Rabbi Yitzchok Wolf, Dean of SJ Abrams Cheder Lubavitch Hebrew Day School in Chicago, sent the following statement to COLlive.com on Monday:
With utter contempt I have read the title of Shmuel Boteach‘s new book “Kosher [Yoshke].”
His prior books certainly hadn’t made me anticipate this latest with excitement, yet perhaps it was naiveté on my part not to see this one coming. I hadn’t read the book since the book’s title already lends itself to apikorsus, and I am not the consumer that seeks to consume such writings.
I am no spokesman for Orthodox Jewry or for Chabad. In this instance, it is certainly no quantum leap to speak in the their name: Boteach’s latest book is apikorsus and must be treated as such.
“This book is telling the Jews to reclaim J…, the authentic J…, the historical J…, the Jewish J….” and to be inspired by his “beautiful” teachings, as this author and TV show host told Haaretz this week in Jerusalem.
This book poses great danger to the thousands of unsuspecting Jews who are approached daily by Jews for J with the sole purpose of getting them to embrace Christianity. To Jews for J this book will now become the Jewish Rabbinical textbook urging embracing Yoshke as an authentic Jew, urging us to be inspired by him, G-d forbid.
When one writes claiming to pen his writings as an Orthodox Rabbi, and it can mislead the ignorant and the vulnerable, heaven forbid, he must be ostracized for their sake alone. It’s not the derech of Chabad to eject their fellow Jew, yet there are those rare times when it appears as an obligation to do just that.
Please G-d; protect Klal Yisroel from the dangers that stem from the outside as well as those that stem from people claiming to be from within.
For all of you that continue to HARASS and rebuke Shmuely without good intentions should know you are breaking a major halacha that is seen with cardinal importance: The act of publicly embarrassing a fellow yid. He wrote a book, that is what he does. Nor will he stop from all your negative comments. He reminds me of Yaakov avinu, ironically that is his hebrew name. Yaakov embraced the secular world with open eyes. Not to try a new way of life but to interact and try to communicate with them. All of your reprimands want Shmuely to stop interacting… Read more »
KOL HAKAVOD RABBI
21 Teves 5772 Sholom U’Brochoh, Regarding the recent controversy surrounding a book released by Shmuley Boteach titled ‘Kosher J’, I am writing this letter to express my authoritative view in response to those who have sought my opinion on the matter. While it is not normally my style to write letters of condemnation, having read the book, I feel it poses a tremendous risk to the Jewish community and therefore imperative to state my halachic opinion that it is forbidden for anyone to buy or read this book or give its author a platform in any shape or form to… Read more »
BOTEACH SEEKS TO LEGITIMISE THE NEW TESTAMENT LEHAVDIL, AND YESHU LEHAVDIL, ON PAR WITH TENACH AND NEVIIM. HE HAS CLEARLY LOST HIS SPIRITUAL AND CHABAD COMPASS IF NOT HIS MIND!!!!!
Shleping his family with him. He thinks that demonizing Chabad will help him. Too many have tried and failed. He will end up in dustbin of history of an opportunist who failed to convince anyone of his importance and grandeur other than himself. Kel Mole Rachmim
Sadly, the real tragedy here is for Shmuley’s poor family. We can laugh and forget about this brilliantly immature attention-seeker, but they have to live with him, and the disgrace that has become his legacy. It would have been very good if the publication of this stupid book could have been stopped, but now that it’s out there, the best thing for Chabad to do is to just ignore the book and its author – certainly not to dignify him with any debate or recognition. Yasher koach to Rabbi Wolf for taking a stand, and now let’s all get back… Read more »
It seems to me that Shmuley is taking advantage of the fact that today’s Christians are not out to exterminate as like today’s Muslims are…therefore he wants to befriend them as our “allies.” While we may appreciate the fact that Christians today (for the most part) don’t want to exterminate us, that doesn’t mean we should compromise our position that Yoshke was an apikorus who rebelled against the Sages (as stated in our Gemorrah). It would be better if Shmuley continued his campaign against Muslim hatred, that alone unites Jews and Christians without resorting to pandering to the Yoshke worshipping.
We are permitted to hate apikorsim so I’ll say it: I hate you.
This is nothing to debate. We live according to Shulchan Aruch. There is no room for boich sevoros. Rabbi Wolf is not a layperson; he is a community manhig charged with educating al pi taharas hakodesh and is a Talmud Chacham. Everything must be done in accordance with the system the Rebbe set up. The Rebbe said in the sicha of the yid that told the Tzemach Tzedek “bo nechshav bchesbono shel oilam” that time that in the post Gimmel Tammuz takufa we should ask questions we would have otherwise asked the Rebbe to a bais din, vos besser a… Read more »
couldn’t have put a better post on this subject. As the rebbe said it is definitely an illness were one believes he is healthy.
I think it beneficial to transcribe here part of what the Rebbe writes in אג”ק ח”ב דף ר”א . This provides all-around clarification why Yidden rejected יש”ו in spite of anything that SB or others can write about J and the closeness of his messages to Yiddishkeit. For those who don’t understand the original Hebrew, the upshot is, that the original Christians were Jews, who for the most part, kept Torah and Mitzvos. But the sages of the time saw the idolatry (which is not specified, but not relevant either – my comment) interwoven in their behavior as something that… Read more »
I have heard of you being a Rabbi to famous non jewish rock stars, and all kinds of things. I have not heard about any soup kitchens, any chesed projects, anything else of chesed but I have heard of high profile endeavours. Plus the fact that it seems that you {arrogantly, so it seems} have decided what you think that Chabad must do. Which sets up more than a red flag. You really have overstepped your bounds, you really have gone past borders which should never have been crossed. You have shocked and hurt the Rebbe’s chassidim, who love HaShem… Read more »
to # 201
thankyou GREAT POINT. Now that is a man who really was given over and people felt that he was genuine and given over to the cause. Nobody felt that it was money or fame, they felt that he was devoted as a Jew to HKBH’s children. Great, great point.
No morals?
SB comparing rabbi wolf to spitting on an 8 year old kid? just because rabbi wolf has some valid arguments against this book? you can argue is who is right, but drawing such comparisons? calling rabbi wolf an extremist for daring to argue with “america’s rabbi”?
whose morals are totally out of whack?
shmuel boteach I cant believe it, god help him!!!
See the Rebbe’s response here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhvEVPGgseY&feature=player_embedded
I was an old friend of Shmuley when he was learning in Israel. He use to try to convert me to Lubavitch (Shmuley think rechov habucharim thursday nights, went up north together, same ancestry etc..) Always told him that one day he would do crazy things…
If you would actually read some of the points made, you’d be silenced. Here are some of the unavoidable points made: יש”ו the name ישו comes from the Talmud which is “rashey tevos” of, ימח שמו וזכרו If the Talmud did not find any thing Kosher about J. im sure Rabbi Boteach, cant…. “בערב הפסח תלאוהו לישו הנוצרי. והכרוז יוצא לפניו ארבעים יום: ‘ישו הנוצרי יוצא ליסקל על שכישף והסית והדיח את ישראל, כל מי שיודע לו זכות יבוא וילמד עליו’. ולא מצאו לו זכות ותלהו בערב הפסח” (סנהדרין מג. בחסרונות הש”ס). Somone who fought missionaries I am not HKBH… Read more »
Rashi father was prepared to give up everything to not benefit from j’s religion.Its simple dont benefit and sell a book to benefit from j.
Thank you Rabbi Wolf for standing up against a dangerous mistake
I read a Sefer called Rambam who paskens Hil A”Z 2;2 that it is forbidden to read seforim that turn ayid in the wrong direction. Safek gadol if this adds any yiras shomayim.. Yesodo is defending Yoshko.. Hepech Rambam’s yesod hayesodos leida sheyesh sham matzoi Rishon . Let a Rov Pasken that its mutar to read this book!!!
1, Why is it neccessary to read the whole book to say that it’s title is apikorsus?
2, concerning the ‘reclaiming of yoshke’ in order that the goyim will like us, ״הלכה עשו שונא את יעקב״, as far as i remember, עשו predates yoshke…
3, even christians who share the same religion hate each other
and we will buy ur book (or so u think!)….
SB is greedy ,without a conscious!
Rabbi wolf u restore my faith in rabbonim!
You write “No one is successfully reaching out to these lost neshamas and bringing them back to yiddishkeit.” This is a huge slap in the face to Rabbi Bentzion Kravitz (a Lubavitcher BTW) and the organization he founded many years ago, Jews for Judaism, which is devoted exactly to this problem, and of which the Rebbe was very supportive.
No proper Jew would feed a ham sandwich to another Yid saying its a kosher turkey….. Nu Ma Nishtana? to feed minds of innocent Neshmos subjects that may mislead… to say we must reclaim J as a our precious brother Rac”l…….. Hepech kol hatorah??? Lethar Sheretz Bkuf nun Taamim
he has bigger fish to fry and an audience far beyond a few chevra in C”H who disagree with him…. He is getting an autogarph and sinage with the Pope himself. Hot er eich Ale in bod…… Enough big rabbonim voiced opinions against him. Nu its his parnoso.. and he has his own agenda…… The bigger issue why only he can reach such a big audience wher are the more balanced talents and voices who can charter a more disciplined road in either debating him or reaching out in a similar fashion….???
Imanuel shochet also said he was moshiach
and show me one place in halacha where its apikorsus to say these words i am moshiach.
he was just confused and wrong
Have you read the book?
SB has on his TV show Shalom…. Hugged and shaked hands with other women. How anyone in the frum velt can still accept or stand by such a person who publicly (no less than on a Tv show viewed by thousands of people) disgraces any part of Torah. This is just his going further and further away from Torah. The truth must be spoken about all the things against Torah he has done thus far and I mean not privately but in the most public way.
as a non-Lubavitcher I am pleased to see the condemnation within Lubavitch for this book.
The Arizal says that just looking at a cross is a major pgam-einayim. Can you imagine what he’d say about the cover of Shmuley’s book, Yoshke’s pierced hand from the crucifixion?
The title of the book alone is enough to make one shudder. The goyim are going to have a field day: “See? Even an Orthodox ‘hasidic’ rabbi admits that J is kosher.”
For years I’ve been teaching my children to avoid Mr. Shmuely Boteach and his writings. We also distanced ourselves from anyone who spread his garbage. Then, shockingly, his name started cropping up at Chabad venues. I couldn’t believe that Chabad was endorsing this man. This is a man who openly hugs fremde women etc. So now some Chabad Rabbis have been proven wrong. Our Torahs teachings are constant. Now wishy washy. If a Rabbi represents the Torah, he cannot be a hypocrite. Our Rebbe taught us Torah and did not change his mind about his teachings one, ten or even… Read more »
BH With respect to you I’d like to ask you a few questions. But first let me say that I enjoy a lot of your books, articles, talks, etc. And as a Shliach they have been of great help. Thank you. 1. You say that Rabbi wolf wrote a “vicious attack” against you. But what you wrote in response hardly seems to be any kinder. Moreover, I have found that you have been “viciously attacking” so many other with whom you disagree, e.g., Chief Rabbi J Sacks, Dr Laura and many others. Do they not deserve the same respect? 2.… Read more »
A chossid,shaliach,world class mechanich takes time from his busy schedule to stand up for whats right, when no one else is prepared to make a public stand.. Thank you Rabbi Wolf just like you go out of your way for our kinderlach, for whats right ,for whats normal and according to Schulcan Oruch- Hashem will do the same for you and your precious family!!!!!!!!
There are so many shluchim in debt to this true chossid, who deeply cares about our Rebbes kovod!!!!!!!!
Gleaned from different articles and with quotes of his own: “To understand why Shmuley Boteach is one of the world’s most prominent rabbis, you do not have to pore over learned Talmudic disputations (he isn’t known for his erudition) or attend a Sabbath service (he hasn’t led a congregation of his own for several years). You simply have to scan the dedication to one of his latest books, Dating Secrets of the Ten Commandments. “To Michael,” it reads, “who taught me of humility.” “…”Dr. Ruth with a yarmulke,” he approaches self-promotion with religious fervor. As he told one reporter, his… Read more »
It’s horrific for Collive to not permit Rabbi Boteach’s to defend himself. I am outraged! He penned two excellent responses that you refuse to publish, but allow someone to unfairly, callously attack him. This is reprehensible.
http://www.algemeiner.com/2012/01/10/responding-to-attacks-on-kosher-jesus/
In 2008 he debated with Messianic Jewish leader Michael L. Brown on whether belief in J is compatible with Judaism.[14] Boteach said his objective was to return to the fold Jews who had converted to Christianity, but the debate raised the ire of many British Jewish leaders. Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet, a leading British orthodox rabbi, said Boteach’s attempts to reach out to Messianic Jews were “self-delusional. Indeed, I question whether Rabbi Boteach has brought even one Jew involved in Christianity back to their roots through his debates, and suggest that it is little more than image and soundbite. I would… Read more »
WE DON’T LEARN ON NITEL NACHT. WHY? One must assume the Rebbe never met American evangelicals with $100 million for Israel (and a bit for Shmuley) If they had they could have made major fabrengens on nittul nacht to celebrate the birth of the tzadik Yoshke pandrich Rachmono litzlan!!!! Shmuley – you answer the question: Would you give the book to the Rebbe? if you won’t answer that – shut up! Halachicly one may not even say ‘his’ name aloud even if it is others who made him into a deity.”Shem elohim(chol) acherim lo sazkiru LO YISHOMA AL PICHO“ You… Read more »
You sweet sheltered Rabbi. I’m sorry you embaressed Chabad by showing how close minded your leaders can be. It is this penchant to stay in the dark that has caused many problems.
“what happened to the adage ‘don’t judge a book by it’s cover'” dude, you state a line later that looking at both articles, SB is a better writer. “but what happened to the adage etc.”! In this case We don’t judge based on how it’s written rather what is written. this is not a school assignment
To the outside world this book is actually a kiddush. H
If its soo damaging
Y then are soo many great ppl respected arround the secular wider Jewish world soo supportive
Maybe to u its apikursus
To mainstream Jewry this goes a long way towards educating the world about y Jews reject j
I am not HKBH and I dont know Shmuely Boteachs intentions but I can say this ; the jews for j adherents teach the same thing J Yimach Shmo was a jew who practiced judaism etc they take it one step further he is the mesiah .You cant argue with them your only hope is to reach somone attending their service who is still not fuly comited and convince him or her through well prepared counter arguments.to leave.The missionaries will use Shmuelys book as a steping stone to convince unsuspecting Jews of the jewishnes of J and ensnare them .… Read more »
They can write on his tombstone as one of his accomplishments “A defender of Yoshka Pandrik” I would hope than SB is careful about Cholov Yisroel. As Cholov Akum is Metamtem HaLev VeHamoach. Perhaps that is why he sees nothing wrong with writing this book or it’s title.
#148, interesting.
At least you give us food for thought which appeals to the intelligence. Most of the comments here are just people letting loose without much control……which if anyone lerns Tanya they can explain to us what that says.
176 comments lekan ulekan… as the Talmud says Rabi Meir learned from Elisha?? hayitachen ela mai? Tocho ochal Kliposo zorak… let all take what they want reject all some or nothing… Haresus Nesunah… V’ein d’eosahem Shavos…
I was thinking that this issue is neither one way or the other, maybe theres a little truth in what each side is saying….but some people are SO one way, and some are SO the other, that there has to be one of them is more emes than the other. This is upsetting, but somehow someone doesnt know what they are doing and the truth has to come out eventually. Personally, I think that Boteach, who prides himself on his intelligence, is not an insider. he may value Chabad and the Rebbe, but somehow something doesnt seem like he is… Read more »
The big wigs among us embraced him for his connections and money, we created the monster and we need to speak up for once and for all
This is positively absurd. All this hoopla based on a silly title– whatever happened to the adage: “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover”. ??!??!! Based on the photos of Rabbi Wolf and Rabbi Boteach my vote is for: Let’s face it, Rabbi Boteach—–has a nicer tie, neater beard, he’s better groomed AND– After reading both editorial and response…. Rabbi Boteach IS INDEED a BETTER writer than Rabbi Wolf. Honestly,I wasn’t actually intending to BUY the book but after all these posts I simply MUST buy this book–and as a frum Jew it is difficult for me to pay full… Read more »
Action must be taken against sb and other shluchim should see that he is chutz of the onan. Lubavitch must go back to its core not made up garbage that seems kosher and popular.
According to our esteemed SB [SON OF Business]we can all enjoy kosher passages of his 20 books and you wont have to worry that you indeed learnt Torah.
If SB isnt stopped many wanna be famous “rabbis” will begin their crusade for stardom.
It begins small , veering away from core shlichus, like protesting Tommy Friedman and the like and it nebach ends in tragedy.Hashem should save us.
I agree with 100% whole heartedly with Rabbi Boteach, he is 100% on the money regarding the Jewish J, its time for the Jewish People to retake their lost brother and bring him back to Judaism ” baal teshuva”, whether you like it or not J is 100% JEWISH, just as I am!
Sb please renounce your evil ways, it is such a waste of your talents.Sb go into business just please stop with the jewish stuff .
the name ישו comes from the Talmud which is “rashey tevos” of,
ימח
שמו
וזכרו
If the Talmud did not find any thing Kosher about J. im sure Rabbi Boteach, cant….
“בערב הפסח תלאוהו לישו הנוצרי. והכרוז יוצא לפניו ארבעים יום: ‘ישו הנוצרי יוצא ליסקל על שכישף והסית והדיח את ישראל, כל מי שיודע לו זכות יבוא וילמד עליו’. ולא מצאו לו זכות ותלהו בערב הפסח” (סנהדרין מג. בחסרונות הש”ס).
Until the Shluchim & heads of Merkos come out against him and this treif, they have lost all our respect.
151 – LOL. Shmuley and ethical are antonyms.
A non-response from the Chabad leadership is what is needed – along with a clear, private or public, statement to him and to any shaliach who has contact with him that his status is exactly what it was when he was fired at Oxford.
For us, he is best ignored.
MR BOTEACH
EVERYONE KNOWS WHAT J’S NAME REALLY WAS
*149
YOU ARE AS CRAZY AS BOTEACH IS…….
WOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH FOLKS……..IS THIS BLOGGING FRENZY TRYING TO BEAT THE MATTISYAHU BEARD BLOGGING NUMBERS……GET A LIFE!!
SO HE’S CRAZY WITH TIME ON HIS HANDS….THAT DOESNT JUSTIFY THE BITTUL TORAH AND MOITZOI SHEMROH AND LOSHON HORAH BEING SPEWED HERE…..
HIS TITLE OF HIS BOOK WAS A SIMPLE MISTAKE BY THE PRINTERS….IT SHOULD HAVE READ “KOSHER CHEESES”
Mayber SB is trying to encourage all chritians to convert to Judaism since their J was such a good and loyal orthodox Jew?
Wow! Wouldn’t that be something? The world-wide jewish population may even outnumber the muslims. Oh, wait, if SB rites a book on Kosher Islam, then the muslims may want to convert to Judaism and then … the majority of the world will be Jewish…SB is on a mission to convert the world to Judaism!!
Because his name is NOT kosher! How can anyone be ok with a title that Yidden shudder to pronounce? So yes, the book is an abomination in spite of the “jewels” supposedly contained therein. As far as reading the book. Would you if you knew it is ossur min haTorah? Sefer Hachinuch parshas Kedoshim tells us: אל תפנו אל האלילים means you may not speak or think about iidolatry. How can a book that deals, in various segments, with notions within idolatry be a permitted read? This is Biblically prohibited! The stated purpose of the book does not undo this… Read more »
Thank you Rabbi Wolf for having the courage to do what so many more should be doing!
Any ideas for the next book: perhaps ‘Kosher Pork’ will do
Fundamentally, Jews have the duty to ask themselves: Do we really profit by shunning a Jewish patriot who fought and died for our freedom? J certainly was one of the most famous Jews that ever lived. Should he be forever lost to his people?
ASK YOURSELVES PEOPLE: Can you defend this? Is there any Jew in the world who recites Mode Ani every morning that would utter this nonsense or rather Blasphemy?
This is heresy at its best.
I remember a debate in London years ago. It was on his previous book Kosher –. Yitzchok Shochet debated him and wiped the floor with him. I still smile when I see Shochet tearing pages from the book when quoting from it. Ironically his ather Rabbi Dr Immanuel Shochet would be the perfect person to wipe the floor with Boteach on his Kosher J. Sadly he is unwell. But I wonder if unwell enough to write a response. That would send jitters down Boteach’s spine. Meanwhile Chabad as a whole has a moral obligation to distance themselves from him. I… Read more »
Why didn’t he call the book “Could J Actually Have Been Kosher?”
Less limelight – but less misleading – assuming his intentions were sincere.
Even if theoretically the book was completely accurate, it’s horrifying to think of the potential this gives to groups like Jews for J to ensnare ignorant Jews. For that reason alone the book should be condemned by everyone.
If his defense is that onloy the title is apikorsus, in order to sell more copies yet you must crack open the book to get to the non – heretical parts, why not just put graphic non tznius imagery on the cover and that will sell more copies? It’s all alright if the inside of the book is kosher, right?
I read it on PDF file I received. It is full of Apikurses. The theme and spirit of the Book is for Yidden to embrace the true JC and his teaching. I am running to Nobles to buy a copy of the New Testament. No forget it, there is a Church down the block, I can get it for free.
Kudos to Rabbi Wolf. The Chabad leadership may respond in three weeks from now. You did the right thing.
A fellow Shliach
If that is so, why don’t we call Yoshke Rabbi Yoshke? He got smicha as well prior to falling off the deep end.
The only thing accurate remark made by Rabbi Wolf was “I am no spokesman for Orthodox Jewry or for Chabad.”
Shmuley Boteach is probabley the most ethical human being to exist!!
rabbi boteach, one day bh this community will appreciate the rebbes work that you do…. for now chaval on there missed opportunity… you are a very brave chussid
Shmuley Boteach’s recent book has caused a lot of commotion in the online Lubavitch world, and I just wanted to make a few clarifications regarding this matter. First off, Shmuley has a very thorough understanding of Christianity and has been involved with numerous activities and debates, all aimed at showing that only through the torah way of life can a person live in accordance with the truth, and that Christianity is a false religion. After years of working in this field, Shmuley realized that he could compose a book that would contain all the insights he discovered in regards to… Read more »
people get a grip—How can any of you sheep condemn a book simply because the title is a little provacative?! Get a LIFE!!! An educated person would READ the book before coming out with OUTLANDISH statements. Rabbi Boteach is a prolific writer and a gifted speaker. AND–nobody is FORCING you to read or purchase. BH we live in a country where we are FREE to express ourselves. If you don’t like it go live in Beit Shemesh with the Chareidi lunatics that taunt and spit at little girls for going to yeshiva.
I agree 100 percent with Rabbi Wolf.
People have no morals anymore. For Goodness sake, the man is a Rabbi. Someone called him MR. Boteach, that did not go unnoticed. Just because someone has a difference of opinion does not mean he is wrong. He is a Jew, and a human being, and therefore should be judged with respect, as should Rabbi Wolf. Once again, people have nothing better to do than to lambaste him and spew hatred….sheesh, man, read the book and then say something. For those who say that they cannot read such garbage, then neither should the mouth talk as such. Oh, and for… Read more »
the nerve of you to claim to represent the chicago community with your derogatory words of a most respected figure in our community!
no, I am not tired of Rabbi Wolf. I am grateful to Hashem every day that our community has a role model such as he, for our children.
I guess some of the ad hominmen attacks are those Chicagoans who Rabbi Wolf distanced himself from many years ago. They finally have a forum to vent their frustrations with Rabbi Wolf. The main frustration is that Rabbi Wolf is principled and will not allow the wrong thing to happen under his watch. He has done what needed to be done in Chicago. I hope those that need to take a stand in whatever situation learn from Rabbi Wolf’s courage.
Stop whining about ‘Judging a Book by Its Cover’. Puhlease!! Are you that naive?
Boteach chose this title for his cover; chose it because it would create controversy.
You can’t call a book Kosher J and expect people not to have a horrible allergic reaction. Do you know your Jewish history?
On top of all that, Boteach has certainly taken the term “kosher’ and made it treif.
This is sick!!!! Yeshu is avodah zarah mamash!!!
If u buy the book and read it you may as well buy a golden necklace with a tzelem cross of j and wear it while enjoying the book!
As well u may eat chazir as j claimed that none of the laws of torah need to be followed.
Sb needs to be ostracized you have no idea how many yidden will now accept j go to church all because sb wanted more kavod and money!
Do u know how many jews were Burned!!! So not to accept j
His quote to Haaretz speaks for itself. I don’t think you need to be a genius to realize he crossed the line BIG TIME! All those defending him are doing so under the guise of Ahavas Yisroel. Have some ahavas Yisroel for the thousands of Jews that will be confused by Rabbi Shmuley and c”v have a machshava tova and a machshava she’ll avoda zara r”l.
For a yid to believe in J is Avoda zara. So even though RSB doesn’t he will unwittingly cause many to subconsciously change their views on J.
If a flashy title is not indicative of a book’s contents why use it? Any intellectually honest reader will want the titles of the books s/he reads to reflect the books’ contents, otherwise the titles are akin to misleading advertisement. I, for one, don’t know or care what Shmuly Boteach thinks or doesn’t think of J, but I’m certainly not going to read this book just to verify whether he really meant to say what the title implies he meant to say. There are times when the use of sensationalism just “ain’t ” kosher. It’s that simple.
This book isnt written for yidden, it’s written for goyim to stop anti-semitism.: it tells them that all the good J. stood for was from us…..
You used to have intelligent leaders. No more. Good luck.
Shmuli.. you wrote Moses of Oxford, Private Adam, Ten commandments of dating just to name a few.. all great works!! Iz vos hut dos oisgefelt??? Even a secularist as S, Wylen entitled his book Jews in times of J… letting others decide how kosher he really was????
Go to Amazon.com. Look at “Surprise Me.” And you’ll see — this book isn’t written for you and me; it’s not written for Jews. You’ll see that it’s written for non-Jews, and tells them that nothing Yoshke said is original — that it’s all from the Torah, from us, and they should be given Yidden a lot more credit for their “own” spirituality. Far from turning Jews away from Yidishkeit, this book will turn non-Jews away from anti-antisemitism. But good for you for judging a book by its cover
i hear a shliach is bringing him out for a shabbos
cant chabad get their act together?
I used to respect you. No more. I’ve lost in almost everyone I’ve used to trust.
You are amazing !!!! Every word you say is true !!!!!
Thank you for your true words
What would Reb Levi Yitzchock of Barditchev say?
See http://www.jewishjournal.com/rob_eshman/article/lord_shmuley_20120104/
You are protesting defamation, while defaming yourself. Why do you imagine that all these comment are being written by men? There are many intelligent, well-read women who also have opinions. Or is that not Kosher with you? Paint it as you wish, this is not a Chabad issue at all. This is an issue of concern to the Jewish people as a whole. When a rabbi pens a book whose title is inflammatory and highly controversial, he needs to be able to take it, or he shouldn’t dish it. Arguably, this is one of the most damaging books ever written… Read more »
Was initially supporting shmuly but you each wrote thought provoking well put comments which made me change my mind. Thank you.
Imagine if Shmuley Boteach would pass by the Rebbe for Dollars and present the Rebbe with his book (dittos with his previous books).
Can we judge Christianity if we never read the new testament?
I bet you daven On California and pratt!
he would have a million muslims running after him
once and for all clarify what relationship if any boteach has to chabad and to the shluchim
i meant that i support rabbu wolf’s opinion more…
you inspired me to not judge until i read the book just ordered it on amazon
on the one hand, if you didnt read the book, you have no idea what he’s talking about, and cant really judge based on the cover. on the other hand, the title alone is against everything we lubavitchers have learned and been practicing since we were young children. each side has a point, and is completely right in those merits. however, rabbi wolf may have this opinion, as do many others, but i dont think he should make it this public. after all, he IS a fellow jew, no matter what others may say. in a way, i support his… Read more »
Let us start collecting for his legal bills to defend an lawsuit for Libel and Defamation of SB. He will need a good lawyer and he will need LOTS of money for legals!!
I think he should add to his list Kosher Mohamed to get back all kids trapped in muslim homes and reagin thier yiddiskeith as some people will believe that Schmuly is doing “outreach to Jews for J” don’t defend stupidity and have a little finger of intelligence, he said I am upset for people in America not mentioned J to not upset Jews, therefore is saying: I am upset that Christians are trying to respect Jews. Also don’t be delusional, Christians support Israel because they are waiting the 2nd coming of his messiah. Also if this book insults J why… Read more »
you all didnt read the book, because like most chabad men, especially ones who grow up in CH, you were not taught to read or write…figures you would rush to such a judgment with nary a proof…this really shows the utter ignorance and stupidity that plagues lubavitch
to 22
and who exactly is mister boteach?
if we believe that yoshke existed its only b/c of the refrences of him in rambam or gemara, in the rambam it says that he was killed by the sahnhedrin yes that means he was a rasha.
While I dislike Shmuely Boteach for his self aggrandizement and silly comments, I disagree with ostrecizing somone for a book they wrote without reading the book.
Why Rabbi Wolf the dean of a cheder felt it his achrayus to speak out about Shmuely Boteach is a little strange.
So, perhaps someone will read the book and then decide if it is really apikurses. A flashy title is not neccesarily indicitive of its contents.
WHO’S JACK?!?!?!?!?!?!
Come on! Everybody dont be so ridiculous! Whats the problem with the book, i dont see nothing bad in it…
Before was Matisyahu’s beard and now this book…
We have to stop to see all the bad in all the things!
And i dont see the “dangerous” of this book so….
I will read the new book of Shmule Boteach 🙂
the rebbe trusted rabbi emanuel shochot with this kind of stuff why dont we get his opinion and as chabad he can be trusted on this matter
good one
yes, the title alone, and boteachs few words are CERTAINLY ENOUGH TO CONDEMN! DONT BE BLIND!!
who-ever wants to read the book then read it and if you don’t want to read it don’t
You write : I love how everyone who puts “Rabbi” or “shliach” in their title becomes an authoritative voice on all things Judaism. I’m also a “Rabbi” and “shliach.” So what? Am I understanding that you, Rabbi Anonymous, and Shliach Anonymous, have a different opinion about this issue? You do not agree that this should be totally condemned? Rabbi Wolff had the courage of putting his name to his statements. Why are you not writing your name? why are you hiding? Let us all know who does not deserve to be called a Rabbi and who with such “Hashkofos” is… Read more »
I would love to hear what Rabbi Emmanuel Schochet , who is an expert in this, has to say !!!
youre all a bunch of ignoramuses. this is the true true chillul lubavitch. read the book, for Gds sake. and then spew your moitzie shaim roh. who do you think you are?!
When he wrote the most disgusting, loathsome things about the great Jonathan Sacks. I used to like Shmuely’s articles, but after his attacks on Sacks, which were unclassy and below the belt, I lost all respect. I was hoping that the Sacks thing was a mistake, but now I realize that Shmuely is on a great big path to fame. With Michael Jackson gone, he adopted America’s next big idol, J. He certainly gained lots of press, but he lost my respect. Perhaps because he is Iranian he does not have the understanding what torture and loss the Jewish people… Read more »
Rabbi yeshar koach, for you suport for chabad and the rebbe
rabbi wolf has an upstanding record, he is thoughtful and accountable, makes no rash or impulsive moves. and what more, “ehr veis vi tzu tohn a tayveh fahr ah tzveytehn”.
What is needed is a well penned response to this book by someone of great scholarship on this topic both from the Torah perspective and the knowledge of lihavdil Christianity.
Someone like Rabbi Jacob Immanuel Schochet should write up a well explained response with good sources refuting the book.
Besides Rabbi Jacob Immanuel Schochet great knowledge on the subject, he also has I believe answers and direction from the Rebbe of how to go about this topic correctly and effectively.
That is the only way to respond to a book like this!
I condemn Wolf for being a square person, all of us in chicago had enough of his garbage.
I did not read this article I dont know what he condemns or why he does, I just read the heading of this article and that is enough! A Jew dosnt condemnd other jews!
It is the obligation of all Lubavitchers to condemn this man and be excommunitcated. He undoubtedly has caused a serious chillul Hashem. This book could cause unsuspecting secular Jews to go in the the ways of the Jews for J. Oh, G-d, please have rachomonus on Klal Yisroel and bring Moshiach NOW.
Why is anyone surprised. Smuuley debated a messianic -Jewish/Christian missionary at an event in Montreal sponsored and advertised by the notorious missionary group Jews for Jesus. This is absolutely forbidden by Halacha and directives of the Rebbe. What makes things worse is that it appears that Shmuley took money from Jews for Jesus as payment for his participation.
your really funny.
————————————————-
U’BIARTO HARA SHEBEKIRBECHO.
Col and all the rest of us should distance ourselves from this man, no more fancy party’s no more inviting this man to talk at chabad houses.
He was thrown out of his shlichus for a good reason.
And all the fancy suits that surround him when he comes to CH, what are you doing? you should be ashamed to be seen with him.
He’s an ehrilicher yid people can trust. He is a humble man who doesnt act based on others’ opinion. And I’ll take the opportunity to include his wife in this as well. I’m honored to have my children attend the cheder he runs.
Even if the entire book only spoke about how Yoshke was a sheigets and up to no good etc (which it is not), eve then this book would be posul due to its despicable title. And to those who say “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover” misunderstand that statement. that statement refers to the niceness or otherwise not attractiveness of the cover itself of a book. A title on the other hand is more than just a cover it represents and indicates a nature of a book. Boteach crossed a red line with this titled. He should be banned… Read more »
“But the book is also for Jews who remain deeply uncomfortable with Jesus because of the Church’s long history of anti-Semitism, the deification of Jesus, and the Jewish rejection of any Messiah who has not fulfilled the Messianic prophecies. We Jews will forever reject the divinity of any man, the single most emphatic prohibition of our Bible. And we can never accept the Messiahship of any personality, however noble or well-intended, who died without ushering in the age of physical redemption. But as Christians and Jews now come together to love and support the majestic and humane Jewish state, it’s… Read more »
Boruch Hashem for Rabbi Wolf Shlita….. WHERE IS AGUACH? WHERE IS MERKOS? TO STOP THIS GUY????!!!! HAVE WE NOT LEARNED OUR LESSON FROM THE GETCHKE MATT WHO INTRODUCED RAP REGGAEE OR WHATEVER TUMAH TO OUR KIDS PLEASE SEE RABBI LEVI GOLDSTEIN ARTICLE IN BAIS MOSHIACH WHAT THE REBBE SAYS ABOUT NEGINAH… BOTEACH IS JUST ANOTHER SMART ALEC WHO KNOWS HOW TO MAKE A QUICK BUCK !!!!NOT ONLY SHOULD LUBAVITCH BUT GANZ KLAL YISROEL…. SHOULD TAKE HIM TO TASK RUFF EM ZU A DIN TORAH …NO THIS IS NOT BAIS SHEMESH NO YOU DO NOT HAVE TO READ THE BOOK TO… Read more »
for two long boteach has been allowed to spew his nonsense
it is a shame that chabad allows him a forum anywhere
and shame on those who sponsor his books
we need to keep apikorsus and boteachs nonsense away from a children and are adults
Nice Article im totally with you on this one
…Kosher Pork
…Kosher Hitler
…Kosher Intermarriage
its actually a gemorah in gitin 57a, but who’s counting…it doesn’t say who the person is, and it is a machlokes if bichlal the shas was ever speaking about yoshke…(k’yidua)
but the whole point of the title is for shock and to be judged so yeah judge a book by its cover…
why cant these leaders speak out and give us hadrocha ?
1) Whoever believes that ‘you don’t judge a book by its cover’, has never sold a book. (Recently, even a President was sold by his color.) 2) Not for publicity purposes, is it relevant to mention, that currently my only income, comes from selling my books. The bestselling book (seventh print now, in seven years) is “CODEX JUDAICA – Choronological Index of Jewish History.” For relevance – read on. 3) There is no convincing scientific evidence that J ever lived. My history makes this clear, and this opinion is supported by church scholars (not all, of course.) He certainly was… Read more »
BOTEACH GET LOST!!!! I AGREE WITH RABBI WOLF!
Shunning vs Accepting
Angry vs Patient
Extreme vs Moderate
Insecure vs Content
Is it forbidden to think out of the “box” or have an opinion?
That would be history: vaad rabonei lubavitch actually agreeing on something!
Is Shmuley aware of the “piece of Gemara” in Sanhedrin?
Ich vel dos zogen in Yiddish.
Es shtayt dorten az Yoshke zitzt oif drek in gehinom.
Yetzt zog mir: oib Yoshke iz aza tzadik, farvos zitzt er oif drek?
Yoshke iz geven a Mamzer. Efsher der boteach shtimt foon em?
Do I need to snort cocaine to know it’s addictive? Do I need to fire a gun to know it can kill someone? GET REAL & stop making excuses for an apikorus.
Those misguided people who think Rabbi Wolf should first read the book before judging…why? As any author knows, a catchy title for non-fiction gets the reader interested & reflects the content. His title says it all. In his opinion, he thinks J is KOSHER. I’m nauseated.
this is no pr for him or the book
lets face it, most of the readers here don’t care about this topic and wouldn’t bother touching any of his books…. b”h we have enough seforim to go through before we run out of option and resort to his….
We should b hearing from Rabbanei Lubavitch in the Holy Land & here in Crown Heights 2gether with Lubavitcher Rabbanim around the world. Shmuel Boteach obviously never learned the sugios in shas 2gether with the Reshonim that discuss it. This will not bring yidden closer 2 the Torah. This is a Chilul Hashem & the only way he can do tshuva is 2 stop the printing of this book & whatever was already printed 2 throw them in recycling paper 2 b used 4 something else. If we were 2 recycle it would u b allowed 2 use the paper… Read more »
When the book comes out let the Vaad Rabbonei CHabad buy one copy and ready it and issue there psak accordingly that he not part of chabad and has no affiliation with chabad and his work is Kefira!!!
Shmuley, here are some suggestions to his upcoming books:
Kosher Lies
Kosher Gossip
Kosher Abuse
Kosher Idolatry
Kosher Murder
Kosher Terror
…because a loose canon will shoot whatever is put in. Good, bad, normal or insane. The job of a canon is to shot and Boteach’s job is to blabel away whatever comes to mind
The worst sin in Torah is a M’asis Umadiach. This title can turn many away from Torah. Especially if endorsed by “America’s Rabbi.”
Let us Lubavitchers proclaim load and clear: THIS MAN (Boteach) IS NOT ONE OF US!!!
now you know y they tru him out of oxford
Remove the beam from your own eye before attending to the splinter in your friend’s.
Appropriate here on so many levels.
what a great way to get all those jews in j for j and cristians to come to the torah way,the 7 laws of noach
NOW you can hang your heads in shame!!
i have read his books while some merit praise others are in question. I agree this sounds disturbing.
His ongoing sharp criticisim of men like Chief Rabbi J. Sacks, puts him in a problematic light of an uncontrolable appetite for self fame.
All one needs to do is look at how J was regarded by the rabbis in the Talmud. What did he tell Onkulus? They Called him Poshie Yisroel, and that was only because the censors wouldn’t let them put in YESHU, Yemach Shimo Vizichro.
this is good PR for the book, and sales gonna be sky highhhh -i think this book is an amazing book!!! and great to reach those who are confused. Its not meant for u chabadniks. Seriously
In order to call someone a api kores one needs to be bokei in kol hatorah kuleh..you need big plaitzes to call someone so…”mah dchar shmay”????
im not disagreeing but i love these people whom make big statements on no grounds….state the facts..im not a fan of neither just dont like people whom make statements without facts…or is not qualified to make statements..
did u read the book??????? no offense rabbi, u read the cover and u are saying its apikorses? what exactly is apikorses in it?? I’m sorry i don’t have respect for close minded rabbis, who don’t make the effort to look into what they are claiming against.
first of all, I once read where J told the Jews they did not have to wash for bread and not do other laws. He was Jewish but I would not call him torah abiding, for sure not a patriot.
Thank you very much Rabbi Yitzchok Wolf. I was waiting for that; B”H a Chabad Rabbi Shliach openly says that S.B. is an Apikores.
I would have been much tougher then Rabbi Wolf… because as far as I’m concern S.B. is the real “Mesis umadiach”….and there is a Chiyuv on Rabbonei-Lubavitch to do “Uvi’arto horo mikirbecho”. So again thank you Rabbi Wolf. Bessuros Tovos.
Mr. Boteach
We don’t know what his “teachings” were inasmuch as those were spread by the apostles. So what we have is what is attributed to someone (semi fictional and chronologically dubious) about whom the Gemoro says was sentenced to death by the Sanhedrin, an event so rare that it may well not have occured in an entire generation’s living memory!
This man was one of three jews on whom we say the words Yemach Shemoi yet somehow we are supposed to emulate this person because his legacy was somehow corrupted?
1. If someone would have spoken out when he first started showing signs of delusion of grandeur maybe this garbage wouldn’t have been written. Why did you wait so long?
2. He has used Chabad for years to get his name out (reminds you of a certain musical “talent”, now clean shaven?)
3. He should be in Cherem for the shame he’s brought on the Rebbe & all of Chabad.
I thought he was trying to come back into the fold, I even starting liking him and was becoming a bit of a fan, but this is way to much.
What a shame.
CH another Bait Shemesh?
ANYONE WHO BELIEVES IN YOSHKE OR IN WHAT HE SAID IS A KOFER BAIKAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SAY WHATEVER YOU WANT ABOUT THE COVER OR THE CONTENTS, BUT HE HIMSELF SAID THE BOOK IS TELLING JEWS TO RECLAIM YOSHKE, SO THERE IS NO NEED TO READ IT IN ORDER TO ‘FIND OUT’ IF ITS APIKURSUS OR NOT!
THANK YOU!
Attention. Boteach is an individual who strives for attention from a private simcha to saying outrageous comments in public.
First of all I have read the book and can say that hopefully Jews will read it and it WILL bring them closer to yidishkiet….. About the comments of how much “courage” it takes to say something, Boteach has been criticized for years nothing new. I would like to see a shliach to have the courage to defend him.
its sad to see so many misinformed here….j dint starts Christianity, its was started by his followers many years later……what shmuly writes about is true…..sorry j freaks you out so much but its in our lives, so you dont like the book, move on….
Rabbi Boteach’s book shows that yushke wanted people to keep halacha completely and shows that yushke did not think he was a god, and that the christians rewrote his life story and lied about him. There are 100,000 jews who have converted to christianity in America and no one is successfully doing anything to reach out to them and bring them back to torah. This book could help them return to yiddishkeit. This book is sows christianity is a lie and is a very good tool in anti missionary work.
Pushing the limits!!!!!! Vidal
How many of our ancestors were killed because of j and now some fame hungry ,craving attention insecure person makes j of all things KOSHER?
M aybe next thing shmuelly can make kosher is discoes and a break down o all standards of f tzninus ?
for whoever said to read the book, how can you even think such a thing? how low have we fallen that we, as lubavitchers, would even think about reading something with outright apikorsus in it. Agree totally with 47 – the Rebbe said S Monica should be referred to as such, without using the name of a saint. We are so careful in everything we print – i even read recently that the Rebbe changed the medical symbol on the hatzalah ambulance so the image would not reflect greek religion. How, as upstanding Lubavitchers, can we read even one page… Read more »
Wake up everybody, It’s a whole new world for us out there, Rabbi Boteach is out there on the front lines he does not have the luxury that Rabbi Wolf has to shut out the rest of the world. It’s time for all of us to wake up and smell the coffee.
For centuries we’ve been careful never to even mention the name (J). If orthodox Jews all over the world have that sensitivity, that proves that it’s a strong concept, not to be reckoned with.
To put the name on the cover, so blatantly, and together with the word Kosher, is enough to prove that the book is Apikorsus!! No need to go inside! Thank you Rabbi Wolf for taking a stand, and I hope many other Rabbi’s do the same.
I cannot believe that Shmuely wrote this book with a proper mindset. It does not make sense. I think he is suffering from something, because his latest statements have been bizarre. Sometimes, this may be symptoms of serious illness.
for standing up to some clarity.
dont judge a book by its cover,i personally think i could be a great read
Rabbi Wolf is not the type to jump in on just any issue one sees fit for argument. In this caes, however, if one sees the approach the Rebbe takes on these issues, it is very clear that Rabbi Wolf is 100% right. Look at the Rebbes approach on calling a city with “S” before it either in writing or in speech. That is the reason we have the famous Simcha Monica. To what degree does open mindness reach. It is definitly the cool thing to say “come on give me a break- lets embrace and be tolerant to all… Read more »
some do judge a book by its cover
The reunion was all about money. The holy dollar. A friend of a friend- all in the name of today’s avodah zorah.
Alan Dershowitz writes that “The book might well have been entitled Jesus For Jews”. Couldn’t have said it better.
YOU MAKE ME PROUD
finally someone who speaks the truth!
I am shocked that a Rabbi has no shame to judge so quickly and send out a statement. How and who are you to decide that “this is one of the rare instanes to “Eject” a Jew”??!! give us your qualifications and why we should take your opinion into action? Have you read the book and given a logical, comprehensive, mature review and opinion on the book or are you just going to the press to put someones name down?
How much did Schmueli pay you to make this most horendous statement? Nothing sells books like controversy. You noticed the title (don’t judge a bood by its cover) and what was written second hand. Had you a least gone to amazon and read the table of contents, you would have seen a major section of the book is “WHY JEWS CAN”T BELIEVE IN J.”
Seems you have been duped.
Helloooo?
Let’s be honest. 90% of the people will NOT read the book. They will read the title and the reviews in the media. It is obvious that this is what Rabbi Wolf is addressing and I think he is 150% correct. What he writes in the book and the nuances that he will make is irrelevant. Most of the damage will be done merely by the title and the media reviews and interviews as we already see what Haaretz published. Just wait, this will spiral out of his control quickly. The Jews for Jesus and the christians are going to… Read more »
Distances themself from this person….. and Vaad Rabbonei Chabad should write a letter to everyone that the person is a kofer ( not to ban the book though because that will only increase sales )
Rabbi Wolf just stated just stated he hasn’t read the book, therefore proving he has no idea whats inside it.
I just read the Haaretz article and comments– what Boteach has done is a complete Chillul HaShem. He has no Rav, no Mashpia and clearly suffers from delusions of grandeur and messianic complex. I used to like Shmuely until I was in Israel and turned on the television in my hotel room to discover him on his show with a women who had been recently widowed and he COULDN’T STOP HUGGING HER. He decided that shomer nagiah no longer applies to him. To me, that was the beginning of the end. We cannot trust anything he says or does. Will… Read more »
A Yid cannot speakout against Christianity or Islam without a thorogh study of their religion. If this makes sense to you guys you have totally lost it.
Interesting to see who was at the launch event for Boteach’s new initiative – as pictures were posted on this website.
I have nothing against Boteach personally, it’s the other’s who need to be a little more consistent and stand for Chabad – not $$$. Kudos Rabbi Wolf
However upsetting this book is to some of you, you should know that the content of the book are more upsetting and offensive to christians..
“Kosher Jesus,” Boteach’s first book published in Israel, asserts that because Christians no longer consider Jews to be their enemies, it is therefore time to recognize Jesus as a Torah-abiding Jewish patriot.
“This book is telling the Jews to reclaim Jesus, the authentic Jesus, the historical Jesus, the Jewish Jesus” and to be inspired by his “beautiful” teachings,
if this is the way the paper understood it, how will your regular layman understand it?
Yasher koach Rabbi Wolf for talking up. dont feel threatened by Boteach’s bullying.
His argument would have been much stronger had he said he actually read the book. To publicly call for a fellow Jew to be in Cherem, a little more research is needed before hand if indeed he is to be taken seriously.
Unfortunately, the heads of Lubavitch “kashered” him lately. Thanks for speaking out. Kol hakavod!!!
A few quotes from what Boteach said about the book and that are enough to condemn him:
… is therefore time to recognize J as a Torah-abiding Jewish patriot.
…I could declare myself the messiah right now.
…He regrets that Jews allowed J “to be ripped away from them without even a fight.”
Here is the rest: http://bit.ly/xEdgaD
its about time someone spoke up. i hope chabad will come out offically and condemn this book.
This is from the official description of the book: The book is also for Jews who remain deeply uncomfortable with Jesus because of the Church s long history of anti-Semitism, the deification of Jesus, and the Jewish rejection of any Messiah who has not fulfilled the Messianic prophecies. We Jews will forever reject the divinity of any man, the single most emphatic prohibition of our Bible. And we can never accept the Messiahship of any personality, however noble or well-intended, who died without ushering in the age of physical redemption. But as Christians and Jews now come together to love… Read more »
It don’t matter Christianity,Judaism,Islam,hinduism.
Boteach and his writings are an embarassment! Finally someone saying the truth!
Rabbi Wolf has the courage to make a stand against pure apikorsus.WHERE IS OUR LEADERSHIP?????????????????
Don’t judge a book by–
Darn, how’s it go again?
I love how everyone who puts “Rabbi” or “shliach” in their title becomes an authoritative voice on all things Judaism. I’m also a “Rabbi” and “shliach.” So what?
Go Rabbi Wolf!!! finally a voice of reason in this confused world!
and the chabad/boteach reunion lasted about 1 year. Oh well. Give a finger, take a hand
excuse me, who are you to put a judgement on this book? so its a subject matter you dont like so it should be banned??!!
As Rabbi Woolf so rightly says, the mere ”title” of the book is misleading enough to ensnare and capture the minds and hearts of hundreds of unsuspecting Jews, when approached by anyone merely offering them this book as an ‘introduction’ of whats to come . . . there is absolutely no need to read the actual content of the book, the title will do more harm than imaginable r”l
I think you are missing Rabbi Wolff’s point: He quoted the “title” and the actual words published in Haaretz attributed to SB, the author, regarding this book. Those words, BEFORE READONG THE BOOK, are enough to make this book self-condemnig. And the reason is obvious: The stated reason for this book is to make people understand that Yoshke is fine and he had no intention to what came in his name. The problem is that according to Halocho (Rambam Hil. Melochim) as well as Jewish tradition, this is not so. If the statement the AUTHOR made about the book is… Read more »
“With utter contempt I have read the TITLE (ed: emphasis added) of Shmuel Boteach’s new book “Kosher [Yoshke]”
This is quite possibly the most judgmental, disparaging, close minded statement EVER made on this site.
It’s obscene and unheard of to not only “judge’ but condemn a book by it’s cover.
jews for judaism should follow
You have probably heard the story of the scorpion that convinces a frog to carry it across a river. Halfway across, the scorpion stings the frog, which means both will drown. The frog does not understand; the scorpion explains, “I couldn’t help myself. It’s my nature.” * For the last few years Boteach have been trying to “get back in Lubavitch.” He’s been visiting Crown Heights, writing about the Rebbe and trying to befriend Shluchim and the Chabad leadership (or was it vice versa?) But, he just can’t help himself, and needed to publish a book and made statement about… Read more »
To #6: If the book is indeed apikorsus and avodah zoro as Rabbi Wolf states — and I must say, he’s probably right — then it is forbidden to read it.
Thank you Rabbi Wolf, it is refreshing to see a Shliach who is not afraid of what others will think, and not afraid to say the truth…
The silence is deafening from where we should be hearing an outcry…
“This book is telling the Jews to reclaim J…, the authentic J…, the historical J…, the Jewish J….” and to be inspired by his “beautiful” teachings, as this author and TV show host told Haaretz this week in Jerusalem.
THIS QOTE IS ENOUGH TO HAVE BOTEACH CONDEMNED
Thank you for taking a stand. Be strong, and keep in mind, that “Hamisnable im Menuval…..Be careful, and carry on the good fight!
Who can be surprised by this guy’s latest attempt at attaining fame through shock value.
As was seen by his past books, this person has no limits to what he will write about, no subject is off limits, so that he can pursue his desire of fame and fortune.
What is sad is that he has been accepted into Chabad as of late without any regard to the consequences of this behavior.
It’s time we had some pride in who we are as Lubavitchers, and stop accepting this as ok.
Rabbi wolf, why dont you read the book before you spew your hatred towards Rabbi Boteach…..
Have you even read the book to judge and condemn?
I would bet that you haven’t.
And this should extend to the rest of Boteach’s writings as well. All not ‘Kosher’ !!!
Someone is ready to speak out against an Ocher Yisroel
Thank you for having the courage to speak up.
Finally, somebody willing to take a stand for what’s right!
please G-d protect Klal Yisroel from hate mongers who are so quick to judge and ostracize another Jew – just from reading a “title” of a book.