By COLlive reporter
A rabbinical Modern Orthodox umbrella group in the U.S. is banning Chabad rabbis with messianic beliefs from membership.
The Rabbinical Council of America (RCA), one of the world’s largest organizations of Orthodox rabbis, includes an “affirmation regarding messianic belief” clause to its membership application.
The clause states: “By checking this box and with my signature below, I affirm that the following resolution, adopted at the RCA’s 1996 Annual Convention, reflects my beliefs:
“In light of disturbing developments which have recently arisen in the Jewish community… declares that there is not and never has been a place in Judaism for the belief that Mashiach ben David will begin his Messianic mission only to experience death, burial and resurrection before completing it.”
This is seen as a direct rebuff to a group within the Chabad-Lubavitch movement who believes that the Lubavitcher Rebbe can still be the messiah.
While the Rebbe passed away on the third of Tammuz 5754, the group cites what Rav Nachman says in Gemara Sanhedrin implying the Moshiach could also come from the dead.
The RCA, associated with Yeshiva University, which employs critic of Chabad messianism Dr. David Berger, dates back to 1923 and its key member was Rabbi Yosef Dov Soloveitchik who was known to have had a friendship with the Rebbe.
His brother, Rabbi Ahron Soloveichik, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Brisk in Chicago, wrote in 2000: “We should not label subscribers to these beliefs as heretics.”
Among its members are Rabbi Gedalia Dov Schwartz, Av Beit Din of the Chicago Rabbinical Council, and Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Riskin, Chief Rabbi of the Israeli city of Efrat – both friends of Chabad.
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We may have our opinions about RCA etc., but let’s focus on the issue at hand. I believe that most of the readers of this website agree that the meshichistim have gone wild. This is certainly not normative Yiddishkeit, and we cant blame anyone for seeing this as problematic.
Dov,
Your comment is silly. RCA rabbis are not conservative. And you fail to address the issue by attacking people instead. This by the way is very intellectually shallow an ddefensive and makes us appear like we cannot have a sensible discussion without ad hominem attacks
Reform,Conservative, Amorotzim.
Seriously, we should do what we did in Europe and open a Rabbinical Council that is Chabad led but not officially Chabad, and welcomes rabbonim from other communities. With our connections, we could do far more for our members than the RCA does for theirs.
WHY WON’T COLLIVE OR ANY OTHER PROCLAIM THE TRUTH TO THE WORLD & NOT LET THESE AM-ORATZIM MISSLEAD SO MANY OF OUR PEOPLE R”L ANY ONE WHO SAYS IT IS ASUR TO BELIEVE THAT MOSHIACH CAN BE FROM THE DEAD IS AN AM HO-ORETZ OF THE HIGHEST DEGREE! it pains me that these stupid soinei yisroel (from within yisroel) have so much say amongst the simple folk and let them think that lubavitchers are no different then …………. (see above link) why should it help to say it’s only a minority etc.. LETS GET THE FACTS STRIEGHT THERE IS NO… Read more »
The question should not be discussing whether the Rebbe is Moshiach, it should be focusing on the fact he said, “I am telling you as a prophesy…” Is the Rebbe a prophet? According to the RamBam, one needs to listen to the prophet. What are his instructions towards Geula? All this talk is just talk. Where is the action doing what was instructed to do.
I really cannot understand why the entire comotion on what the RCA said. The fact is that many members of the RCA are conservative rabbis, did anyone know that? And in conservative temples they daven with a microphone on shabbos and without a mechitza. Thats not all, many are not very careful about the kosher food they eat in or outside the home. So these “Rabbis” became experts on who is Moshiach and what Moshiach is. The fact alsi is that Chabad has 4,000 shlichim all over the world and no matter where any of them are, not one driks… Read more »
It doesn’t say Moshiach can’t come from the dead (although we Lubavitch preached at the top of our lungs for years that Moshiach had to be a living breathing person that you could point to) It just says Moshiach can’t start the redemptive process and die in the middle. It doesn’t say the Rebbe can’t have techias hamasim and start the redemptive process.
what a laugh, so many pressing issues that face us and they spin their wheels bashing Chabad. They should watch the Kinnus video and see what the Rebbe has inspired, Moshiach now it is the Jewish way
Chapter 66 Our work and Divine service during the time of exile has already been completed, and we are already prepared to greet Moshiach; we find ourselves in the “highest time” of the coming of our righteous Moshiach, “Behold he (the king Moshiach) comes”; the beginning of the effect of the king Moshiach on the nations can already be seen; the fulfillment of the promise that they will beat their swords to ploughshares has already begun, and the whole world is worthy and prepared – an explanation of the particular details; all the Divine service of this generation over forty-two… Read more »
did you ever learn the sicha of parshat mishpatim 5752? In regard to recent events: First of all, it occurred that on the eve of this Shabbos, the heads of the great and important countries of the world, and at their head the leaders of the two superpowers, convened together. They resolved and announced a new era in the relationship between the countries of the world. The status of war between the nations of the world was nullified, to be expressed in a reduction and elimination of weapons of destruction until there is peace and unity, a working partnership and… Read more »
How does the RCA determine who is or isn’t of that belief!!??,,
Is there some sort of application quiz??
http://bit.ly/8n6hJo
YU should change its name to Berger-King
Have some of these so called idiots ever heard of the Medrash? how about Zohar? how about the Gemara (Talmud in their Language!) let’s Start with Sanhedrin page 97. Even in old english (soncino) it proves they not now not never! knew what they were talking about! they should be renamed the council of ignorant phony Rabbis!!!!!!!!!
thats displaying simple ignorance because it says ” Moshiach BEN DOVID avdecha. So please check out the facts before posting next time.
Why the uproar? Nothing wrong – though distatsteful – with that RCA clause. It does not say that Mashiach cannot come from the dead, which is a possibility which even David Berger agrees with. It objects to saying that the actual Mashiach has already come and STARTED the ge’ulah, and then died, and then will come back again to FINISH THE GE’ULAH. There is nothing wrong with that, and every one can agree to that (unless some crackpot really believes that the ge’ulah itself has already started in the Rebbe’s lifetime (can anyone please show how, when and with what???!!!!).… Read more »
There are a number of chabad rabonim who are members – they joined before this was instituted
They should have their members sign that they will not preside over shuls that do not have a kosher mechitza (shoulder height).
A quick look at the membership roster of the RCA includes at least one rabbi known to me personally as someone whose views on many issues are similar to those of the “conservative” movement. I recognize another name as one of the so called Orthodox clergymen who came out of the woodwork to bash Agri. He, too, is a left winger who would not be out of place in the “conservative” movement. I would be far more worried about the opinions of some of their members regarding Torah meSinai than anyone should be about any Meshichist joining their ranks. Anyone… Read more »
the RCA is a bit intimidated by the Rebbe’s brilliance (to say the least) and this is in the back of their minds when they choose to use their control. What have they done besides control, to set trends for growth and returnees to Judaism.
“In light of disturbing developments which have recently arisen in the Jewish community… declares that there is not and never has been a place in Judaism for the belief that Mashiach ben David will begin his Messianic mission only to experience death, burial and resurrection before completing it.”
Simple question to RCA:
How do you reconcile this with: Gemoro Sanhendrin 98, some of the greatest Rishonim & Acharonim incl. explicit statement by HaRav HaGaon R. Aharon Soloveichik ZaTZa”L!!!
Guys chill. No comment here is actually coherent or makes any specific points besides a distinctive lack of ahavas yisroel or respect to other yidden. Any RCA member reading the comments which are very defensive will simply feel that they are right and we have nothing to say. But you’re right – I applied to join and was appalled by this clause. They don’t ask you if you believe in Torah Min Hashamayim or check you are not Neturei Karta or Jews for Yoshke – but this they ask. Read it carefully though – it speaks of technically a “second… Read more »
why are all of you wasting your time, its childish foolish what they wrote, besides being a chilul hashem, why dont you all go on with your work and thank g-d they are keeping away from us.You know, I once needed to send my daughter to beis yaakov due to some circumstance and they heard I was a lubavitcher they denied my daughter entery, thats the way I was protected from above, so lets thank g-d they dont want us so if some fool wants to join them he will be protected! get it!
There is no Chabad member of the RCA and its standards of practice (and belief) are far below ours. No sense even reacting to this.
What we do know is that plenty of children of parents who daven at shuls run by RCA members are Lubavitchers today.
Rabbi Riskin was a friend of Chabad; however today he espouses a position on mihu Yehudi that is totally against what the Rebbe stood for.
No real Lubavitcher should have a problem with this, since the Rebbe also holds that “declares that there is not and never has been a place in Judaism for the belief that Mashiach ben David will begin his Messianic mission only to experience death, burial and resurrection before completing it.”
See the well known sicha in LS, V35, Vayigash.
whoever decided this is either extremly bored or a chabad hater!
But what they don’t realize is that they have now alienated most Luavitchers as they also believe the rebbes Moshiach – regardless if one wears a yellow pin or flag.
they wondered what to do with their ink, so they wrote something so stupid. Whether The Rebbe is or is not the
Messiah, the Torah clearly teaches that believing that
Moshiach can come from the dead is acceptable and
feasible.
Everyone had forgotten the existence of the RCA, then to be remember to the good memories of the Jewish world, they decided to talk about Chabad. It is a well known strategy: when you lose popularity, say (bad or good) things about Chabad. Pathetic RCA!
n’eNow!
They would rather see the geulah from TV in their living room rather than participate.No problemo, but you’ll get a better seat at the Rebbe’s table when he comes if you stop this anti semitism
stop defending the no gooders.
why is this news? what is rca?
lubavs are so insecure.
Thank you mishchitim for making the a mockery amoung our fellow Jews. Time for tsuvah.
RCA?
Don’t they make or watch a lot of TVs or something?
Isnt there a famous Gemara about a wife asking her Rabbi husband who was deceased in an attic questions from people for many years? And when they asked the Rebbe why he didnt say zt”l about his father in law,he retorted ” are you trying to bury him?”
YU/RCA (the same thing) is duplicating (or trying to) many of the Peulos the Rebbe instituted, so it’s only natural to bite the hand . . . etc: 1. sending out YU students to small communities for Simchas Torah to “be Mesameach” . . . (. . . Talucha) 2. they also send out students to Russia to make camps 3. they began setting up Kollelim (with Rabbi Brander at the helm) in over 20 communities with the stated intent . . “for the continuity of Judaism” if you can’t give credit to the originator, then claim that he is… Read more »
it would be interesting to know if and, if so how many, Lubavitcher Rabbonim have signed this
they are “rabbis” too
if you believe in the Rebbe and consider your self lubavitch
the Rebbe said that the freiediker Rebbe is moshiach (after yud shevat) WE BELIEVE THAT THE REBBE IS MOSHIACH (this is with out any chassidsish hergaishim this is poshut emunah in a tzaddik which can even change torah [see lekutei sichos cheleg hey parshas toldos the second sicha])
Uh, don’t these “Rabbi’s” learn Gemara? They’ll find in Sanhendrin 98 that Moshiach could come from the dead and his name is Menachem. Scary these so-called Orthodox Rabbis are asking Jews to sign away the Oral Torah.
BUT LIVE and LET LIVE. Moshiach Matters is a personal thing, like DAVENING. This is as low as it gets for SNAGS.
B/c of some looser, who is jealos that he didn’t have a rebbe, u r going to go against everything the rebbe, nosi hador, and novi and father begged us to do… Because for sure he knows better right???!!!!!?!! I don’t belive u can call urself a chassid if u can say these words: “rebbe, I know ur nearly hear, I know everything u told us re. moshiach, but never the less, I am going to not care about u, all u were is a great godol that helped for 40 yrs and left us nice memories (CH’V) and I… Read more »
ENDORSE WEARING A BEARD!!!!!!??? ALSO AL HALACHA?? NO???
i AM SURE ALL OF THERE GRANDPARENTS WORE THEM,
If Moshiach can be someone who has already died, then Moshiach can only be none other than Dovid HaMelech.
I dont see why anyone should want to be part of the RCA. To come out openly against Chabad like that does not sound so “kosher”….
I don’t believe they are Rabbis but an Ortodox Rabbi should know better to have a woman sittinf between men.
and we still ain’t asking for it!
more of an affront to Judaism than pondering about Moshiach matters. Shame on RCA. They were always at the forefront of “chepping” chassidim. Keep up the good work boys. Your close-mindedness attitude will only make us crazy lubavitchers more zealous in our holy work! Moshiach Now!
WHAT ARE THE TWO WOMAN RABBIS DOING AMONG THE MEN IN THE ABOVE PICTURE I GUESS THAT DOES HAVE A PLACE IN JUDAISM
In present times of such major calamities befalling Jews worldwide, The Berger-ites just need some more material to stir up sinas chinam. This issue has been chewed over and over ad nausum. Resolution is really irrelevant anyway because RCA is nothing more than a boy scout club for modern rabbis. They have’nt done a thing for klal yisrael.
Maybe they should take a poll of how many RCA Rabbis believe in the coming of Moshiach. Moshiach Now!!!
so is kabala part of the Muslim faith or what?
“No Chabad rabbis, messianic or otherwise, are currently members of the RCA” So what??? What’s the purpose of that clause if no Chabad Rabbis are members?
They are all but a letterhead, i cannot remember anything positive that they have done for Jews. Its a bunch of Trim breaded rabbis with tie clips.
OPEN A NEW RCA, WHO NEEDS THEM???? WE HAVE ENOUGH RABBI’S AND I”M SURE MANY NON LUBAVITCH RAABI’S WOULD JOIN, THE CAN NOT STAND THE SUCCESS OF THE KINUS 4000 RABBI’S ……
LETS GET OUR ACT TOGETHER
we want torah truth and freedom of speech and really its a general attack against the chabad membership using the few yechidim as cannonfodder
This has been part of the application process for many years now! What’s the NEWS?
“Mimenu yirue vchain yasu “
i dont disagree with them. they are correct. that beleif is against torah.
the gemoro says moshiach can come “min hamaisim”.
and many many other poskim, say the same thing
i guess they cant join either
reminds me of the joke
once a Lubavitcher wanted to join RCA but was refued, so he cried himself to sleep in his dream hashem comes to him and askes why his crying, “the RCA wont let me in” he cries.
“dont worry” hashem tells him “they dont let me in either”
“In light of disturbing developments which have recently arisen in the Jewish community… declares that there is not and never has been a place in Judaism for the belief that Mashiach ben David will begin his Messianic mission only to experience death, burial and resurrection before completing it.” WOW I LOVE HOW THESE RCA RABBIS ARE SO KNOWLEDGEABLE IN TORAH! DID THEY EVERY LOOK IN KABBALAH! DID THEY EVERY LEARN ABARBANAL! THE LIST GOES ON AND ON…
Rsikin is far from a friend of chabad