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

Cult Expert Explains Dangers

Raphael Aron, a specialist on mind control and cults, explains the dangers of Large Group Awareness Therapy such as Call of the Shofar. Update: Crown Heights Rabbonim issue a psak. Full Story

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Just another opinion...
January 22, 2014 4:08 am

If you’re not in COTS: do you really think all the comments are gonna change their mind? All the polemics and diatribes people put on, (with the exception of the experts like rabbi Aron, schochet etc. of course,) telling them how COTS is a cult etc. and expecting that they’re really gonna change their mind is acting almost as stupidly as the people from COTS who think that they can change YOUR mind with THEIR comments. If, after having heard from internationally renowned experts and people who’ve “been there and done that” how COTS is wrong, they still want to… Read more »

Rabbi Aron
January 3, 2014 4:08 pm

this is why everyone loves you !!!

רבותי שטייץ אויף פון שלאף
December 29, 2013 4:36 pm

דע רבי ז”ל איז שוין נישט דא מער פון 20 יאר מען דארף וויינען מיט אסאך טרערען ריבונו של עולם האב רחמנות אויף אינס דער מצב ווערט נישט בעסער נאר ליידער פארקערט אל תיטוש תורת אמך קינדער פארשטייען נישט דעם רעבנס שפראך וואס דאס איז אידיש ממילא ליינעט מען וואס מעפארשייט יאי און דער סוף ליידער זעט מען שוין ווי מען ווערט פארקראכען השי”ת ירחם עלינו

to 58
December 28, 2013 11:45 pm

chabad is telling shofar particpants that shofar contradicts everything chabad stands for. participants didnt realize this and believed, even with their new mindset they are still chabad. chabad stands for chochma, bina daas- meaning a lot of is intellectually based- once that messes up- without realizing- u are no longer chabad. so choose as you wish but you cant be both. chabad is the road to a lot deeper happiness and connection to Hashem while cots is a short-term, superficial elation based on one meshuganers desire to make $$$. chassidus was based on hundreds of years of mesiras nefesh that… Read more »

wise words:
December 28, 2013 11:14 pm

“I applaud Mashpi’im for recognizing that they alone may not be able to provide the support some of their students require and therefore they refer them to other sources for assistance”

67 ill hook u up
December 28, 2013 10:50 pm
Thank You Rabbi Wagner!!
December 28, 2013 10:46 pm

…But You gotta be careful: The way people rumors start nowadays, someone’s gonna say you said to follow The Call Of the Shofar!!! 🙂
Don’t worry, we know you really mean the call of the Neshama! lol
alumni

R' wagner
December 28, 2013 10:12 pm

thanks for the rebbes view

Follow The Money
December 28, 2013 10:00 pm

#65

$37K reported!

to #47
December 28, 2013 9:51 pm

You point out:”The Rebbe clearly stated a Bakosho Nafish that everyone has a Mashpia” I want a mashpia!! But where are they to be found? I mean for non students, I mean for Anash. I commented elsewhere: there are a lot of talented bright rabbis — make yourselves known. Let there be a list like there is a list of shiurim. Here in Crown Heights there is a certain lacking for many of us. If you are jealous or zelots for Chassidus that no one should go to other pastures for inspiration, then please share what you have here. Be… Read more »

Thank you rabbi Wagner
December 28, 2013 9:25 pm

With love people will listen

money maker?
December 28, 2013 9:00 pm

Afraid it’s not! I’m no friend of cots or any of its organizers.
But I checked the public tax records of cots. SF only walked away with 37k in 2012. He is not kosher, but you can’t claim he is becoming rich from this.

so scientific!
December 28, 2013 8:40 pm

Funny, suddenly lubavitchers get so scientific. why not to look at all topics as objective as this? also when its about introspection of OUR system… is honesty not included in OUR values??
🙂

we need an alternative
December 28, 2013 8:21 pm

Kosher Lemehadrin
With the right ppl qualified to extract the good and usfulness from the bad

to 59
December 28, 2013 7:59 pm

Funny! Ur no mashpia!!
Figuring out how to give ppl advice and make crucial decisions by some comment someone posts anonymously.
And if u were serious about that, then I REALLY feel bad for the ppl ur in touh with.

To #45
December 28, 2013 7:55 pm

Excellent post. Very clear and straight forwarded. Thank you for taking the time to post. It clarifies the core issue and explains exactly what the real Problem is. That is precisely what was troubling me about COTS; the public exposure of personal issues among people that are not all strangers is just not normal or healthy. To discuss issues privately with a therapist in a one on one personal, professional setting is normal and healthy. However to do so in a public forum and then to face others later knowing that your private issues – about you, your spouse, parents,children,… Read more »

to 49
December 28, 2013 7:54 pm

I cant possibly thank you enough for posting Rabbi Wagner’s letter. It really answered the questions I was bothered with all Shabbos. Written with so much toichen, depth and clarity!

sorry, but i still don't understand
December 28, 2013 1:01 pm

As a mashpia I don’t know to whom i CAN send people who are stuck in a bad place – all frum therapists? only Chassidische therapists,? frum alternative therapists (TAT, EFT etc? ) .

Wht?
December 28, 2013 12:38 pm

Why can’t the people who went to Shofar do what they need to do and the people who didn’t, do what they need to do? I haven’t heard that Shofar tells people not to go back into Chabad, but I have heard Chabad telling people that they must not go to Shofar. So I would need to explore both and decide on my own which, if either, would be right for me at that time.

why?
December 28, 2013 11:52 am

thank you very much for the psak din. but i think that we have to focus on more important things going on in CH things like: chinuch, tzinius (actually its very important) yeshiva etc…

dont get it
December 27, 2013 5:21 pm

why are the rabbanim getiing invaled they cant find the asnwers them selves thay have faild and others to .why are they the ones making a whole thing about this the people whom need the call of he shofar shall get it shea heacht said its a medecation if you need it you need it and if you dont stay away thats all but to make a whole stink about why pls somone explain

the song
December 27, 2013 4:41 pm

Everyones making such a big deal from this whole thing its so stupid, and the song?? I mean u gotta be kidding…

so is it a psak based on a fact discovered against halacha?
December 27, 2013 4:02 pm

If yes, this bases should be made publice

No need to hide the specific facts which made this hoplessely unredeemable

The real rov the rebbes rov.
December 27, 2013 3:50 pm

What does he have to say?

Dancing blindfoleded on a mattress
December 27, 2013 3:32 pm

how much longer before we hear the allegations of unappropriate physical contact (B’lashon Naki)

To 31
December 27, 2013 3:31 pm

Nice song but u went the wrong way!!!!!

Not a big Chosid of these 2 rabbis
December 27, 2013 3:14 pm

BUT THEY GOT IT RIGHT BH

Rabbi Wagner's call of the Shofar!
December 27, 2013 3:14 pm

A very freilichen chof daledteves and Shabbos mevorchim, a gut chodesh, and Hatzlochodi’ge hachonos to Yud Shvat! ב”ה אור ליום ועש”ק פר’ וארא, כ”ד טבת, מאתיים שנה, שנת תשע”ד לפ”ק Dear Alumni Sheyichyu! Sholom U’Brocho! Thank you as always for the feedback, it is much appreciated. Beginning in the 1960’s, the youth of the world were experiencing a massive revolution. Known as the hippie movement, young people were strongly rejecting the cultures and ideologies in which they had been raised, and were challenging the accepted norms of mainstream society. In an explosion that attracted hundreds of thousands of followers –… Read more »

I suggest Rabbi Aaron makes a workshop or individual
December 27, 2013 3:11 pm

meetings with
1-those that have already attended,
2-a separate one for mashpiim, teachers and people in influential positions that already attended and may need to reverse the damage, evaluating if they can continue in those positions as not to endanger even slightly those under their influence,
3-another one for the general public, and
4-another one for mashpiim, Rabbonim, Shluchim, to learn how and when ant to whom derive people that come for their advice.
Please Rabbi Aaron do it ASAP.

Bakosho Nafshis
December 27, 2013 3:10 pm

The Rebbe clearly stated a Bakosho Nafish that everyone has a Mashpia. Please make sure your Mashpia also has an active Mashpia for his or herself. That their decisions are based on Yiras Shomayim and Kabbolas Ol. There are certainly times one needs professional help for certain life challenges. One should be extremely careful to find professionals that have Yiras Shomayim and Kabbolas Ol. One’s mental and spirtual health are extremely refined and sensitive and should not be put into the hands of others that have the wrong foundations. May this be the final test before the relevation of Moshiach… Read more »

To 31
December 27, 2013 3:06 pm

Enjoyed your parody of MBD’s Yerushalayim is not for sale !

It's Simple
December 27, 2013 3:00 pm

There could be many reasons why it’s not permitted, some of which you can figure out by reading the article by Raphael Aron, Director, Cult Consulting Australia. In addition, one of the “smallest” reasons (there are far more serious things wrong with it), why COTS should be forbidden, is because of the prohibition against Loshon Horo, Rechilus and Shaming Others publicly. The structure of COTS is that participants are psyched up, using many different types Mind Control techniques, some of which were described by Raphael Aron, to the point where everyone vents their grievances publicly with perfect strangers, to vent… Read more »

To # 21 and 20
December 27, 2013 2:53 pm

Why are you so “angry’? When was the last time you put your finger in cold water and helped a friend out emotionally? Isn’t that the “heart” of Tanya?

#20: I am sure you deep down know the difference. The more you will study the more you will see perhaps a nuanced difference but fundamental. Good luck

this is STUPID
December 27, 2013 2:42 pm

AN ISSUE OUT OF A NON ISSUE. WHY DONT WE FOCUS ON THE THINGS THAT ACTUALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE…..

Thank you Comment #35
December 27, 2013 2:35 pm

If Dr. Yalom, MD researched the effects of groups like COTS and deems it harmful then you should listen. He is an authority in the field.

For you people who still stand by Shofar after hearing that the Rabbonim and experts in psychology(Dr. Yalom–look him up) deem the Call of the Shofar spiritually and psychologically harmful then you are a plain idiot.

to # 38
December 27, 2013 2:34 pm

really? how are you making that jump?

to no 20
December 27, 2013 2:15 pm

that is the problem – you are basically saying—all those that are justifying and still think it is right to go to cots came to or are in chabd just through their mind being controlled. in otherwords you being in chabd is not out of your understanding that this is Frum- right- G-dly -your feeling that this is right for your neshomo elokis but only because your mind was being controlled(this is what you yourself are implying) so yes- you are not sincerely within chabad however you still have a chance by learning and accepting and taking on kablos ol… Read more »

thank you
December 27, 2013 2:04 pm

Well stated piece. Regardless of cots, the cat is out of the bag- there are unattended issues in chabad.

OMG i just got it!
December 27, 2013 1:38 pm

It just hit me NETUREI KART, LEV TAHOR, and COTS, are exactly the same thing “I AM EVREYTHING, YOU ARE NOTHING, NOW WE CAN DESTROY ANYBODY AND ANYTHINg EVEN FAMILY OR FRIENDS, ITS NOT I” shame on all of thees leaders that are like fox seducing the sheep and then pray on them lets stand up and show them the king is naked! good shabbos!

A Participant of COTS
December 27, 2013 1:35 pm

shofar never claims to have the answer. = BUT THEY DO WANT US TO KEEP UP WITH THEM, ON PHONE CALLS. they constantly and consistently tell you during and after the workshop that the weekend is a peak experience and you need to work hard to focus on what’s important in life and be aware how negative thinking impacts life. also, they stress that “getting to the bottom” of your issues is only an explanation for why you are acting the way you are, NOT AN EXCUSE!!! [=CORRECT] they stress the importance of taking responsibility and not remaining a victim… Read more »

to #5
December 27, 2013 1:34 pm

Just ask the rabbonim and I’m sure they would tell you their reasoning. My own guess is that the psak was issued in a straightforward simple format, so their would be no way to misunderstand the ruling.

LGATs
December 27, 2013 1:29 pm

Mass Marathon Trainings An excerpt from “The Politics of Transformation: Recruitment – Indoctrination Processes in a Mass Marathon Psychology Organization” Published by St. Martin’s Press 1993 By Philip Cushman, Ph.D. Mass marathon training is usually based on the belief that it is a universal truth that all human beings will have problems in life until they develop deep cathartic psychological insight, experience completely their every feeling, and live only in the present moment (see Brewer, 1975; Bry, 1976; Rhinehart, 1976). According to this ideology all defenses are bad and must be destroyed. They shape their group exercises in order to… Read more »

Already been,,
December 27, 2013 1:23 pm

what do we do about deprogramming those people who have gone thru the program already?

glad to hear
December 27, 2013 1:09 pm

its about time we heard from a real expert yasher koach

Wow
December 27, 2013 12:58 pm

I’m speechless

A song for your Shabbos table
December 27, 2013 12:58 pm

Overnight, a foreign construction, On top of Chabad’s foundations A campus luring innocent souls, To drink from the forbidden fountain. Like many ah mol, They’ve come here for souls, We’re warning them now; It won’t pay. Lubavitch, her holiness crying, Defiling her dearest Chassidim Selfishness blinding sense of pride. Are we not the Chosen Nation? Together as one, We will overcome, Bringing her freedom today. Lubavitch is not for sale! Voices crying, Thundering throughout the comments. You better run for your life, Back to Baltimore overnight, Before the Rabbonim open wide, And swallow you inside. Lubavitch, your foes will fail,… Read more »

Raphael Aron Punchline in his article
December 27, 2013 12:53 pm

The Punchline of Raphael Aron’s article: “While I applaud Mashpi’im for recognizing that they alone may not be able to provide the support some of their students require and therefore they refer them to other sources for assistance, I question whether these Mashpi’im, as well intentioned as they are, have the understanding and expertise to make these “referrals.” Finally we have a real professional and very well balanced view of the entire issue, which we were all debating, here. What is clear from Raphael Aron entire article is that the entire real issue has not been addressed at the Asifa,… Read more »

goes to show
December 27, 2013 12:51 pm

with all my criticism of what goes on collive at this point collive was tremendously valuable as well as the internet. what would have happened without you collive,, Hashem Yishmor.
yaasher kochacho
and acc to. rabbi wilhelm can we say
HAVE A good Shabbos or is it only gut erev shabbos(I really want to know- seriously)

What Is The Problem
December 27, 2013 12:48 pm

While I am well familiar with LGATs–having had over forty years experience with them going back to EST–and agreeing that they are problematic, I do not understand the following remark from Mr. Aron, “Simply put, it is one thing to identify a problem, although in my view that identification process is often totally flawed; it is something else altogether to provide a solution to the problem.” Is he saying this specifically with regard to LGATs? If so, I agree. But if he means to apply this statement to a broader group–such as any organization or practitioner that, as he puts… Read more »

shabaton
December 27, 2013 12:46 pm

from now on i am scared to go to shabatons

1. it might be a undercover call of the shofar
2. when i get back everyone thinks i went to call of the shofar and they don’t want to talk to me.

i don't need to go
December 27, 2013 12:43 pm

my self esteem is great,
my ego is booming,

anybody who is not like me i feel bad for, i respect the fact that they have no meaning in life and i understand that this is why they make decisions the way they do.

If you want to be stuck up and feel good about it $800 is a small price to pay.

#3
December 27, 2013 12:43 pm

Right on target!

WORDS FROM THE WISE!
December 27, 2013 12:34 pm

Raphael Aron is very accurately explaining the pitfalls of this COTS and any other such type groups. Read his essay slowly and carefully. It helps give vital information to those who are for the moment sadly intertwined with this New Mishugas.

Excellent Article
December 27, 2013 12:26 pm

Very informative, well – written article. Thanks for articulating the dangers of these groups in such a clear way.

To #4
December 27, 2013 12:23 pm

Rabbi Osdoba spells his name with an “O” not an “A”
Please stop hideing your issues with the Rabonim.
You are more then welcome to meet Rabbi Osdoba and ask him opinion .

TO #11
Your comment is true, I believe #4 is just asking…..

to number 8
December 27, 2013 12:21 pm

stop commenting on all articles here in favor of the shofer
get it its out b”h lubavitch took a stand
all your comments wont help you

did it happen to me too
December 27, 2013 12:12 pm

“One of the typical characteristics of ….organization is its ability to convince its members that having identified particular problems or deficits in their lives” (sounds like me when I came to Chabad “it is you neshama crying to get close to Hashem” I was told.
“only by joining the organization will it be possible to address and fully resolve these issues” ( only Chassidus Chabad can give you what you need).
Very funny

why no clear specifics?
December 27, 2013 12:10 pm

I was counting on some type of clarity from the Rabbonim, establishing what rumors of isurdikeh practices have they verified?

Knowing facts (isurim) againnst halacha which everyone missed, is very important to know.

5 is correct
December 27, 2013 12:03 pm

Its time for a clear “Heichan Dantuni”

Sovthe good can be seperated from the bad, something the Rebbe wrote should be done Letoivas Haklal.

Thank you!
December 27, 2013 11:56 am

This is a relief. Thank you to the Rabbonim for stepping up to the plate and doing what needs to be done. They will be saving many souls.

Hakoros Ha'Toiv
December 27, 2013 11:54 am

Hodu L’Hashem Ki Toiv, Ki L’Olam Chasdo!

A guttin Shabbos all’a Yiddin.

Achdus.

to # 7
December 27, 2013 11:52 am

all the info is right on his web page ( you obviously use the internet or you wouldn’t be here…LOL)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Cult Consulting Australia
P.O Box 34 Balaclava, Victoria, 3183 Australia
Tel: +61 3 9523 2299
Email : [email protected]

COTS is a dangerous money making Cult
December 27, 2013 11:45 am

I want to applaud the decision of the Bais Din to completely “Assur” (forbid) anyone from attending or promoting the “Call of the Shofar” which is a dangerous and mind-controlling cult. S. Frischling and friends are only in this for money. Their goal is to build a financial empire using mind control and Eastern-based philosophies clothed in religious and Chassidic Jewish symbols. Unfortunately, they have preyed upon people who are in pain and need support and help. COTS is based upon the LGAT workshop philosophy, Landmark and other EST programs and is a dangerous and growing phenomenon worldwide. They have… Read more »

Seriously
December 27, 2013 11:37 am

Now let’s see such great effort put into other important issues within our community; chinuch, shidduchim, tznius, …….

BTW
December 27, 2013 11:35 am

I think the Rabbonim’s psak is important enough to merit its own post and not just to be appended as a post script to this other article.

To 4
December 27, 2013 11:33 am

Ever hear the halacha that we follow the majority? If 2/3 Rabbonim wrote this, the opinion of the third is completely irrelevant.

Wow, thank you!
December 27, 2013 11:32 am

Thank you for this clear and insightful article. It really answers all the questions, for me at least, of what is wrong with going to Call of the Shofar.
At least now I will know what to answer when their past attendees try to convince me that “I MUST GO” . Its been very tedious having to constantly answer to them. These guys just don’t stop. Its rediculous already. Leave us, the ones who thank god havent gone, alone!!

Thanks
December 27, 2013 11:30 am

Beautiful. I am happy that two Rabonim stood up and put in writing clearly that it is forbidden to go.
I think it is important for other Rabbonim to do the same, Ain Makom L’harich bazeh.

And I think from now on, we should all be positive and b’simcha as the Rebbe says. We should remember what it says in Hayom Yom when it comes to Gashmius we should look at some one that has less then oneself and when it comes to Ruchnius we should look at some one who is better then himself.

Good Shabbos to all.

lies
December 27, 2013 11:22 am

shofar never claims to have the answer. they constantly and consistently tell you during and after the workshop that the weekend is a peak experience and you need to work hard to focus on what’s important in life and be aware how negative thinking impacts life. also, they stress that “getting to the bottom” of your issues is only an explanation for why you are acting the way you are, NOT AN EXCUSE!!! they stress the importance of taking responsibility and not remaining a victim to past life experiences The very last activity at the workshop is a meeting with… Read more »

How can he be reached?
December 27, 2013 11:20 am

Is there a number or email for Rafael Aron

Rabbi Aron is the best!
December 27, 2013 11:17 am

Amazing!

Now the B"D should issue a clear "Heihan Dantuni" as required by Halacha
December 27, 2013 11:17 am

Specifying chapter and verse which Halacha specifically has been violate, by which action or set of actions & what specific remedies would be required by Halacha

So if another moisid wishes to isolate those parts which are kosher and of benefit etc in alignment halacha and chasidus

There is another rav....
December 27, 2013 11:13 am

What is Rabbi Asdoba’s opinion?

Wow
December 27, 2013 11:09 am

Can those two signors follow their own advice regarding “not to spark arguments or sow discord and strife in the community”.

Yours Truly,

Rabbi Aron!
December 27, 2013 11:02 am

Rabbi Rafael Aron has written a wise and powerful, thoughtful piece. Thank you for writing it, and highlighting the core issues at hand, and thank you for having it published!

finally!!!
December 27, 2013 10:54 am

Was waiting to hear what Mr Aron had to say!! Beautifully said!

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