Ending the Culture of Silence
By Eliyahu Federman, Forward
At the Passover Seder, we are supposed to ask questions about why things are done the way they are. Recently I asked some questions about the government-funded social service agency that serves my Jewish community in Brooklyn, the Crown Heights Jewish Community Council. Specifically, I questioned the policy that only allows men to vote for the council’s leaders.
In public letters I argued that the policy might violate the Constitution (or at least civil rights statutes), and I cited various sources in support of my contention that there is no halachic reason for excluding women from voting in elections for a secular organization.
The New York Times reported on the story, and within hours of the article appearing online heated debates were breaking out on news sites that serve the Crown Heights community.
Some online commenters expressed support for my position, while others vigorously disagreed with me. This is to be expected and reflects the diversity of opinion within my community. (Indeed, this issue has been the topic of debate within our community for some time, a discussion that the Forward reported on in a blog post last year.)
Some commenters, however, took a more troubling position. They labeled my actions a chilul Hashem, a public desecration of God’s name, arguing that by reporting on this policy the Times article had cast the community in an unfavorable light.
The fact that some in the community viewed the broadcast to the wider world of this male-only voting rule as a chilul Hashem suggests that they recognize the injustice in the policy. Otherwise, what is there to be ashamed of? Why else would they feel threatened by seeing it reported by the newspaper? And if in fact the policy is shameful, then why aren’t these commenters lobbying to change it?
But their reaction highlights a much larger problem facing my community: a culture of secrecy that all too often represses discussion of important issues for fear that the outside world will hear. This is a problem for many segments of the Orthodox and Hasidic worlds, with often profoundly destructive consequences.
I was accused of a chilul Hashem for raising questions about a nonprofit organization’s bylaws. But the same accusation can be hurled at those who call attention to abuse or domestic violence within religious Jewish communities. Members of these communities are paying a terrible price for a culture of silence that prevents us from openly and honestly confronting our problems.
Of course, I am well aware of the negative stereotypes that exist regarding the religious Jewish community, such as the notion that we are reactionary. We saw these prejudices in some of the comments that were posted in response to the Times article. So I can sympathize with anxieties about airing our dirty laundry.
But the best proof that such stereotypes are untrue is when we are able to question policies and make appropriate changes, when members of the community are not afraid to express dissenting viewpoints — and are able to express those viewpoints as active members of the community. The only disgrace is acting as if we have something to hide.
Last December when the Crown Heights rabbinic court issued a decree prohibiting community members from speaking directly with the police or media regarding grievances related to law enforcement, there was an outpouring of community outrage. This suggests that the code of silence is not something that is endemic to our community.
I love my Hasidic community and its culture. I believe that the culture of silence is something that is imposed on our community by those who have something to gain by keeping secrets.
In Crown Heights we are rightly proud of our community and its traditions. That’s why we welcome those from the outside to come to our community and learn, and that’s why many of us go out into the far corners of the world to spread yidishkayt. We reach out to all Jews, as well as to the non-Jewish world, because we have profound wisdom to share. We, of all people, should have the confidence to know that we should have nothing to hide.
–Eliyahu Federman is an executive at an e-commerce company. He is a graduate of the City University of New York School of Law, where he served as an executive editor of the law review.
I like what you write.I agree with your perception, and I wonder the same thing.I don ‘t begin to know the answer, but it certainly seems to me that there are many members of the community could use some study about how to phrase things in ways that don’t represent such hostility and ugliness. As far as I know, no real spiritual person learned to express opinions in that way. Maybe some of those community members should think about what their religion or spirituality can really do to help them become more mentchkeit. One would assumes that is , in… Read more »
I didn’t know that there was so much hostility, hate , anger, and downright ugliness in CH, as viewed in the expressions of some members. I don’t get it. I thought this was a religious or spiritual group. How do those people define “spiritual”? Is it a word that inspires wrath and immature ranting? Where’s the kindness? Where is the peaceful communication? Anger is one thing, but one can take ownership of his/her anger and still not be nasty to another human being.
fact is we live in an imperfect world that is filled with human beings, and when you make another human being upset they tend to react, NYPD has reacted when members in the community acted against them.
as for your “the cops are hired by US and work for US…” comment you made, try telling that to a cop when he pulls you over for talking on the phone and get back to me with the end result.
you are in dream land my friend.
It’s about time someone addresses this issue head-on. Federman, I hope your clarity and courage rubs off on others in the frum world, and fast!!
Thank you!!
i just learned in chumash that we should not bring our courtcases to non Jewish courts because they dont understand our way of life and the kedusha of the torah. this is no courtcase, but it is nothing shameful. we should keep our issues in our own community and let the rabbanim deal with it.
they are just shairing their opinion.
Wow to all those ppl who r saying nasty things abt federman I think you should be the one that shoukd be ashamed with yourself maybe its questionable if what he did is right or wrong but I thonk we all know loshon harah is for sure wrong
Also, the consensus in Halacha is that there is no basis to exclude women from voting in such a process…. Don’t try to create Halacha out of thin air….
I guess you believe that voting for the president is also religious? Perhaps we should exclude women there too?
The culture of silence was not imposed, it was rather suggested by an immensely wise man, our great King Solomon who wrote “Syag Lachochmo Shtika” You should take his advise, Federman, and people may assume that you are wise too.
Your choice of words clearly points out to your erroneous point of view ( and Mr Federman”s as well). We live just one life, and that is a religious life. There’s no such a thing as separation of state and religion in the life we live. We must adhere to Halacha in everything we do, secular or not! As a matter of fact the Halacha itself is the biggest tyranny I can think of, it commands you to cut your nails a certain way, tie your shoes, get dressed, eat …..how could you part with halacha for just a second… Read more »
are u suggesting that califORNIA and florida are fryeh places ……..maybe u should learn not toreguard people by the supid ch stereyo type im soooooo sick of being called fry b/c i live in califORNIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The right to vote is not the same as a condo association rule. If a condo association discriminated on the basis of race, gender, religion etc that would probably be illegal. If it’s something non discriminatory like pets then that is fine but something like exclusion on the basis of gender that would probably be illegal. Just saying… Federmans main point is that the election is a secular process so there is no good reason under Halacha to exclude women just like with voting for the president vechulu…
The CHJCC is a community organization, created and ruled by the community and under the leadership of our religious leaders and these are the rules. You leave in a free Nation and if you don’t agree with the rulings, you are free to join a different country club. Not exactly a democracy, but did you ever own a condo or a coop? If pets are not allowed, you cannot bring your dog to your own home. In the USA, the minority may elect a president if the popular vote does not have enough electors, you call that fair? That is… Read more »
Wow, that is even more shocking and ridiculous. How can the majority vote away the right of the minority to vote? That is just wrong. Even if five women want a vote they should have that right to representation…… Also if this commenter read the bylaws she would know that single men over 30 have a vote and also that although its one per household the male casts the vote! Federman keep doing your good work…..
So what if women themselves oppose it. Federman is not arguing that women should have to vote but only that those who want are allowed to. Claiming that he can’t voice concerns over this because he is not a women is like saying he can’t have an opinion on Iraq because he never went to war. Also, I know for a fact that Federman spoke to women leaders in the community all of which were afraid of putting their name out….
I’m glad you’ve had such good dating experiences. You’ve obviously been blessed. I will not claim to speak for you. Please note that I never said anything about dating outside of the frum world. I never said that I was “desperate” because I’ve found Lubavitch guys lacking. However, many of my acquaintances and friends have, like me, found that most Lubavitch guys are not as respectful of women as men in, say, the modern Orthodox community. I consider myself a Lubavitcher and would like to marry a Lubavitcher. But if most Lubavitch men are like the ones ranting in this… Read more »
I think not.
Shmoozing with women in gym, picking up the kids, in shul etc, NOBODY is interested in this.
Where did Federman decide to come and make this non-issue an issue?
I find myself agreeing with those who think that he was trying to make himself relevant as a lawyer.
Its a shame that he is using women and crown heights to accomplish his goals.
Mr. Federman, you don’t speak in my name, either.
He get
You were probably in kindergarten, Mr Federman, but we held an election, here in Crown Heights, were we decided on the bylaws of the CHJCC, and the women actually voted to have only the men vote on subsequent elections.
Our community is family based, and each family votes as a unit, one vote per family (only married household members vote, no single men)
Perhaps you can write another editorial based on this new bit of information?
I don’t think 63 and 89 understood the article.
Rabbi meant not to volunteer info to police aginst any Yid
Most of my friends in the community are in complete agreement with Eli. The CH community has to seriously open up and if not at least have a better system for allowing people to speak out because obviously the current system is broke.
How come very few of you are not arguing the point which is “women voting in the elections for Crown Heights Community council” does that mean you are embarrassed by Eli’s letter’s because of it’s truthfulness and that he made it public? When one cant argue a point he simply rants and raves like a child.
I see you’ve been through alot and I really feel for you. I suggest you go out and look for ‘shidduchim’ in the non religious world and see if you’ll be treated better by men there. I have a feeling that in the long run you will deeply regret it. But it seems like you need to get burned before you get some common sense and appreciation for what you have. I am also a ‘young woman’ in the community and as to your assertion that ALL women feel the way you do, I beg to differ.
As a woman I have never felt limited in any way by living here. On the contrary. I belong to several organizations within this community which are run entirely by women. I believe that the men who vote re the community council end up electing the parties that their wives advise them to elect. I think it’s sensible for one person per family to represent the household. If it’s a normal marriage this will be in accord with the needs of the entire family. And I am absolutely positive that the services from the community council will not change drastically… Read more »
Listen to yourselves, you spew hate and anger! You claim your community is perfect! You tell people to leave YOUR community! Moshiach will NEVER come with all this hate and disrespect. If you dont like what you’re reading, turn the page. But don’t lose sight of what we are living daily for. People must learn if they want to discuss then discuss but if you want to hate and tell people to go away and leave, that is so against what Lubavitch stands for. I hope everyone who puts so much effort in spewing their anger puts half as much… Read more »
Is that true that NYPD took 20 officers off the street because someone was seeking Justice?
If yes, that reminds me of Russia, and we’re lucky that we have freedom of the press so we can expose those and similar unlawful acts so we don’t go back to the “lubavitch of old” as in the KGB etc..
The cops are hired by US and work for US…
I dont know me Federman, nor his motives. Airing ones laundry in someone elses back yard is both imature and eye pollution. The issues really are: What is the reason for an only male vote? What is the responsibility of a crown heights resident to it’s Bais din? What is the responsibility of a crown heights resident to the Rebbe and his directives? Once again the prevailing wind blowing thru CH is: how far do the words and leadership of the Rebbe play in everyday life: or put in a more cavalier manner: Rebbe at all accounts or do you… Read more »
no ones sighning their name because theyre embarassed and unsure of what theyr saying
Did Mr. Federman say he went to the Forward? Or did he say the Forward REPORTED on the issue?
Big difference. I never read that trash, so I don’t know the answer, but the inference in some comments is that the writers immediately assumed Mr. Federman went running to the Forward. I don’t think so, but perhaps someone in the know (i. e. has FACTUAL EVIDENCE) can confirm or deny that Mr. Federman APPROACHED THE FORWARD.
Again, it’s a huge leap from reaching out & perhaps being reached out to.
to 59 “a great many of them started to go to college”etc that shows just how stupid they are making the same mistake so many have done in the past thinking they are smarter then the nossi hador who was so strongly apossed to frume yidden going to college well if you think this is what is going to make you smart and popular check take a look back into history at all those who were “smarter” then the tzadikim and rabonim of there times
To all the sheep out there – I (somehow) managed to read through all these comments, and while there were plenty of thoughtless jabs at Mr Federman’s integrity, motives, and personal beliefs, and a lot of senseless relocation ideas (Florida, California etc. as if those states have ‘second-class’ jewish communities for the troublemaking, open-minded, and/or less religous people), I have yet to read one level-headed comment, argument, or counter claim to Mr Federmans query: Why are the women of CH not allowed to vote? While this may not affect Mr Federman personally, this does not mean that he should not… Read more »
conflict between Jews only drives Moshiach further and further away…Is this what the Rebbe wants?
he claims:”Some online commenters expressed support for my position , while others vigorously disagreed with me”… people are for it/against it * what exactly is the ratio?! seems like maybe 80-20 based on these comments against this kid.
Sorry did not read any responses though I hope someone mentioned how the rebbe at a public gathering about only men should vote in local Jewish things for thus gentleman to go against the rebbe is extremely disrespectful .. I am sure if he looked up and read rebbes public talks he would have more respect and if he did look talks up and does not care then unfortunately he is going against the rebbe knowingly and willingly and such a person I do not envy
Sometimes the only way you could get your own community to acknowledge an injustice is to go outside the community. Acknowledge diversity/differences in the community — Do not force him out of the community or you will be isolating many other people in the community who agree with him. My husband being Lubavitch and having similar views of secracy and never going against the community has made me become a more distraught towards the community. I am becoming more anti – frum. Hateful comments towards anyone who might have difference of opinion makes me want to protect my children from… Read more »
nottice the people commenting are a lil ignorant whatev
i support you
stop harrassing him he’s trying to help our comunity and this is what he gets this is a chillul hashem (althoughh i dont love the fact that he went to the press )this is far worse what kind of place is crown heights someone tries to speak up – is there no right of speech
good luck eli
eli you say you have been working on this for 2 years?? the last election was less then 2 years why didnt you vote?? you did not cast a vote!! and whats your address in CH??? not your brother or sisters address! what is your address where you pay rent??
By your logic, the Civil War should never have been fought because abolitionists had no right to interfere in the Southern community’s “private matter” of slavery.
There’s no expectation of privacy on matters of public importance. In order to curb publication of Mr. Federman’s views, you would have to prove that this story is sufficiently offensive and sufficiently lacking in newsworthiness for a judge to justify cutting this information off from the media.
No judge would do that.
So suddenly, you believe you are greater and wiser than the Rebbe and all our Rabbonim, because YOU HAVE A DEGREE?! You think that you are better than Moshe Rabbeinu and all the Halacha poskim because after having passed so many years in college with open-minded people you discovered how virtuous it was to see women in pants and that it was not so important to separate between women and men?! Let me tell you that the wisdom of our Torah sages, even without any degree, is far better than yours and your new secular perspective. If our sages and… Read more »
Thank you Mr. Federman for bringing up issues that are so important. Chilul Hashem, people? The chilul Hashem is that these prejudices still exist in Crown Heights.
To those of you saying that 90+% of the community disagrees with Mr. Federman…
Finally an explanation for the “shidduch crisis”. Lubavitch guys are are so misogynistic, none of the young women (yes, I include myself in that) can stomach being around them…
Crown Heights is undoubtedly the most open-minded community among all the chasidic enclaves in America. The facts are: many Jewsih women (and even some born in Chabad families) wear pants in CH and nobody lynched them; many Jewish women (and even some born in Chabad families) walk bareheaded in the streets and nobody lynched them; you have some people living in CH who claim that fasting has been abolished, and nobody lynched them; you have meshichten and anti’s, and they don’t lynch each others; you have Lubavitcher living in CH who embrassed some of the Zionist ideology, and Lubavitcher who… Read more »
This guy makes me mad. His response is as insulting as the article published by The Times. It’s clear and obvisous for anyone that he is not acting Leshem shomayim, but because he wants to become someone. Please publish my comment: Federman, you have nothing to do in Crownh Heights, and the reason why most people think that you’re doing a Chillul Hashem is not because they think we have something to hide, but because 1) what’s the point of turning to the goyish velt about something that concerns only yidden? 2) yes, it’s a chillul hashem because it strenghten… Read more »
Anyone with two eyes in the front of their head can see that this guy is out for three things only: fame, fame and yet more fame. As a woman, I may or may not agree with women voting in Vaad Hakol elections – I think this is a religious issue that has no place to be played out in the NY Times or the Forward. In fact, if this guy cared about my community, he would not go maligning it into every liberal trash mouthpiece that he could find. I am simply disgusted by his egotism and his need… Read more »
Who cares if it’s the Ny times or forward. Why are we being so insular? Everyone is acting like a pogrom is aroun the corner. I’m more concerned about our secrets being a chilul hashem then our expsures. This issue was already in the press. Why don’t people take Federmans position for what it is and deal with the merits of his claims? These negative comments are immature and based on a very paranoid mentality….
i must tel you, that the impresion you deliver to me, is that you never had what to loose… maby some day you will grow up…belive me i tel it to you not with an easy heart…your family deservs to have from you better nachas…
But taking a grudge to “Der Forverts” is a total Chillul Hashem. “Der Forverts” is well known for its ferocious hatred of the Chasidic community and will publish anything that will demonize religious Jews. In this respect they are like “The Guardian” on Israel’s actions. If he had gone to “The Jewish Press” or even “The Jewish Week” iz ein zach, but “Der Forverts” is well known for a hostile agenda.
he’s getting all the publicity he can dream of, he doesn’t care about those who oppose him, after all; he’s a law school graduate!
It’s extremely clear to most of us that he’s not really doing it because he cares about the community but because he wanted some publicity so he could score a better job. If he sincerely meant it he would’ve gone about it in a better way (for example: organizing a meeting in CH, writing to the JEWISH websites/papers etc). This is a disgrace, some really sick way of trying to get a bigger salary.
With all this opposition I’ve yet to see one person cite the alleged source for the Rebbe saying women shouldn’t vote in CHJCC elections. All the people do is attack Eli and his methods instead of his position. Such ad hominem attacks only impress the uneducated.
This guy is so blinded by his thick shadow, the one which he thinks he obtained by going to college, he fails to see the way things are done in a frum Torah observing community. first: i agree that he clearly made a huge chillul hashem by going to the most anti semitic news paper to air his one sided blind views. second, the right way to bring up any issues you may have, is to have a public forum with the rabonim and askonim from crown heights who know halacha and have many more years of experience in the… Read more »
Once, there was a young new lawyer. He saw a long, long, road ahead of him. You see, he was a nice Jewish lawyer, but in NYC, there are thousands of nice Jewish lawyers in NYC. In fact, there are too MANY lawyers in NYC. What would NYC do with yet another Jewish lawyer? So, what to do? How do you capture the limelight without even a case? When you are wet behind the ears and a virtual nobody in a big city with a lot of somebodies? Aha! Find some real or imagined dirt or cause in the ‘Hassidic… Read more »
Leave this matter to Rabbonim and experts in Halachah!
I can’t help but wonder about the genuineness of Federman’s “campaign.” I am in law school and will soon be entering the job market. The legal profession is at an all-time hiring low and students and recent graduates are scrambling to get that “one up” on other candidates. This “issue,” which is a First Amendment and gender protections cause of action, is the type that firms just love because it has the strong potential to make powerful case law. Moreover, even if an action comes to fruition (there may be standing issues), when hiring, firms do their due diligence and… Read more »
You wrote the following. “i am firmly convinced that for the most part the best of our men and wonen are out there doing shlichus and the not so bright are left in CH”. First off, there are many talented and (very) untalented Shluchim. Secondly, there are many who choose to stay in crown heights by dint of the fact that they didn’t drink the educational Kool Aid that was shoved down the their throats in CH’s one size fits all Chinuch system. Of those that stay a great many have begun going to College and have discovered that they… Read more »
i can’t wait to buy the wall street journal to find out why he went to the forward about why he went to the NYT.
Eli Federman is just self promoting!
He is fresh out of a subpar law school and is wet behind his ears. All of his actions including his so-called editorial in the Forward are simply to put himself on the map. What is galling and a chillul hashem is that his motives are so unpure and self aggrandizing.
I hope you are unsuccesful as a lawyer as you are trying to use “your’ community as a ‘kardoom lachtoich boh”!
SHAME ON YOU!
To # 2
You suggested getting 500 signatures I think that’s high considering it’s more than 25% of the total electorate (if I remember correctly) Let’s say he should get 50 signatures…
I think he’ll have that support and much more…
Count me in…
its not a chilul Hashem cause we are ashamed of the facts, But its a chilul Hashem to spread these conflicts outside the jewish community. It comes to the point where one jew is complaining about the other to outside athoroties, Yes thats a great chilul hashem
I was waiting for someone to write that!!!!!
Is all he wants. He wants everyone to see his name and that he has a law degree. And is obviously not very busy yet as he has a lot of time on his hands…
well said.
— chassidisher yungerman
Look for attention somewhere else not on our chesbon!
DO it for the sake of your childrens shidduch
Fool! its a chilul hashem because outsiders look at it in bad light, not because in essence its wrong!!!!
why is it that whenever someone is “out of line” or whatever, everyone says “move to Florida” excuse me! there are many upright chassidishe anash living in florida with high standards as well. Just because you have a hard time coming to sunny florida and keeping your standards doesn’t mean that everyone does.
His logic is so faulty. maybe he should write a open letter to the anti religious Forward about how woman are forced to dress modestly in our community, he can use the same argument “if we’re have nothing to be embarrassed of its not a chilul Hashem”
Every great idea is ignored, attacked and then accepted. This is between the attack and accept phases… Also the claim why the Times or Forward is just irrievant to the issues raises
This is a community issue, so discuss it within the community.
I DO NOT think most women are okay with the status quo, and the very reason no one is speaking up is bc look what will happen if they do….it takes brave people to accomplish big things. Kudos to Federman. You people who bash him – what will you lose if women have a say? It seems like you have a lot of fear….
Eli, you are doing a great job! It takes a lot of guts to stand up for what you believe in.
Keep it up!
#3 YOU ARE 100% C O R R E C T ! ‘The Backward’ newspaper spewed lies about S. Rubashkin. The writer and newspaper belong in a crazy house. Anyone who cares the SLIGHTEST about this country or law and justice would be doing an evil thing talking to anyone working for this horrific institution. I’ve heard this happened before…the women didn’t listen, B”H. Perhaps Mr. Federman has an financial agenda? #28…If Mr. Federman is not ignorant of past events here I also wouldn’t mind him leaving…anyone that tries to make problems in this The ‘Rebbe’s’ neighborhood doesn’t belong here.… Read more »
Eli, just playing devil’s advocate here: it’s wrong that you took it to the Times because it might upset an already happy arrangement whereby Crown Heights was getting away with something that is possibly unlawful. Until now, almost no outside source – particularly not of the stature and influence of the NYT, was paying attention. You called attention to internal community politics – exposing an insular community, the equivalent of getting caught with one’s pants down. It doesn’t matter whether what was going on is right or wrong, it matters that you’ve exposed the community and made them more vulnerable.… Read more »
bored soul!!!
get a life
you would think that after the first letter to the NYT he would keep quiet and let the smoke die down. this comes to show what his motives are really and its not for the good of the community! to go to the forward?? and you call yourself a member of chabad and of crown heights????!! no need to say more
I agree that we should have nothin to hide and stop being so insular. Ny times forward etc who cares. The forward piece reflects well on the community
Keys deal with out issues. And I agree we should take them was on and I like the fact that this yungerman draws a larger lesson on secrecy from this. He may be young and inexperienced but he speaks the truth. Just read what he wrote.
#4 is completely right. Goyim dont understand the whole torah so they can misinterpret where we are coming from in keeping some mitzvos halachos, minhagim or even trends, so the fact that sometimes we are hesitant to publicize something doesnt mean we doubt its validity in any way
To compare the silence of the community against abusers (which btw has changed enormously) to silence on this issue
You are so seriously belittling the plight of the abused that you should feel ashamed of yourself!!!!
I happen to agree with your idea -but your METHOD IS SO WRONG and you are making me ashamed of you!!
Please -you are young – you are naiive and you are very very stupidly going for sensationalism!
Please – think before you act and before you speak!
This kids chutzpah knows no bounds!!! The NYT, The Forward, whats next – the Pravda?
Why did Mr. Federman actually go to the Times? I must admit, I am a bit suspicious. It would seem to me that he could have done some more internal dialoguing in creative ways, i.e.: letters in the community forums, internet communication, a call for a meeting in his home for anyone interested. On the other hand,if some feel that there is a corrupt element in the community that for some reason overrides any change for the better, then perhaps he felt that a drastic measure held the only possibility of hope for improvement. I don’t know, as I am… Read more »
He and his wife aren’t even old enough to vote…
I’m secure enough to welcome open debate on these issues.
The repeated suggestion to kick Federman out of Crown Heights is highly embarrassing. (I sure hope the NY Times doesn’t report THAT idea.)
Make your arguments and try to convince me using logic and reasoning.
Debate. It’s been part of Judaism for centuries… it’s not that big of deal.
wow this guy is lame! get a life Federman, dont you have a job instead of wiritng articles to newspapers! You are right on theissue, yet have no common sense!
I am sick and tired of seeing you on COL, there are much more worthy people that can make the headlines
GO AWAY
Out ofall the answers excuses even Federman’s he has no real answer or response You all ignore important facts 1. the voting system on local community issues was set up after much debate In accordance & agreement by the thenVaad Hakahal who submitted the rules to the BNais din The Rabbonim Yes the Very same CH Bais Din The consisting of Harav Marlow ZAtza”l Harav Osdoba Shlita & Harav Heller Shlita & most of all was approved By the Rebbe!! ( Remember him???).The Rebbe Gave his Haskama & Bracha to this & to the Rabbonim! so who is right &… Read more »
How could you people be so cruel?? listen to the things you’re saying! what makes you so much better to think you’re worthy of such remarks like “get out of crown heights” or “leave lubavtch” you really think that makes the rebbe proud? maybe it’s time to consider your own stance in the community, that is IF it is even a community anymore
Everyone is so focused in hiding our dirty laundry. This is the actual issue here. Why don’t we fix things an not have dirt to hide. As Eli mentioned in the article that besides a few corrupt people as a community we are open to change and growth.
There are many people in our community who agree wholeheartedly with you, they just don’t have the guts to speak out like you do, for obvious reasons, (just read the comments and you will get a taste of what I am talking about). Don’t let anybody tell you that you should leave our community if you don’t like it here, you have right to change the things that you don’t like in our not-yet-perfect community. If you were talking for yourself then that would be a point, but you speak for many of us, and we have a right to… Read more »
“The New York Times reported on the story.”
Who told them about it? You could have written an oped on COL!
I think woman should vote in CH, but I wouldnt go to the papers to make a name for myself. Enjoy your 15 minutes of fame. Please dont pretent you had diferent intentions.
Eli Federman…. you don’t give a hoot about a womans right to vote because most women don’t care and if they do well then why don’t they prove how liberal they are and allow them to get up and voice their opignions….. BUT….. we all know that this has NOTHING to do with a womens right to vote!!!!!!!!
He should pass the bar before he starts trying to bulk up his resume and become a fancy pants lawyer.
The actual article reflects positively on our community. I think this mitigates the potential damage … Good work!
Mr. Federman we all looking forward to you moving to Florida
A) keep it out of the papers this is not a pressing issue that if not addressed would be putting anyone in danger, keep it in the family.
B) you may be a civil libertarian but Liman Hashem chose your battles, and you media outlets.
C) not a good idea for your family.
D) COL stop airing this man.
Hashem Yirachem Like CH so goes the world.
Moshiach Now!
is anyone even dignifiying this young shnip with a response?
While I support your position that women should be allowed to vote, why don’t you go to the communities women and ask them to speak out?
It seems to me that most women in this community are okay with the current situation and you are just making an issue out of nothing.
I could be wrong, but the fact that women are being silent and that you -a man- is the only one making an issue, I think supports my point.
let him go to the NY Times and the forward….. shame on COL for giving this guy the time of day! Why we are discussing this is funny… Attention, Attention, Attention! That’s what this guy needs! I AM ALL FOR WOMANS RIGHTS AND HOLD WOMEN ABOVE MEN, but this guy has to find a hobby!
“The fact that some in the community viewed the broadcast to the wider world of this male-only voting rule as a chilul Hashem suggests that they recognize the injustice in the policy.” Without entering the details of the discussion, this argument is outright wrong. There are many things in our community that have very strong reason, yet if they were to be reported in any newspaper “as is”, they would seem peculiar and wrong. Your typical goy reading that report, without any understanding of the Frum and Chabad standards, would find it strange, just as strange as he finds your… Read more »
Your credentials fail to impress me. Your immaturity, and in fact, your stupidity reign supreme, however.
just because something is right al pi torah doesnt meen you have to publicise it – in the ney york times no less
Can you guys read? This artacle is a Kiddish Hashem! Read it! Thank you Eli you are a breath of fresh air and we need to learn from you. As a community we need to stand up for what we think is correct.
for Vaad Hakohal!!!!! and ROV!!!!
not always is it easy to say words that can be misunderstood
and try to find dialog with other people who oppose your position
it is not easy to be alone with a purpose
alone in being vocal about controversy
so to support you i do…support you..more then the cause you are fighting for..i do not have enough information about the entire issue ..but i want to support you
He spoke to everyone one of the Rabbonim…. He is entitled to his viewpoint…
Wow he manages to do it again in a way the NY times is less evil then the new paper he choice to write his response in the Forward which is a known anti religious and especially anti Chabad newspaper they are partially responsible for the Rubashkin tragedy I respect the fact that he managed to become a lawyer at a young age and I understand his want to become involved in the community but he’s got to be careful on which issues he’s going to get invloved and how he’s going to go about trying to change things as… Read more »
He makes a good point and I’m glad he is not nispal from the naysayers… He is just asking questions….
I don’t live in CH anymore partly because of the same issues
i grew sick and tired of the same old mentality and rules
i am firmly convinced that for the most part the best of our men and wonen are out there doing shlichus and the not so bright are left in CH which became a place of the oposite of achdus and cooperation
i wish that one day there will be a leasership in CH that will be able to unite the community in a way that makes sence
ur a trouble maker. please leave us alone and move to calif or miami
NO matter how you justify it, there is no excuse for going to outside newspapers. If you wanted to start a discussion and express your view than you should have written an article to COL instead of teh NYT!
There are many things that we consider to be absolute truth, yet it would be a Chillul Hashem to take it to the news.
Going to the Forward newspaper is even worse than going to the N.Y. Times. This newspaper’s mudus operandi is to portray the Orthodox community in the most negative light possible. The Forward is the one that carries the largest guilt for the Rubashkin tragedy. I would strongly recommend that this Federman character move out of a neighberhood that obviously does not meet his criteria. All the alternative movements of Judiasm were started by those that wished to change the dictates of the Shulchan Oruch. What does he have next on his agenda-mixed seating, abolition of all rules of Tznius, cholov… Read more »
“there was an outpouring of community outrage. This suggests that the code of silence is not something that is endemic to our community.” When the community thinks its a good idea to speak then they will voice their opinion. Here however it is a lone voice, Eli Federman, speaking out on his own! Eli next time you have a idea like this, first garner 500 signatures with people who agree with you and the post it on the Jewish sites!! You just went way to far! Send in a apology to the entire community for what you did and may… Read more »
So now he goes from one anti-Semitic paper to another…