By Raphael Aron, Director, Cult Consulting Australia (cultconsulting.org)
This past month has arguably given the Call of the Shofar (COTS) more world publicity than a full page in the New York Times. The publicity has generated a spate of articles, comments on various Jewish websites and blogs.
The recent publicity was followed by an Asiphoh in Crown Heights on Tuesday evening attended by a crowd of some 2000 participants KAH which focused in part on the issue of Chassidai Chabad turning to outside sources for inspiration and guidance – a timely issue as we move towards Yud Shvat, a time of reflection and introspection for all Chassidim.
By now adding to the volume of material which has been published on the COTS issue, I am attempting to further clarify some of the points which have unfortunately in part been hijacked by emotion and mis-information.
In writing this piece I draw from my experience as the Director of Cult Consulting Australia (cultconsulting.org) and an author of two published books on the cult issue: “Cults: Too Good to be True” (Harper Collins 1999) and “Cults, Terror and Mind Control” (Bay Tree Publishers 2009.) Further information can be found on raphaelaron.com.
Furthermore, since addressing the Kinus HaShluchois three years ago I have been working by email and phone with Shluchim and Shluchos around the world in relation to the challenges of Shlichus including family issues and Sholom Bayis. In relation to COTS, the concerns of Shluchos have included, in particular, the observation that their husbands’ pre-occupation with their self-development and self-empowerment has impacted their Sholom Bayis as well as the centrality of Yiddishkeit in their lives.
By way of introduction, considerable time and space has been devoted to the question as to whether COTS is a cult. Generally speaking, this question is irrelevant. While there are many well known, religious, spiritual and personal development groups which have attracted the cult title, there is limited value in ascribing pejorative terms to particular organizations be they religious, spiritual or other. (Incidentally, it has been suggested that the term ‘cult’ is not necessarily a negative term in that there can be ‘pareve’ or even ‘kosher’ cults. I disagree with this premise. By definition, a cult refers to an organization or system which impacts on an individual’s ability to remain in control of his/her life and ultimately removes any opportunity of enquiry and free choice. Instead, the subject becomes the victim of a process commonly known as mind control.)
The fact is that there are thousands of people who have joined numerous suspect groups often referred to as cults and walked away unscathed while there are probably as many who have joined ‘established religions’ and acted in a very ‘cultish’ manner. One need not look further than numerous fundamentalist groups today – both Christian and Moslem – in order to observe this reality. The question regarding any organizations is far more about its agenda, its modus operandi and the long-term impact it has on those who join it. A crucial issue is whether the participation in the group is a one-off activity or whether it fosters dependence and an unhealthy relationship with the organization.
This is why it makes no difference and is not relevant whether the organization is headed by a guru or not. I have worked with numerous individuals who have been controlled by small groups or by natural healers and therapists in positions of power who have exerted an undue level of influence over their subjects. This is no less a cult-like relationship than what exists in some of the better known groups which have attracted that label.
Rather than refer to COTS in particular, I feel it necessary to discuss some of the processes used by LGAT’s (Large Group Awareness Therapy Groups.) It is for the reader to decide the relevance of these issues to the COTS organization.
One of the typical characteristics of an unhealthy or suspect organization is its ability to convince its members that having identified particular problems or deficits in their lives, it now has the solutions to these issues. Through a range of processes, these organization claim to be able to detect weaknesses or blockages in the emotional and psychological makeup of the client who is then given the message that only by joining the organization will it be possible to address and fully resolve these issues. 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.
And herein lies one of the fallacies of many suspect organization and practitioners. We all have problems; we all have issues be they in relation to our families, marriages, work place, our sense of self and direction on life and our personal relationships. When others are able to articulate these issues, in our vulnerability, we tend to believe that they – and sometimes, only they – have the answer.
The vulnerability of the individual is further enhanced by the group dynamic which can create a momentum and a desire to ‘go with the flow’ in a compelling manner. The group dynamic can introduce feelings of accomplishment, even euphoria. Suddenly and powerfully, the participants ‘get it’ – an expression commonly used by well-known personal development groups. Feelings of closeness and affinity between group members who may have little in common and have never met until the particular event can be a strange feature of this experience. In the extreme – and this is not always the case – the participant begins to realize that only through this group can one reach the heights and level of fulfillment which until now appeared unachievable and well out of reach. Nothing else compares.
Within that mindset, participants are often requested to connect with long-lost relatives or to make amends with people with whom they have fallen out in the past. This may be a worthwhile idea which incidentally often forms a part of many therapeutic processes which deal with relationship resolution issues. However, in the heightened environment of an intensive weekend program, these processes can often take on an exaggerated value further convincing the participants of the almost unreal nature of the program.
The counter-argument to these concerns is that if it works what’s the problem? Isn’t the result what really counts? I have no problem in accepting that in certain situations the results may justify the means by which they were achieved. If a couple has found Sholom Bayis, if an individual can now return to study or work or if a relationship has been repaired, these people should feel fortunate. My experience is that these results can be short-lived in situations where there are underlying mental health and emotional issues which may remain unresolved. The participants may also rely on a continuing and often ongoing dependent relationship with the organization.
Furthermore while many participants may not be experiencing any significant personal challenges, others may be participating because they have unresolved personal or relationship issues. Fragile and possibly the victims of abuse and trauma, they may be at serious risk if they replace the need for qualified professional assistance with participation in a group which may not screen or assess its clientele nor provide ongoing support and expertise demanded in these situations.
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.” There may be other professional avenues which Mashpi’im should seriously consider in assisting their students. Indeed a Mashpiah is often in a unique position to assist a student receive long-overdue personal assistance but such action requires wisdom and careful consideration. I believe that especially in today’s climate, Mashpi’im would benefit considerably from an understanding of some of the mental health, family, emotional and personal issues which some of their students confront. This applies to Mashpi’im not only of students but also adult members of our communities who turn to them for guidance and advice.
I also recognize that many participants have written about the lack of relevance and connection between the values of Chassidus and its implementation in their daily lives. While many were inspired by the recent Asiphoh, others were concerned that it did not go far enough in assuring young people that Chassidus does not only provide the inspiration for happiness and meaningfulness but also the means and the tools by which to achieve these goals. This is a very critical issue which requires careful consideration which I would hope would now receive the urgent attention it deserves in the light of the discussion over the past few weeks.
The Mashpi’im, Rabbonim, Shluchim and Shluchois of our communities must now respond to COTS in light of serious concerns which have been raised by participants and observers of these programs. To recommend any potentially ‘life-changing’ programs to others is a huge responsibility, in particular, when they have the potential to capitalize on the vulnerability of people searching for direction. Against the backdrop of our community which is confronting its own challenges, this is certainly the immediate call of the hour.
Raphael Aron is in New York until Sunday 5 January and can be contacted at [email protected]
Update:
Crown Heights Badatz members Rabbi Yaakov Schwei and Rabbi Yosef Braun have issued a psak din regarding attending “Call of the Shofar” programs.
The sign, posted in 770, states that one may not participate in any workshops, seminars etc. of the group “Call of the Shofar,” or any other new age therapies.
They also ask “not to spark arguments or sow discord or strife in the community,” and to judge fellow community members favorably.
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 »
this is why everyone loves you !!!
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
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 »
“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”
[email protected]
…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
thanks for the rebbes view
#65
$37K reported!
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 »
With love people will listen
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.
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??
🙂
Kosher Lemehadrin
With the right ppl qualified to extract the good and usfulness from the bad
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.
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 »
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!
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? ) .
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.
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…
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
Everyones making such a big deal from this whole thing its so stupid, and the song?? I mean u gotta be kidding…
If yes, this bases should be made publice
No need to hide the specific facts which made this hoplessely unredeemable
What does he have to say?
how much longer before we hear the allegations of unappropriate physical contact (B’lashon Naki)
Nice song but u went the wrong way!!!!!
BUT THEY GOT IT RIGHT BH
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 »
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.
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 »
Enjoyed your parody of MBD’s Yerushalayim is not for sale !
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 »
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
AN ISSUE OUT OF A NON ISSUE. WHY DONT WE FOCUS ON THE THINGS THAT ACTUALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE…..
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.
really? how are you making that jump?
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 »
Well stated piece. Regardless of cots, the cat is out of the bag- there are unattended issues in chabad.
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!
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 »
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.
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 »
what do we do about deprogramming those people who have gone thru the program already?
its about time we heard from a real expert yasher koach
I’m speechless
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 »
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 »
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)
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 »
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.
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.
Right on target!
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.
Very informative, well – written article. Thanks for articulating the dangers of these groups in such a clear way.
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…..
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
“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
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.
Its time for a clear “Heichan Dantuni”
Sovthe good can be seperated from the bad, something the Rebbe wrote should be done Letoivas Haklal.
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.
Hodu L’Hashem Ki Toiv, Ki L’Olam Chasdo!
A guttin Shabbos all’a Yiddin.
Achdus.
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]
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 »
Now let’s see such great effort put into other important issues within our community; chinuch, shidduchim, tznius, …….
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.
Ever hear the halacha that we follow the majority? If 2/3 Rabbonim wrote this, the opinion of the third is completely irrelevant.
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!!
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.
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 »
Is there a number or email for Rafael Aron
Amazing!
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
What is Rabbi Asdoba’s opinion?
Can those two signors follow their own advice regarding “not to spark arguments or sow discord and strife in the community”.
Yours Truly,
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!
Was waiting to hear what Mr Aron had to say!! Beautifully said!