is no
October 7, 2020 9:53 am

100 percent agree. The Rav said no, the doctors said no. No is no.

Refreshing Op-Ed
October 7, 2020 9:56 am

Thank you for having the courage and intellect to write such a strong and bold Op-ed. If others people commit wrongs which go unpunished ( BLM protestors without permits or masks), it does not diminish the culpability of one’s own actions ( Jews not wearing a mask or social distancing). The secular law requires masks to be worn and social distancing. How many Jews or non-Jews have to die because of a virus spread which is increased by negligent behavior? Did anyone count how many people in the White House have COVID-19 because of not wearing masks? Wearing a mask… Read more »

Why not listen to 7,000 sciemtists and doctors
October 7, 2020 10:02 am
You and your decisions are yours
October 7, 2020 10:11 am

You may be a great writer but I completely disagree with your message. We need to accept and respect that there are different opinions and that we all ultimately want to do what Hashem and the Rebbe wants. By blasting on col every detail that your unimpressed by by the name of ‘bt’ may seem impressive but is actually going against what the Rebbe would want. If there are those who go according to other rabbanim and go out to dance and those who listen to the main rabbanim and stay home, we respect all. It pains me to see… Read more »

Don't be surprised when
October 7, 2020 10:23 am

The governor will defund schools and shuls that don’t comply with the requirements of masks etc, etc however as much you think he’s wrong this does not justify bad behavior you have a personal responsibility for yourself and your family to do what’s right regardless if it being popular now. if you think this is a constitutional violation then sue in federal court, Pennsylvania did that and won and there are no restrictions so get your.. Together, and man up!

Shalom
October 7, 2020 10:25 am

While all what you said is true, however in Gemara Yevamos (65a). “Just as it is a Mitzvah… so too is it to not say something that won’t be heard.” Those dancing, etc. won’t listen.Coronavirus has caused a lot of machlokes.

We all suffer
October 7, 2020 10:59 am

I’m prob the oldest BT. Old enough to be your great grandmother and I agree with every word you said so well. I am a proud Chabadnik and love the Rebbe and await him every day. But I am ashamed of what I see. Blatant disregard of Rabbonim and caring of others. I deal with lying and cheating everyday but this is beyond that.
A huge Hillul Hashem. We all suffer

I don't care how much hate this message is going t
October 7, 2020 11:02 am

I won’t put all the blame on this specific group because I know that Crown Heightsers are involved. But I’d say that a LARGE percentage of the rowdy people are the Israelis who came in for Tishrei while being encouraged by the Rabanim NOT to. The Rabanim and doctors did not put a forceful message out because they are not out to make laws. Their goal is to protect their community. So even if they didn’t say outright “no one may travel or we will lock you up” they DISCOURAGED. And cmon fellow Jews, we’re known to be smart people.… Read more »

More Hatred
Reply to  I don't care how much hate this message is going t
October 7, 2020 11:57 am

Another excuse to spewbe the hatred you have for the Israelis that come to CH to be by the Rebbe. CH doesnt belong only to those who “live” there. Its an international community. Not to mention that the mageifa is over a long time ago.

like landing on Mars
October 7, 2020 11:20 am

I went into Manhattan, and it is like a different planet. Everybody is wearing their masks, there are circles on the floor in the stores to make sure everybody is standing 6 feet away from everybody else, you can only use the elevator if you are wearing a mask and only 2 people allowed in the elevator, they look at you like you are a criminal if you are not wearing a mask on the street. Why is CH so different? I am 68 years old, after cancer, immunocompromised with other health issues and sarcoidosis, an autoimmune disorder, yet little… Read more »

Anonymous
October 7, 2020 11:34 am

THIS IS GOING TO BRING MOSHIACH? THESE ARE SICK LOONIES WITH THEIR FLAPPING CRAZY FLAGS!!!!! THIS IS A CHILUL LUBAVITCH!!!

Aha
Reply to  Anonymous
October 7, 2020 9:17 pm

Your true motives are coming out. The real chillul Hashem is when you spew hatred for other yidden. Don’t confuse your personal discomfort with moshiach flags and chillul Lubavitch. The real disgrace is that yidden ratted on other yidden and turn on them out of hatred

A Situation A Solution in Need
October 7, 2020 11:47 am

When there’s a virus going on it is our obligation as a community to protect each other. True that the government didn’t condemn enough the protests and riots True that our Mayor and governor infused and strengthened these protests. It is also true that wearing a mask and even dancing alone(not holding hands) socially distanced can save lives. We need to understand that their anti Semitic behavior and penalization is wrong but does not justify us jepordysing our own lives Chas vshalom. The fact that those ppl chose to riot, kill and protest and behave subhuman is a justification for… Read more »

misguided, NOT THEM BUT YOU
October 7, 2020 12:32 pm

1000 deaths every day in the USA from COVID, 330 million live in the USA, so chances of dying from COVID in the USA are 1 in 3.3 million per day. More in some places, less in others, more in the older, less in the younger, yet an incredible low risk.

There are less than 10 deaths in NY state per day in the last 6 weeks (some days less than 5). How many shootings a day do you have in NYC alone?

And ever wonder why the hospitalization and ICU admission per day is never reported these days???????

 

misguided, NOT THEM BUT YOU
October 7, 2020 12:34 pm

1000 deaths every day in the USA from COVID, 330 million live in the USA, so chances of dying from COVID in the USA are 1 in 3.3 million per day. More in some places, less in others, more in the older, less in the younger, yet an incredible low risk. There are less than 10 deaths in NY state per day in the last 6 weeks (some days less than 5). How many shootings a day do you have in NYC alone? And ever wonder why the hospitalization and ICU admission per day is never reported these days???????  … Read more »

One way that a mask is effective
October 7, 2020 12:52 pm

We touch our mouths and noses far less when wearing a mask. And since the mask reminds us that an illness is going around, it also makes us remember better to wash hands well and more frequently.

Hmmm
October 7, 2020 2:02 pm

I understand those that are hesitant and wish to be extra careful. Everyone has a right to do as they feel is right for them and no one should be shamed for what they choose to do. This is a free country, not communist. And let’s give credit to all those long months everyone stayed at home, completely changing up their lifestyle to try to help flatten the curve while doctors tried to figure out this virus. Our community despite all that was still not spared and the pain, suffering and trauma that was RL endures was tremendous! Now BH… Read more »

IT'S STILL A CHILLUL LUBAVITCH
October 7, 2020 2:35 pm

THIS IS THE OLD STORY OF EVERYONE BEING IN THE RIGHT YET ALL BEING IN THE WRONG. MOST EVERYONE IS MAKING A VALID POINT BUT THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT THE NYPD IS NOT THE NKVD AND AMERICA,OUR HOST COUNTRY, ALWAYS DESCRIBED BY THE REBBE AS A “MALCHUS SHEL CHESSED,” IS NOT COMMUNIST RUSSIA. DON’T EQUATE THE TWO, EVEN IN THIS ERA OF POLITICAL TURMOIL, MAY IT BE OVER SOON. FOR ALL THOSE THAT THINK THEY’RE FIGHTING THE REBBE’S FIGHT, ARE YOU AWARE THAT THE REBBE DISTINCTLY STATED THAT THOSE VISITING THIS COUNTRY, AS WELL AS ITS PERMANENT RESIDENTS, SHOULD… Read more »

perhaps
Reply to  IT'S STILL A CHILLUL LUBAVITCH
October 7, 2020 4:20 pm

can you state your point without invoking the Rebbe at every turn?

In resp"My father died because of people like you"
October 7, 2020 2:54 pm

As somebody who has lost a parent I cannot imagine the pain you are going through. Especially reading the nasty comments tellng you that what you said isn’t true and valid. I don’t care what people opinions are but we must be sensitive! If it makes others feel comfortable wear a mask around them! Its basic ahavas yisroel!

Moshiachnow!
October 7, 2020 4:41 pm

I know people who danced at simchas bais hashoeva. They already had the virus and had antibodies. They were happy to be able to dance at simchas bais ha’shoeva. Many who had coronavirus walk around without masks. MoshiaThe governor’s brother also had coronavirus and goes to public places ( restaurants) without a mask.

X