ב"ה
Thursday, 27 Adar I, 5784
  |  March 7, 2024

What Really Happens at “Shofar”

For the first time, a participant in 'The Call of the Shofar' recounts what happens at the controversial weekend retreats. Full Story

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243 - seriously?
December 28, 2013 10:01 pm

Do we have to explain to you that the term exercise is not only used for kinesthetic action?

Nuts???
December 28, 2013 7:28 pm

Why would anyone ever go to these things???
This is against the Torah!!!!! I agree with all those that say it is avoda Zara !!!

Don't any BT's out there recognize this?
December 27, 2013 3:44 am

Doesn’t this remind you guys of an odd, homogenized mixture of EST, TM, corporate weekend, method acting, deep breathing, vaguely cultish, highly intrusive, cleansing, navel-gazing thing? Eh. Ain chodosh tachas hashemesh.

How much was it?
December 27, 2013 12:39 am

Everyone seems to forget the main question. How much was it?

Follow the money!

LGATs
December 26, 2013 1:45 pm

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

Galua V'Yadua
December 26, 2013 6:24 am

Get ahold of the staff manual and other paperwork. Expose those and the CH people who bought the franchise from Svengali.

ridiculous!
December 25, 2013 5:04 pm

This weirdo has got himself an awful lot of attention! enough!lets get busy with doing something productive, its enough already!

Shmuel G
December 24, 2013 10:15 pm

OMG am I back in the 80’s again??? Please people don’t waste your hard earned $$$ on this childishness! Anyone who’s been to an Ehrhardt Seminar or even a Bnai Brith Hillel Leadership Weekend is familiar with this amateurish touchy-feely nonsense. At best it is fake friendship. At worst IT’S AN INVASION OF PRIVACY! HOW DARE THEY ASK PEOPLE AT THEIR MOST VULNERABLE TO EXPOSE THEIR ISSUES PUBLICLY LIKE THIS! If you have personal problems you must get out of your comfort zone and seek a true friend and wise counsel from someone who will be willing to be like… Read more »

Alright
December 24, 2013 10:08 pm

It’s called a cult serial rapist and others high jobrains need secrets kept so Thay can not only commit crime but use others as we’ll it’s called a predator-or guru then thers the slave-or victem –

some of our biggest rabbis have attended...
December 24, 2013 3:23 pm

and encouraged others to go this alone would be bad enough what’s tragic is their refusal to say “I am sorry, I did not realize and glad to be made aware”
they are bashing the persons who alerted us to the dangers?!?! (shoot the messenger?!)
These rabbis have a tremendous responsibility to say “chatassi” and clear it all up – however if they continue to glorify this place they are truly the devil in disguise. But the devil can’t hide forever.. soif kol soif the emes does come out.

conclusion
December 23, 2013 11:24 pm

This whole experience wreaks of chilul shabbos , avizrayu daavoida zoro, cultism , indoctrination by a guru who gets his inspiration from other cults . All the methods used are not tora based. Its designed to cause addiction to the process itself , which enables to grow based on that addiction. It is a deviation from the masoire in many different ways. Its shocking how any frume yid can associate themselves with such garbage, and especially a lubavitcher chosid. It seems that mashpiim have fallen into the trap and the web of deceit. Lets call a spade a spade. This… Read more »

Cause People Pain So You Can Heal Them
December 23, 2013 10:33 pm

…and charge money for it.

The Devil is in the Details
December 23, 2013 9:09 pm

Lots of fine details are missing.

It’s like saying the only thing that happens at nightclubs, is they serve some drinks and some people dance to some music, that’s it. What’s so wrong?

Chevlei moshiach
December 23, 2013 8:30 pm

This is chevlei Moshiach!!
Ad mosai!
All the Cotskniks look at our warnings as a nisayon a test they have to overcome.
We and all the rabbis are the kilpos in their eyes
Please Hashem. Send moshiach mow

saddened
December 23, 2013 7:05 pm

It is so sad to see snakes and scorpions replacing the waters of chassidus and torah. It is dismaying to see those who are ambassadors for the Rebbe fall into this. This has sadly been a pattern in history when mighty men have fallen and gathered their robes and ran in pursuit of evil. It is heartening to read the responsa and see that their are people with conviction and the right hashkafas to see through this gray murky area and know that these rabbanim who should know better would hang their heads in shame in front of the Rebbe.… Read more »

Why did the "Call of the …" get to so many fine Lubavitchers?
December 23, 2013 6:05 pm

Why so many fine Lubavitchers? Because Chabad Chassidim as a group, are the most advanced in Avoidas Hashem, because they learn and live Pnimiyus Toiras Moshe, (especially Toras Moshe Shebidorenu) and are really on the road out of their personal Mitzraim. Amalek is a klippa that ultimately is a lifeless shell, yet it is a parasite that needs to feed off life from somewhere. Amalek can’t attack a Jew when he is completely in Mitzraim nor can he get to a Jew that is firmly in Eretz yisroel, Amalek can only attack a Yid that is “on the road” going… Read more »

I'm A Mother
December 23, 2013 4:46 pm

mamesh Avoda zara. How can people be so naive. Check out the CEO’s mentors and he shamelessly gets inspiration by Buddhists. this borderlines on Scientology. WEe need our Rabbanim to take a position here and Rebbeim that encourage this should be re-assesed in their current positions

הם לא מתביישים לבזות את הרבי והחסידות הי
December 23, 2013 3:26 pm

קשה להאמין שאנשים האמונים ללמד חסידות נפלו בכת מ
צריך לזרוק אנשי הכת במהירות

הם לא מתביישים לבזות את הרבי והחסידות הי
December 23, 2013 2:38 pm

קשה להאמין שאנשים האמונים ללמד חסידות נפלו בכת מסוכנת
צריך לזרוק אנשי הכת במהירות

Chassidus has everything
December 23, 2013 1:19 pm

Chassidus has everything we need but requires a lot of effort AVOIDA MY Friends, we have to think ,meditate, repeat, many times the concepts that we learn in chassidus, they have to become our nature, the only way is repetition, repetition, thinking ,meditating, morning, during day, night, until they become part of our personality ashgocho protis, Hahem loves you, to love everyone, to be kind, to be courageous, to be happy, this is why we have so many Rebbes pics, we need reminders 24/7 and work on all the good traits 24/7 ,think positives things,just fake it until you become… Read more »

daven farily quickly
December 23, 2013 12:40 pm

“Shabbos morning: get up early (I think it was about 7 AM) and daven fairly quickly.” What kind of Jewish introspection is this? I know we chabad have forgotten how to daven but if you are trying to make a “spiritual program” to help further your yidishkeit don’t you think davening at length is an essential element of that?

Werner Erhard and EST/Forum/Landmark
December 23, 2013 12:17 pm

In 1991, CBS 60 minutes ran an expose on the founder of EST, Werner Erhard (aka John Paul Rosenberg– NOT Jewish, BH), a former used car salesman who took Zen- Buddist ideas combined with some new-agey feel good techniques and created a multimillion dollar scam operation, promising quick fix enlightenment. Most disturbing, “Erhard is accused by family members of beating his wife and children, and raping a daughter, while still giving seminars on how to have relationships that work!” This guy frischling has repackaged Erhard’s cultic practices and rebranded them as something Jewish. This group’s ideas are rooted in Erhard’s… Read more »

Avoda Zorah!!
December 23, 2013 8:57 am

All the Rabeim from the Baal Shem Tov Alter Rebbe until our Rebbe couldn’t come up with these ways of “self improvement”. ‘throw yourself on the floor” and “breath deeply”. or other brain washing hypnostic ways to improve.
ES SHMEKT NISHT GUT.
ZAIT MIR ALE GEZUNT UN SHTARK

Shabbos koidesh
December 23, 2013 8:24 am

is this a way to spend Shabbos koidesh?

Hyperventliation=
December 23, 2013 5:37 am

The hyperventilating should cause enough of a drop in blood oxygen levels to experience an altered state or at least euphoria to go home exhilarated convinced your cured

Now the Rabbonim will send us to REAL doctors!!
December 23, 2013 5:12 am

So if ancient magic is treif, modern science must be kosher! I’d now expect our mashpeim to begin mass administering antipsychotic drugs!

REALITY CHECK
December 23, 2013 3:14 am

So now there are 2 mashpiim from Oholei Torah that are known to have gone as well as one other renowned lecturer/ Rov in CH who seems to be hooked!

Why is there no mention of what happens during the breathing on Sunday like the guys passing out, others screaming etc. all in hypnotic state.

Joshua & Caleb (ben amram...)
December 23, 2013 1:30 am

I herd from a big very big Poisek that the entire thing is 100% Avoida Zara from begining to end! I’m not going to say the name of the Poisek, but believe me that I heard it from him FIRST HAND! OK?! And also, ALL the people that went there came back and were MUCH WORSE fathers and spouses. They were less loving and attentive to their wives, and even after the entire weekend of witnessing how adults carry around “luggage” from childhood, they were LESS caring to their kids and MORE abusive to their kids. SO I THINK THAT… Read more »

Good people - just not Chabad
December 23, 2013 1:20 am

I have nothing against them. Or any religion or belief system. They could do whatever they want. But I do have a problem with claiming their values to be “Chassidus” or “Chabad.” I haven’t found anything like this in all of the Chabad literature, so they cannot claim to be chabad. They could call themselves moshiach, Frankists, Christians, pseudopsychiatry, evidence-based psychiatry, gluten-free-chassidim, Breslev – maybe, and maybe they even are destined to be our saviours. But they cannot claim to be Chabad. In the writing of all 7 Chabad Rabbeim, we don’t have candle lighting forgiveness ceremonies. We don’t have… Read more »

What's wrong?
December 23, 2013 12:36 am

1) We talk in ‘I’, how does this fit for Chosid who is trying to better himself? 2) Friday night we talk about pain? On Shabbos, really? To the best of my knowledge it’s 100% against Halacha. (AR siman 287 & more). 3) Shabbos meal in silence? What’s the source for this in Judaism? For meditation & introspection? How about during Davening? 4) Quick davening? What’s the rush? Isn’t meditating in davening a great time for introspection? 5) Shabbos day cry out our pain? Does anybody know that you are not allowed to cry on Shabbos? Even for Moshiach? Remember… Read more »

attention all cots followers
December 23, 2013 12:34 am

2 points to consider. 1. Live and let live does not mean that everyone has to agree that every choice you have made is for them. If someone feels cots is silly or worse that’s fine. If they want to write an article explaining why they think it’s bad that’s fine too. You are welcome to write whatever you want too. Every live and let live response is coupled with why it’s awesome and why you should go. Cots followers, please understand what live and let live really means. 2. You claim that you have become the recipient of a… Read more »

positive conclussion
December 23, 2013 12:31 am

We all would rather receive all good farbrenegens, guidance, encouragement to grow and improve Directly from our dear Rebbe!

mheira yigoleh amein kein yehi ratzoin!

Conclusion
December 23, 2013 12:10 am

We. Need. Moshiach.
The Yetzer Hara is sneaky and can come dressed up as a very Chassidishe yid too… and then you’re in his grips….
May every COTS brainwashed Neshama find a way out and see the light ASAP.

a thought..
December 22, 2013 11:42 pm

If people find this helpful- good. Sounds cheaper than a weekend in Vegas… For those of us that don’t need this to function – can someone open a kosher bar in CH? At ease some place where a few friends can learn a sicha and have a beer..

from an ffb
December 22, 2013 11:30 pm

Odd that everyone is looking to point fingers at BT’s. From the multiple people I know that have been there only 1 is a BT. The xomments that are cautioning us from real life experiance these are from BT’s who recognize dangerous similiarities from things they’ve seen before before becoming frum. Chabad took a sharp turn some thirty years ago to be almost exclusively focused outward. Why is it such a surprise when we see this result. When we become more balanced with our hashkafahs there will be enough resources spent towards chinuch and chinuch. Then our youth will be… Read more »

Important note
December 22, 2013 11:20 pm

Why the Rebbe didn’t teach us these techniques did he not know about them or did he simply forget to tell us about?????????????
Wake up!!!!!! Its not for us!!!!!! It aint Kosher!!!!!!!f

this is not up to us to decide
December 22, 2013 11:08 pm

one must ask the rav, the yorei shomayim if thisis kosher. it has nothing to do if it stregthened your yiras shomayim or made you a better person, it is all about ” Is this Kosher”. no matter how great or how good we became, this gotta be endorsed by the knowledgeable in the field of halacha

Mankind/ New Warrior
December 22, 2013 11:08 pm

Do ur own research…strikingly similar & frowned upon, to say the least, by other religions!
Classified as cult by various experts (& don’t sell me R’ Hecht sends ppl. To this “parve” cult.
Similar lingo! “Best experience of my life”, “made me responsible for how things go in my life”, exercises to dig deep what shaped my bad experiences on my past….& the list goes on.
This sure is scary how it infiltrated Chabad & so quickly. R”L

MISSIONARIES
December 22, 2013 10:52 pm

treat this program as though run by missionaries, they use clever tactics, clothed in ‘holiness” to brainwash minds against the right path. IF U HAVE GONE make sure you brainwash yourself with the RIGHT people. otherwise u may have sfeikus that can ch”v lead u downhill.

avoda zoro
December 22, 2013 10:47 pm

just repeating from a reputable , very knowlegeable open minded talmid chochom that this is avoda zoro. he seems to know what the next steps in your life will be- and it ain’t positive.
but again, how would our ordinary folk realize this. i wouldn’t blame any of the folk here trying to help themselves however the more learned amongst us should have come out with a statmeent after experiencing this. the big heads of ours should have realized unless they too were never grounded and did not learn enough .

The new Mivtzah Ahavas Yisroel
December 22, 2013 9:58 pm

I was at a farbrengen where the people were disscussing COTS, the maskanah was that Chasiddus is more helpful

But everyone agreed, that anyone that goes there, [that they know of] comes back more sensitive to others!
That is to the credit that people get together in a very real way, THEY ARE TAUGHT NOT TO JUDGE OTHERS HARSHLY, […DAN…. LEKAF Z’CHUS]
that in my opinion talks for itself.

ALL WHO WENT MUST
December 22, 2013 9:52 pm

attend a ‘rehab’. THIS PROGRAM WAS DESIGNED TO WEAKEN ONES KABOLAS OL. (in a sneaky manner of course.) MAYBE ONE OF OUR MASHPIIM CAN PROVIDE A COURSE TO BRING BACK THOSE WHO HAVE R” FALLEN INTO THIS TRAP.

To 219, I was there.
December 22, 2013 9:49 pm

You hit the nail on the head! You could not have put it better! I went with that attitude, almost 2 years ago. and I’ still working on myself. I came back feeling a bit left out that I wasn’t crazy about it, and I did not come home on a high, (like many of the guys I went with). I am just an Aidele guy who is not quick to open up. It sure gave me “insight re what I need to work on” I would also ad that it enhanced my Yiras Shomayim very much, I and many… Read more »

Mashpiim?
December 22, 2013 9:35 pm

What would Reb Nachman Shapiro say about this??

o well
December 22, 2013 9:26 pm

didn’t get a chance to read ALL the comments.

I want to go but
December 22, 2013 9:10 pm

It’s too expensive for me!

Hysteria is hysterical - part 2
December 22, 2013 9:05 pm

What is not being said is that people who went to Shofar are GOOD PEOPLE and good Chassidim. a. Some may have gone because they were dealing with difficult issues and heard that they might find some help there. b. Some may have gone because they felt that they were not truly living up to what it means to be an emmesser chossid. That they can do better. (Some of course went without even knowing what they were going to). What A. and B. have in common is that they went with good motives. Motives of being better people and… Read more »

SHOFAR IN A NUTSHELL
December 22, 2013 9:01 pm

A series of exercises, small workshops and group discussions that get me on an intimate and emotionally conscious level in order to gain a better perspective of my thought, speech and action. To lead a life from the real me and not the me that has been constructed from my experiences. these words may be butchered, hung to dry or tarred and feathered, but i will not let go of my powerful experience. shofar is for me because i am seeking to better myself and not take away from the beautiful, chasidish, positive life i have built. and it is… Read more »

Must watch video!!
December 22, 2013 8:58 pm

An undercover investigation about Landmark/Call of the Shofar, that everyone should watch.

http://www.culthelp.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1243&Itemid=12url

Another mother
December 22, 2013 8:56 pm

Any teachers who attended this narishkeit should be removed from position. We don’t want this tumah anywhere near our kids. We work so hard to raise them in the right atmosphere, it would be such a chutzpah to bring any of this near young innocent neshamos.

Levi Rapoport
December 22, 2013 8:55 pm

I always find that those who criticize it the most need it the most (whether its shofar or any other kind of mental/emotional help)

once you are in
December 22, 2013 8:52 pm

Once you are in, its almost impossible to go out
Everything said against becomes a klipa
This is like RL a new religion, a new sect that can easy infiltrate in Lub ,Moder Orthodoxy,etc
please, Hashem helps these neshamos
WE had enough korbanos with the Yechi, Rebbe G d, with the goers to dollars, shvil, and all those meshugas, we dont need this

Speaking our mind
December 22, 2013 8:37 pm

imagine speaking your mind like you are here in a safe circle of trust with friends. Everything that is being anonymously spoken here feels comfortable and safe to say at a shofar check-in circle.

no quick fix
December 22, 2013 8:36 pm

It’s quick insight re what u need to work on

U quickly learn many useful life skills

The work is up to u
It requires follow through , And commitment

cult
December 22, 2013 8:33 pm

After working in a womens baal teshuva program in Israel, where many of the participants were coming from a background of spiritual experimentation, many of the women described to me these types of exercises that they experienced in programs they said ended up being cults. As soon as I read this there are so many red flags and similarities to the type of programs these women said they attended that after doing more investigation realized they were cults. some got pulled out and some realized it on their own.

RESPONDER #181 etc. etc.
December 22, 2013 8:09 pm

1-apparently not all COTS too busy enjoying life to respond cuz “responder is definitely an alumni & seems to have lots of extra time to respond with brainwashed sounding responses & is too brainwashed to even see that. 2-R’ Hecht only refers people with severe issues to go (which incidentally is NOT most of Lubavitch) so although u encourage everyone to go & improve their “well-being, with spouse, children & friends using “tools” u learnt there…only a select FEW r encouraged to go by R’ Hecht”! For all the average people who seek personal growth as all people, especially Chassidim… Read more »

This is what you get:
December 22, 2013 8:05 pm

when you give your boys no education, no knowledge and understanding of science, psychology, and critical thinking skills. To them it seems logical to say that “go if your psychiatrist sends you”!!!!

Almost all who went have been brainwashed completely there's nobody home to talk to nebach
December 22, 2013 7:51 pm
interesting observation
December 22, 2013 7:49 pm

Is it just me or does there seem to be a certain vendetta against this workshop?

Why are people so scared?

Any piece of a normal scenario can seem crazy when stripped of its context.

Mothers, you are quite dramatic and over-reactive. your son’s wives will thank you for your openmindedness.

Sounds like a couple of burnt, bitter and scared people trolling this thread.

THAT’s scary!!!

"במצרים חינם"- Any quick fix is a RED FLAG!
December 22, 2013 7:07 pm

One point that was not adequately addressed (IMO) is that any quick fix (according to Judaism/Chassidus) is a red flag. (that means even before getting into the details)
Just pointing that out.

Don't Drink the Kool-Aid
December 22, 2013 7:04 pm

Relieved to hear people are waking up to a Cult in our midst. Please read Comment 170 for a good resource and clear understanding of the undue influence that is operating here. Unfortunately, this guy frischling has already succeeded in his indoctrination– he’s created several devotees who are true believers. The Mother in Comment 193 is correct in sounding the alarm with regards to recruitment going on in Chinnuch. Landmark Forum infiltrated several companies and large corporations.

Wake Up It's A Sakono For Yourself, Your Family and For Lubavitcher and bemeilo For Klal Yisroel
December 22, 2013 6:59 pm

Stay away at all costs and whoever went get help to remove programming in your head. This is very dangerous stuff. There’s a guy a BT with a long white beard who does mivtzoim by the Kosel in Yerusholayim who was a guru with a big following in the 60’s 70’s I believe 3,000 followers he’s a brilliant guy he wrote a book “There Is One” to which the Rebbe said it’ll bring Jews closer to yidishkait his name is Gutman (Gil) Locks I first met him in Berkeley Chabad House in late 70′ maybe someone knows how to get… Read more »

Moshiach has to come now!
December 22, 2013 6:47 pm

This is very scary!

Abuse of chassidim in the deepest way
December 22, 2013 6:22 pm

GeVALD !!!!

Shofar boss uses chabad lingo
December 22, 2013 6:20 pm

just to lure us in.

once your in your in.

G-d save Us!

FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN
December 22, 2013 6:13 pm

Anyone who is open and willing to work on themselves can benefit from the techniques used on this program.

Be open to it – for the sake of yourself, your spouse, and your children.

It is absolutely in line with halacha and with time – everyone will come to understand that.

As for those teachers from OT who went, good for them, and good for their students! There are only positive, incredible benefits from their experience.

Shofar ppl work overtime to argue viewpoint
December 22, 2013 6:12 pm

“Shofar ppl are too busy having a good life to bother to answer all these angry ppl”

Yeah right!

Conclusions from the video interview with "The Master":
December 22, 2013 6:07 pm

Conclusions based on the first video interview with “The Master”: i will do anything only if it feels good to me, its OK if Well-being leads me to: Drop my hat and jacket get rid of the piece of velvet on my head not need to accept the overbearing burden of shabbos i will not help my wife for the wrong reasons i will not do the “right thing” just to grow into it, i will wait until i totally understand and agree however i will blindly follow “the Master” regardless if i can understand his very deep insight otherwise… Read more »

to 181
December 22, 2013 6:03 pm

From 111.
you missed my main point, I have no need to ask. I stated that I regret having gone to these things in the past. Ultimately they feel yucky inside, although at the time they seemed awesome.
I feel like this is a really bad dream, because I can’t understand why people dont see the danger here.
Wake up yidden from the dream of golus!

Oy meh haha lanu
December 22, 2013 5:54 pm

This is insanity
Ppl need to get their heads checked.

***** Madness *****
December 22, 2013 5:48 pm

barf ……

excuse me…

fellow mother of Oholei Torah boys
December 22, 2013 5:44 pm

I agree %100 with #193 and so do many other mothers I have spoken to thus far. I beg the real Rabonim and mashpiim of our community to come out with a strong stance against this. This whole things stinks rotten! Never seen such klipah infiltrate our community in this way. It’s a pig garbed in a silk kappotah!

crazy
December 22, 2013 5:31 pm

Just imagine.
close eyes, dancing blindfolded and moved by other people , hearing 40 people screaming like wild animals,then holding wrist and being screaming like an animal, then 1 hour brathing, hipnosis,
Is this normal? well being?

“I matter, I matter” 40 people screaming this
humillayion, looking at the eyes of another guy with emphaty
The same suggestions and programming screaming yechi adoneinu,, rebbe is alive, Rebb G d or you dont believe you are a koifer
It can help to get rid from the moshichistm Rebbe alive G-d program

gehinom experience
December 22, 2013 5:14 pm

it looks like a gehinom experience
Maybe is a way to atone for gehinom?

to 1 90#
December 22, 2013 5:11 pm

please, bring details on this dancing blindfolded
scaryyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oholei Torah has a chiyuv to investigate and decide if those who went may continue in chinuch
December 22, 2013 5:03 pm
Osur Osur Osur
December 22, 2013 5:00 pm

Until Rabonei Anash give a heter after close examination and by also consulting with mumchim. Until then it is Osur just based on his training mitsad avizraihu and mind control as seen in websites where he got his training and websites about cults. And bichlal in these things even a sfek sfeika is osur by avizraihu and sakanto no matter what the possible benefits to some.

to 189
December 22, 2013 4:55 pm

Bt is in a higher level than ffb
Bemakom she BT omdim….
what’s wrong with BT?, if BT is even greater!

Thanks for telling us what happens there
December 22, 2013 4:53 pm

Wow that sounds really exciting how does the fee nominal fee even cover the cost of that.

mother of children
December 22, 2013 4:51 pm

i don’t want anyone who goes to this place working with my children .i have all ages 3 to 30 .To the schools, anyone who went there should find a different job , If you need help go get help ask your Dr.To the rabbi in OT who sends boys there leave the school. you have a nerve .
we have alot of sick people around.

AVODA ZARA MAMASH
December 22, 2013 4:40 pm

quoted from a well-respected rav!

0% of chassidus about that
December 22, 2013 4:32 pm

Totall lunacy. This is exactly what they do in the videos rabbi Hecht posted. It’s totall hopnosys. They control all these people’s minds. It so sad to hear such things.

There is a lot more
December 22, 2013 4:27 pm

I’ve been there and a lot more happens. Including dancing blindfolded while you get moved by someone.

To #183
December 22, 2013 4:27 pm

Why do you feel the need to identify the rabbis as BTs? Aren’t chassidim ein mishpacha?

RESPONDER
December 22, 2013 4:24 pm

Responder deserves a free Week end in the Advance Program

To #170 Excellent !!
December 22, 2013 4:23 pm

From Robin Garbose I believe that art and creative expression are doorways to introduce people to themselves, their gifts, their vitality and a living experience of Chassidus. For me, my spiritual yearnings come to life through my work making films and teaching creative writing and acting. I find the life and teachings of the Rebbe to be an endless source of inspiration. I would encourage those who feel disenchanted to open up to creativity. Don’t spend your hard earned $$$ on somebody teaching quick-fix enlightenment– spend it on something creative YOU love to do. Take music lessons, make a film,… Read more »

"Naaseh" before "Nishma"
December 22, 2013 4:19 pm

Something sounds unkosher. Yidden received the Torah because they said “Naaseh and then Venishma”. COTS endorses I, me, me first. No chassidus philosophy followed at all. No emunah tehora here. They follow as all other religions of the world – just do things to make you feel good. We know where that road leads you to. One following this path will always find justification for whatever he does. Cults and other religion have SNEAKY ways of tricking you that its all kosher. Once they get you and manipulate your mind, you will justify everything you do, feel. BEWARE! Sure they… Read more »

Response to 114-125
December 22, 2013 4:08 pm

114: how long and which years was Simcha Frischling in Ohr Someach? =Ask him 115: if the article was written anonymously, why does it have an author? =Yeh, Sup with that?? 116: we have a rebbe and he gave us the way to live in a torah way… =The Rebbe’s way is to consult “Yedidim Mavinim” and “Aseh Lecha Rav” and Davka thereby receive His answers and Brochos! Rabbi Hecht (a mavin and yedid to many) rendered this a KOSHER cult, to which has continues to send a steady stream of satisfied custemers! 117: R”H session for the most advanced… Read more »

Thank you Comment # 170
December 22, 2013 3:58 pm

Finally, a clear and logical response backed up by science.

to 154
December 22, 2013 3:56 pm

I know rabbis and shluchim BTs who participated in COTS

If Someone Needs This
December 22, 2013 3:47 pm

There are professional hypnotherapists and NLP practitioners who are accountable. So if someone needs it really to start loving themselves and to get self esteem they can go to a professional obviously with a heter from a Lubavitcher rav to be done in a way that doesn’t interfere with free choice. It’ll be much safer and kosher.

I know one bochur who went and started taking drugs after and going into depression.. And I know a youngerman who went a fell of his rocker afterwards..

Response to 103-112
December 22, 2013 3:41 pm

103: Techniques are A”Z!! =The Rebbe viewed techniques as (B’ezem Nogah) -as nutral tools, able to be separated, and (should be) utilized to help ppl! (Rabbi’s Mumchim should see it first hand and approve or improve) 104: Exactly like the Landmark Forum =Overlap? Yes! Exactly like landmark? No! -otherwise theyd get sued by landmark! 105: What really goes – you scream Like an Animal and then they Grab you by the “Shofar” Horn. 106: Shofar participant I have participated in a few workshops and I am not happy [with the way] that this article is written. 1. Writing up this… Read more »

TRUTH
December 22, 2013 3:31 pm

those who know dont talk
those who talk dont know

To #83
December 22, 2013 3:17 pm

WELL-SAID!

Charlatan (love 173)
December 22, 2013 3:17 pm

This guy frischling has found a gold mine with disenchanted Lubavitch youth. Nearly every day of the Rebbe’s holy life can be accounted for. What do you know about his guy frischling– that he trained in the Landmark Forum cult, studied Buddism and is charging nearly $750 a pop for his quick-fix enlightenment? I have been told that the Rebbe made a salary of $250 a week and as far as I know he never charged for a fabrengen or yichidus. Every cult has a cult leader. This guy frischling is dangerous.

59 you are wrong
December 22, 2013 3:14 pm

You are wrong, there are other locations. And most of the people there are not Chabad-I know firsthand. It’s catered to everyone. I was there, and both I and my family feel I came out of the weekend a stronger, kinder person. I do not regret going in the slightest. But hey, each man is entitled to his own opinion.

RESPONDER WORKS ON SUNDAY....
December 22, 2013 3:00 pm

For COTS

to 136: "OPPOSITE OF CHASIDUS"
December 22, 2013 2:56 pm

1. You wrote: “all of the pain and yessurim come directly from Hashem and are really hidden good” “to deny this is like denying Hashem CV” Question: So your way of applying that Igeres11 is to say that “Going to a treatment which helps us get free from the pain –Advil- is Denying that its from H’ and good? The Rebbe himself cried, screamed, from pain, when chalanged, he said, “VEN ES TUT VEI, SHRAIT MEN” Another time in the Lameds, the Rebbe yelled at farbrengem “Bist A Moro SHchoirah? NEM PIL” The Rebbeh was never against using Psycholodical or… Read more »

i dont understand what this has to do with a shofar
December 22, 2013 2:10 pm

peace and love is not just chasidus its not just Jewish every religion says the same thing. its not even a religious thing! why, is it chasidish not to hate ppl?

The Call of the Shafter
December 22, 2013 1:45 pm

What is usually the end of merchants of happiness? Once the $$$ have been squirrelled away they enter a terminally meditative state.

To 118 (The Person addressing the comments)
December 22, 2013 1:35 pm

What is primal calling out? and where do you take it that Alter Rebbe did plenty of “Primal Calling out”?

Awesome
December 22, 2013 1:29 pm

So cool to see everyone getting along.
This is fun

Many of you are missing the point!
December 22, 2013 1:26 pm

Again I encourage anyone who really wants a deeper understanding to go to http://www.culteducation.com and read about Landmark, EST etc. Techniques like these should ONLY be used if someone, in the midst of real therapy with a certified clinical psychiatrist, is told to go there by their psychiatrist for some additional boost to their therapy. Some people can actually have a psycho-psychotic metal breakdown from these techniques and unless evaluated, it can be very dangerous. To quote from a study done on Lifespring (another one of these groups): “A study on Lifespring found that “although participants often experience a heightened… Read more »

Do not be fazed
December 22, 2013 12:57 pm

Anyone who has a brain on his head can understand the value in these seemingly strange exercises.

The fact is, Shofar program has bred mostly positive results by creating healthier family relationships between spouses, parent, and siblings. Those are the undeniable facts.

People, try not to be so judgmental and rigid.

lets not forget
December 22, 2013 12:38 pm

one of the biggest and controlling agendas of the event is the pressure to get everyone you know to do it!!! – this is crazy – see for yourself – before the course – ask participants to be included in voluntary data gathering mission for the sake of the religion they claim to uphold – 1 year, 3 year, 5 year – 10 year. the data will include – are you frum? do you daven 3x a day, are you married, do you have children, do you learn tanya and chitas every day, do you have a beard, is your… Read more »

Enough people!
December 22, 2013 12:37 pm

To rephrase another quote: All this ruckus and commentarty is like a rocking chair – it gives us something to do but doesn’t get us anywhere!

SO true!
December 22, 2013 12:34 pm

WHY are PEOPLE writing LIKE this! ITS very Funny!

Wake Up
December 22, 2013 12:31 pm

After everything that’s been said about them here, it is upon COTS to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are truly kosher and safe not tainted by eastern religion’s philosophies and not using mind manipulation techniques. To prove this beyond a shadow of a doubt for RABBONEI ANASH DAVKO TO accept and VALIDATE. OTHERWISE, IT IS OSUR TO GO THERE OR TO RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE WHATSOEVER ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Veda”l

Thank you #48
December 22, 2013 12:23 pm

Margaret Singer is a pioneer in the counter cult movement. She is an expert in the area of thought reform and cult manipulation. Any mashpia who advises getting involved with this group is tragically naïve.

ever concidered its just not for you?
December 22, 2013 11:48 am

If you dont get it or dont beleive it has any good, it might just not be for you, its clearly not for everyone. Personally i think its a great program for those who need it, and it has helped many people.

To 26
December 22, 2013 11:45 am

Please identify yourself with your REAL name!!!!!!!!!!!!!

COTS GRADS are silent.
December 22, 2013 11:34 am

The Rebbe said more than once. that the ONLY condition needed to be met in order to engage in a debate with someone, is that one must be sure that the intention of the other party is to ASK QUESTIONS because he is sincerely interestd TO HONESTLY UNDERSTAND the answers.
that’s why 99 percent of COTS grads are not speaking up. V’dal.

Post #150 "contact us"
December 22, 2013 11:33 am

This title is a clear indication that simcha is following the posts and posting himself here just that we don’t know which and how many posts are his and his guys

#150
December 22, 2013 11:30 am

“They’ve” infiltrated col !!

Not just creepy, it is dangerous
December 22, 2013 11:29 am

Definitely a cult. I should know i found myself in one thinking I was in a weight loss support group! But all this nonsense takes place on Shabbos? I was struck by davening quickly. Get it over with asap? Get to whats really important, right?? I’m surprised mashpiim think that’s ok.

To mr. Response
December 22, 2013 11:24 am

You should start working on sundays

Ohr Someiach background
December 22, 2013 11:23 am

Ohr Someiach don’t love Chabad anymore than Aish Hatorah. I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that lubavitch is being targeted intentionally to neutralize and destroy chabad Veda”l

#collive
December 22, 2013 11:20 am

Can you make a special COTS section like you do for Shidduchim SOS? Every article has 150+ comments….very entertaining….

To # 145
December 22, 2013 11:20 am

I highly doubt rabbis Sternberg, Schapiro were pressured into going…. ( non of whom are balei teshuva) …. Really where do you get your information from?!

Chevra get real
December 22, 2013 11:17 am

Why is it that the BT’s who have been exposed to these kind of stuff in the past smell a rat here as some of them have posted on these articles here. Please check out the places this guy got his training from in the list on post #98 just google on them and you’ll see the rats for yourselves they are based on eastern philosophys/religions and mind control manipulative techniques. Please check out their websites well and also other links in Google about them. Please. The guys that are defending them the way they are defenitily fit the description… Read more »

BTs and Chabad2.0
December 22, 2013 11:08 am

COTS is not for everyone
COTS is for BTs and Chabad 2.0
BTs who came to Chabad looking for love,balance and acceptance and Chabad 2.0 that remain Chabad for social pressure,or someone who went thru traumatic experiences
Therefore ,if you don’t belong to these categories,don’t express your opinion just because is not good for you, there are many people that COTS can really help

stick to the facts
December 22, 2013 11:04 am

#1 it was the nicest shabbos davening I experienced in a long time, everyone sang together it was really very minigfull. It was not rushed at all. #2. By the shabbos meal there was no stam talking We sang nignum. And a dvar torah was said Maybe if some went to some frabrengens. And described all the gashmus he saw, it might sound something like this ” I saw a bunch of guys sitting around a table driving lots of booze, screaming at each other some where getting rowdy Until some guys ended up drunk throwing up on the table”… Read more »

contact us
December 22, 2013 11:03 am

Instead of relying on anonymous posters and commenter’s contact call of the shofar “contact us” page and ask your questions and find out the truth.

To 138
December 22, 2013 11:00 am

You don’t seem to realize that perhaps he is trying to make sure that more people don’t fall into the trap

Shofar, Sho Good!
December 22, 2013 10:56 am

The ratings are up for COLlive, COTS gets free publicity, its all good…

To 138
December 22, 2013 10:51 am

Come on
Many people they go multiple times the these week ends
They “need them”

Really Sad
December 22, 2013 10:50 am

The saddest of all is that people who say Chassidus hasn’t helped them so they need cots. Because that means they haven’t had real Chassidus till now. How can we spread Chassidus outwards when obviously so many of us inside are lacking it? The Rebbe worked so hard to bring Chassidus down to our level but of course one has to work on being receptive and applying it. Going to a farbrengen every so often and saying chitas doesn’t mean you “have” Chassidus. We have our real leaders who can teach us what real Chassidus is all about, R’ Manis… Read more »

To 137
December 22, 2013 10:46 am

Rabbis and shluchim that went to COTS ,SOME.if not MOsT Of them ARE BTs
Also, Some people FFB are frum for social pressure ,they were born in a frum family,and they go to COTS to free themselves from this pressure,and be accepted for what they are,finding well being

agree with 139
December 22, 2013 10:38 am

I was not there, but I would go on faith that there is a lot of context and background missing from this post.
I read a comment from a staff who speaks of pages and pages of program. Makes more sense!!!

thats realy weired
December 22, 2013 10:35 am

whoever has a part in this program,
means in other words he has no shayches to chasidus

goofy
December 22, 2013 10:32 am

just another way you don’t have to accept responsibility for bad behavior. Grow up.

Wow I love this!
December 22, 2013 10:28 am

I am so happy in the frum world people – lubavitchers have a way to heal from their past and grow from it! We are so lucky to have this program! This program is about getting out the stress from the past that will always be there and healing it so it doesnt control us presently or in our future or kids lives! How lucky we are to have these tools to heal! You got to do it to experience the freedom! I think they should add in an net prectitioner that can test and help the individual get to… Read more »

perspective
December 22, 2013 10:28 am

We all have spiritual maladies. Ani hakaton, commend those that seek out remedies and humble themselves. No need to use hyperbolic statements like they no longer count for a minyan. If indeed it’s a cult, we must LOVINGLY bring them back, and increase in our outreach/inreach. The problem is there are no more manhigim (almost) left in Lubavitch. Where I come from, Chicago, there is fine hadrocho from Rabbi Hertz and I’m sure other smaller communities there are of his like, yet in NY; fuhgetaboutit!! For Baalei teshuvos, I find Rabbi Lehrman to be a loving – kind mashpia and… Read more »

incomplete
December 22, 2013 10:27 am

Main issue with your post is that it is incomplete. You are posting information out of context and without a background.

It’s like me describing
You eating lunch: You take the cow and you bite it with your teeth.
You playing sports: You run wild while chasing a round thing on the floor.
You brushing your teeth: you make faces in the mirror while shmearing something in your mouth with a plastic stick…

If you had a bit of integrity you would ask col to remove the article.

How petty of you…

presumtuous, insensitive and counterproductive
December 22, 2013 10:26 am

Author, you have not shred of sensitivity nor integrity in your heart. If you did, you would not expose the details of the weekend. Firstly, even if it was not productive for you, it was for others and your sharing this information takes away from the effectiveness of the weekend for future participants. Part of what makes it work is being open and vulnerable to not being in the know of what’s happening next. Secondly, to expose what happens on this weekend is not within your rights. True , you are free to say what you want, but because others… Read more »

To #132
December 22, 2013 10:08 am

Why mix in Baalei teshuvas here?! The Rabbis and the rest of the sheluchim that went are NOT baalei teshuvos..,

opposite of chassidus
December 22, 2013 10:06 am

-Iggeres HaKodesh of Tanya, chapter 11, says all of the pain and yessurim come directly from Hashem and are really hidden good and to deny this is like denying Hashem CV” And when one realizes and thinks deeply on this, that all of the pain, and apparent bad things in their life are all from Hashem, and are all really good– with complete Emunah– then the good will become revealed. -Screaming about all the “pain” in one’s life without acknowledging that it is all from Hashem and realizing that only good comes from Hashem– and without acknowledging the “hashgacha pratis”… Read more »

lubavichers? bocurim? chabad?
December 22, 2013 10:02 am

do actually lubavicher bochurim go there??
well if they do they should be ashamed of the themselves!!!!
whats the point of all the rolling, screeming if there is a rebbe?????????
guys wake up!! there is a rebbe who tells us what to do, and not some CALL OF THE SHOFAR stuff. I just cant believe lubavicheres would do such a thing!!!!

littel boy in the forest
December 22, 2013 9:49 am

WHAT is exactly the point of a boy in the forest????
why do u need this whole thing: NO TALKING on shabbos? is the kind of SHABBOS they spent there?? no dvar toira? no davenning normally? co’man become a mench

how long could the yiddin be so stupid??
why do u need to roll on the floor?
there is such a thing called CHASSIDUS and not some CALL OF THE SHOFAR!

Let's be real
December 22, 2013 9:41 am

OK we all know that it’s usually the parents that take parenting classes OR read books on parenting OR go to lectures on parenting etc. that are parents that are generally doing a “better” job parenting. Of course those that don’t do any of the above will disagree completely. But for those of us that do make the effort to always improve and realize that we don’t always have the answers. We know that always trying to learn and always trying to improve is the only way to go. This applies in business too. It’s unlikely that someone will be… Read more »

Odd
December 22, 2013 9:37 am

Some BTs they come to Chabad because they have emotional problems,they had traumatic experiences, lack of love,though life, drugs,etc and thy find in Chabad the reality that you are not alone,Hashem is with you and loves you and cares for you infinite times more than a parent woul love a unique child born in their 60ths They start going to a Chabad House and Wow,! They are impressed how they matter ,they invited them for Shabbos, they give him alyos,every tiny mitzvah he does is celebrated like a PHD accomplishment,everyone cares about him,so they say “this is it’ Then when… Read more »

Is this real?!
December 22, 2013 9:28 am

I have a feeling that this whole post is a joke! I can’t believe people (let alone Anash and Bochrim) actually DO this!!

rachmana litslan!
December 22, 2013 9:21 am

nebach! not talking at all on shabbos! whoever even thinks that this is slightly normal has major issues that even going there wont solve! you think our Rebbe would approve? the Rebbe would tell you to check your tefillin and mezuzahs and make sure to say chitas every day and of course learn chassidus. Anyone having any issue should do all that and trust in der eibishter that everything will turn out good and not waste yiddishe gelt on this narishkeit and shtusim!!!! and if you dont agree its because you dont do what the Rebbez asks of every chassid… Read more »

RESPONDER
December 22, 2013 8:56 am

Ok, we get that you’re a brainwashed COTS member, staff, or instructor (ha I know all the lingo…well-being;) You sound too unobjective already, everything an answer. For the record I did listen to Reb Shea’s interview & he stated clearly this is NOT for someone with every day normal issues but like antibiotics for the “sick”. So for extreme traumatic issues perhaps, though I’d stick to conventional therapies, but to come back convincing all your friends with normal issues to attend would be according to R’ Shea, “dangerous”. So please, unless you’re P.L. Or M.L. You don’t have to feel… Read more »

Floor meditation.
December 22, 2013 8:51 am

I heard that for some people at COTS they actually end up in a past life. Some amazing stories

@COTS @COLLIVE
December 22, 2013 8:48 am

#cotsisacult or #cotsisnotacult

All good now?
December 22, 2013 8:45 am

Alright so you guys have an “idea” of Shofar, awesome for you, ur all satisfied? now u think u know what it’s all abt?
At least NOW whoever actually wants to come and work on himself will come. we won’t have to deal with people lthat aren’t interested. all the rest can stick to the “old” fashioned chasidus, like u call it, and continue asking ur mashpiim for emotional help, he will certainly heal u.

Aghast
December 22, 2013 8:36 am

I will go out on a limb here. This thing sounds like a hybrid of all of the groups and individuals this fellow Frischling has been involved with for who knows how long. Ok. Nothing evil there. But what causes someone to spend so much of their life searching for and participating in groups that are known as “cults” and individuals who practice Americanized versions of Eastern religions? We’re not talking about Yisro here. It’s probably more like a case of someone who had a very unfortunate experience growing up, maybe even abuse. Again, nothing evil here. Where the problem… Read more »

מים אין בו
December 22, 2013 8:32 am

נחשים ועכרבים יש בו

אז משפיעים לערנען ניט די בוחרים
אז מלמדים לענען ניט די קינדער
אז פון דריי יאר ביז זעקס יאר איז די קאפ פוסט

וועט במילא
זיין אלערלע גרינסן

clearly this is not for everybody
December 22, 2013 8:04 am

sounds like you need to have a lot of anger and be a bit emotionally disturbed for this to be for you.

So yeah, I’m going, where do I sign up?

How is the food?
December 22, 2013 8:04 am

How come no one says how the food is on this wonderful retreat? 6-7 Hundred dollars….

Simcha. Keep climbing!!
December 22, 2013 7:53 am

Don’t stop anything
Keep climbing
We trust you
Your a good man
Keep going
Ignore the airev rav

To all comments stating 'live and let live'
December 22, 2013 7:44 am

What ever happened to כל ישראל ערבים זה לזה and הוכח תוכיח את עמיתך? If this really is avoda zarah, or is possibly, potentially avoda zarah, or currently under scrutiny by rabonnim which some have declared it to be dangerous, how can you say to live and let live? It is my responsibility, and the responsibility of every lubavitcher /jew to try and prevent you from participating in potential avodah zarah! There’s no arguments “but it made me a better person, it helped me out in life, it’s good” it’s potential avodah zarah there’s nothing more to it! I’ll finish… Read more »

att 96
December 22, 2013 7:43 am

Wow youve really got alot of time

Response to 76-95
December 22, 2013 7:37 am

76: The person that I know went was a changed man for the better for a very short and 1 Wk post COTS. After that he went back to his screaming and pushy ways. =Sorry to hear that, It is hard work to be a mentch and Cots offers no guarantees nor Shortcuts, only some useful tools and added clarity, the work is your job! 77: This whole weekend sounds crazy my suggestion just learn a mammer of Chasidus like kuntres umayon or learn your daily Tanya and dont need this whole thing that i think will drive a man… Read more »

Rosh Hashana Session
December 22, 2013 7:13 am

This is just a regular shabbos session, but a R”H session for the most advanced features an even quicker davening and then some major screaming matches and fights. Followed by a movie.

rebbe
December 22, 2013 7:11 am

we have a rebbe and he gave us the way to live in a torah way ur going in to other gertner that to me is cutting cv rebbe out then u loose cv total control and protection wake up

quick question
December 22, 2013 6:46 am

if the article was written anonomously , why does it have an author?

does anyone know..
December 22, 2013 6:29 am

how long and which years were Simcha Frischling in Ohr Someach? thanks

Response to 61-75
December 22, 2013 6:20 am

61: … 62: Believe me, some ppl got too much confidence and Ego via the weekend =So say tehilim for them, I don’t think experts will agree with u that this program is soo powerful Maybe it feels like ego, bec they are not nispoel that much for peer pressure, maybe… 63: Instead of a quick weekend, go longterm to a psychologist. Avoid these types of things. Their intention may be to help, but be careful what you can be ‘fed’ when you are in a group setting, relaxing =From all the many hundreds of ppl who went, Not one… Read more »

woooow
December 22, 2013 5:29 am

I personally know a guy who had a low self esteem was a nervous wreck and had no real friends, He went to this program bagged himself a hottie and is now living a comfortable enjoyable life

been there done that
December 22, 2013 5:11 am

As a baal teshuvah from the 1970s (the lameds, as you call it), Ihad attended several similar retreats back then. 1) seemed great then, but honestly, I am sorry I went. 2) none of those experiences comes even close to that ‘wow, this is the real thing” that I experienced when I attended my first farbrengen by the Rebbe. And here I am almost 40 years later still with the program. 3) I would seriously question any shliach who goes, and encourages others to go. I would want to know who his mashpia is ( assuming he has one). Although… Read more »

Food
December 22, 2013 5:06 am

Can u pls give an overview on the menu
Do they have a gleuten free option?

Response to 48-60
December 22, 2013 5:05 am

48: screamed, yelled, laughed, insulted others, and were themselves insulted.” =INSULTED OTHERS AND THESELVES? Bchlal nothing mean spirited like that! Aderabeh, the mood is very compassionate, Sensitive and Genuine!! “Vee Chsidim foon Amul”!!! 48: “if your therapist is letting group members insult and ridicule you…” =NOT AT ALL! That’s not THIS program, Sorry! … Crazy exersizes! Yes indeed! But non of the Anti social or Shaming tactics whatsoever are used!! 48: Top 10 List of Discredited Mental Health Treatments… =Cute list, but sorry again! Non of the methods u listed have any relevance to what was used on the weekend… Read more »

This is creepy
December 22, 2013 5:03 am

It certainly sounds cult like, and uses similar/same methods and routines as cults . But put that aside….to do this on Shabbos???? What about the normal routine a chossid should follow, as instructed by our holy rebbeim such as mikveh and learning chassidus and davening b’avoido just to name a few???? The mere fact this can be held over Shabbos should be enough to raise questions.
Watch out!

אוי איך נפלו גיבורים
December 22, 2013 4:38 am

תורה תורה חיגרי שק
אני יודע ממקור ראשון שיש דברים היפך הלכה והיפך צניעות במיוחד

לנשים
ציידי הכת מסתובבים בין אנשי יודעים שמם ואם לא יעשו תשובה כולם יידעו מי הם
הם זורעים רעל שנאה בין בעימם לנשותיהם בין ילדים להוריים
זה כת
ששתפו להם את המ ח והם נהפכו חילים של הכת
וכל רצונם שעוד ועד יפלו ברשתם

זה כת זה כת

ל
ו

Shofar participant
December 22, 2013 4:29 am

I have participated in a few workshops and I am not happy [with the way] that this article is written. 1. Writing up this kind of description does not serve any purpose. Those who “already decided” this is cult will now have further “evidence” and this who might have gone may be turned off. Even those who are not turned off have lost an important benefit of the weekend – letting go and being in the moment. 2. It was not written well and does not provide an accurate representation of the facts of what takes place nor off the… Read more »

What really goes on in COTS
December 22, 2013 4:19 am

They “Call” you to scream Like an Animal and then they Grab you by the “Shofar” Horn.

Indeed this place is for animals ready to be called and pulled by their Shofar.

Exactly like the Landmark Forum
December 22, 2013 4:10 am

Sounds like this is based on the Landmark forum.

Landmark is based on est (Erhard Seminars Training) which was created by former used car salesman Werner H. Erhard (Born Paul Rosenberg) in the 70’s. as a mixture of Dale Carnegie, Zen, and Scientology.

Landmark is similarly very controversial with many claiming is cult-like and that many come back worse than they went in.

google on the different places he got training (see post #98 above) and also check out their websites it smells/stinks with eastern philosophys and mind control
December 22, 2013 4:09 am
to #88
December 22, 2013 4:04 am

I think I just realized who you are:)

I’m thinking Ive had Shabbos meals by you. right?

You are a great woman!

Response to 44-47
December 22, 2013 4:02 am

44: Daven fairly quickly? =Not by Chabad dominated groups! Aderabeh! 45: doesn’t sound remotely close to anything Shabbos should resemble. =Most of Shabbos is not intense, Only 10min per person involves the Fire and Brimstone, the rest includes mostly, Meals, Davening, Nature walk on a farm road, a small nap or time to learn… 46: maybe this is making you crazier then before. i hear mashpiim are into this as well =Mashpiyim who went say ITS craizy, but the Resulting Hachlatos are very much in line with the Avoda and Maasim Toivim Chasidus demands from us. 47: Most men who… Read more »

Response to 35-43
December 22, 2013 3:50 am

35: to the rov (#26) i didnt know that you learn about this in smicha? =Truth be told, Davka A Mashpia well familiure with such matters, who consults experts Like Rabbi Hecht should decide on a case by case bases. 36:…hes making 20k a weekend! =Microsoft makes more every weekend! Yet as long as the product has value, ich fargin em, and he’ll be in business! A shud someone in chabad doesn’t make a better one! 37: goyesh muzik on sbabes is not tanya…. =Midvar Sheker Tirchak! No music on Shabbos, Nichoiach or other!! Its stam propaganda by those who… Read more »

jelly beans
December 22, 2013 3:43 am

they forgot to mention that in middle of dancing whoever dances nicely gets jelly beans and other nash and a kiss on the cheek

http://simchafrischling.wordpress.com/about/
December 22, 2013 3:31 am

About Me I am the Founder and Executive Director of Call of the Shofar. Together with others, I have created an organization that continues to transform the lives of countless Jewish individuals and families. I have been working with Jewish men for over 25 years developing and facilitating numerous programs, which promote healthy fulfilling lives and responsible caring relationships. Partial list of trainings: Rabbinic certification through Perchei Shoshanim in Israel Studied in Yeshiva Ohr Samayach, Monsey, New York George Pransky, Psychologist, author, founder Pransky Inst. Landmark Education Dr. Richard Moss, author and teacher Jessica Dibb, founder of Inspiration Community Sandra… Read more »

night activity
December 22, 2013 3:26 am

sounds like a shmayonki

Response to 27-34
December 22, 2013 3:25 am

27: Why didn’t anyone tell me that this is what they do in the first place? =Knowing in advance the routine can lesson the desired positive impact ppl are paying for. 28: Very Nice! Thank you for sharing that with us. =Yup! 29: Chassidus has it all. why run elsewhere? Your right! In chasidus every Principal pushed and promoted at this weekend, is already pushed and promoted in Chasidus, the sad thing is, how few Teachers there are who know how to Transmit the practicality of Chasidus to their Talmidim, thus the need for this (shofar) Back door, spoon feeding… Read more »

OH, WOW,
December 22, 2013 3:15 am

az men geit arois afilu a HALB normaler mentch fun aza sort program, darf men bentchen goimel MER vi ein mol…

To #91
December 22, 2013 3:13 am

If you are indeed a shliach (and that doesn’t say much these days), can I ask you a question?

Why is it that with chassidus we aren’t told to keep things a secret so others won’t take it out of context?

I’ll tell you why: Because the true shines through it all. If COTS was legit, we wouldn’t be having scores of their addicts professing why good and great and helpful it is. You would stick with your truth and wait for the world to recognize it, no matter what people are saying.

Creepy and weird?
December 22, 2013 3:10 am

Growing up, I found myself at times in an environment with: people rolling on the floor hugging and kissing their friends and strangers at farbrengens or simchas Beis. Ordinary people as well as mashpim totally drunk screaming and cursing at people during farbrengens. People throwing full plates of food (sometimes alcohol) at other people in a shule! During a farbrengen. Drunk people dancing on tables full of food (this is considered Chassidish). We all know the list goes on. The point is if something is taken out of context it can seem creepy and weird and maybe even wrong. So… Read more »

Response to 19-26
December 22, 2013 3:07 am

19: I always suffered from a inner struggle of feeling… =Shofar can’t make you a Banuni, They do remind you that you HAVE FREE CHOICE! And must take responsibility for all your choices! 20: sounds cult-like =It Does! “A Kosher Parev one, which a Cult expert sends many Lubavichers to” 21: so, clearly it is not for everyone. This is a program for people who have gone through intense traumatic experiences… This is a way to stop myself from being a victim …help myself not make others victims of my pain. =Even for those without VERY INTESE TRAUMA can and… Read more »

Shlich and COTS participant.
December 22, 2013 3:02 am

The reason why they say not to describe certain exercises is bc it can be taken out of context (exactly what is happening here).

We are also told not to talk about people who were there or their experiences bc of privacy and lashon hora.

Otherwise we can say what we want.

way to go oholei toirah
December 22, 2013 3:00 am

so this is where your mashpiim are going and sending the bochurim…. Very much al taharas hakoidesh…..

Comment 107 from the last article
December 22, 2013 2:54 am

Yes it seems LIKE it was the LOONY punch after all. I have a SUDDEN need to use CAPS lock ever FEW words after having a swig to verify shabbos. AND for the RECORD, l’m happy ALL THE COTS grads diagnosed me as bitter. AMAZING how AFTER a weekend or TWO spent yelling into a MATTRESS, you now can diagnose ANONYMOUS posters online. WELL DONE! Question for ya’ll, we don’t mourn on Shabbos or conduct out selves in a sad manner. How does this shtim with the protocols Described here? Seriously though I hope you earned loyalty points at whichever… Read more »

to 73
December 22, 2013 2:53 am

of course i am serious. you wrote well.

a mother of one of your friends

השמר והיזהר
December 22, 2013 2:47 am

חדש אסור מן התורה
אין בזה ריח של קדושה וד”ל

Response to 12-18
December 22, 2013 2:45 am

12: what is wellbeing? =When your relaxed instead of Angree or Nervouse, When your focus is to give/serve Hashem and others not out of preasure or fear of retribution, but rather out of a positive desire to make the other happy, (not happy with u, just for THEM to be happy), Doing the right thing because its right, instead of peer pressure, in one word, to be besimacha and motivated Lshmah Not bec your trying to compensate for an insecurity. 13: its a cult =According to Shea it is (a Kosher cut, he sends ppl to all the time) clearly… Read more »

morristown, home of the looneys?
December 22, 2013 2:30 am

and kamyuven, whoever needs to, will understand

In the words of the famous comic writer, Dave Barry...
December 22, 2013 2:26 am

Psychiatrist: And what seems to be the trouble?

Patient: I’ve been having these horrible splitting headaches.

Psychiatrist: And when did these headaches begin? Around the time when you realized your father was a horrible man?

Patient: No, my father was a wonderful man. My headaches began last week, when I was working under my car and the jack broke and the car fell on my head. I’ve also been bleeding from my ears.

Psychiatrist: I see. And was your father’s name Jack?

Response to 1-11
December 22, 2013 2:23 am

1: Creepy? =Yes sounds creepy, wasn’t that creepy in actuality tho =) 2: What about the rolling on floor? =Non of that here, u may mixing that up with the Alter Rebbe 3: What is the source for these exercises? If used by other religions aren’t they permanently tainted? =The Rebbe clearly indicates that, they can –and should- be extracted from their unholy uses, and instead utilized for positive uses (Rabbi’s with expertise should confirm that the way it is now being used, has no aspects of A”Z left). 4: And ppl like this? =They like the results! (Enhanced relationships… Read more »

Rabbi Wolf
December 22, 2013 2:17 am

Rabbi Leible Wolf has retreats EVERY SHABBOS IN SHULL and he doesnt charge. There is meditation after Krias Hatorah and genuine Chassidus.noone screams and shouts or rolls around on the floor and he is a qualified psychlogist as well as Rabbi and Shliach.
Either come visit in the land of Oz or bring out to run a retreat based on the foundations of Torah and Chassidus.

Look up Vepasena.
December 22, 2013 2:17 am

Sounds like they’ve taken parts of this budist practice.

Reminiscent
December 22, 2013 2:13 am

This sounds like a compilation of many 60’s therapies: Primal Scream, Vipassana(breathing), Kripalu(silent eating), etc. Actually, they all guided me to my Frumkeit life where I am today. I was missing something like this actually. Love Chassidus, but it’s very intellectual, and this sounds experiential, which is what I’ve been craving. Don’t like that it’s over Shabbos though. Is there a program for women?

No d'var torah
December 22, 2013 2:00 am

When two yidden sit together they have to say torah especially a minyan the shechinah is there how can you sit the whole Shabbos without a word about the parsha. And rushing through davening this whole thing sounds wrong to me.

programs in morristown not suspicious
December 22, 2013 1:58 am

the function of doing them in morristown is because its local

they were all done in baltimore before that

there are other groups and modern orthodox that go there

get your facts straight

This is crazy
December 22, 2013 1:56 am

This whole weekend sounds crazy my suggestion just learn a mammer of Chasidus like kuntres umayon or learn your daily Tanya and dont need this whole thing that i think will drive a man crazy i go crazy just thinking about it. And you should talk to your mashpia what you should do.

To Jimmy #19
December 22, 2013 1:56 am

The two worlds fighting inside you sounds like something we are all made up from. The yetzer tov and the yetzer hora. You do not want them to find peace with one another. You always want your yetzer tov to win the battle but we all have a yet zee hora that pushes us sometimes to do wrong. This program sounds worse then what I heard about from other attendees. I don’t understand how anash gave up their one day of rest to act strange on the holiest day of the week. When the day itself brings calm and peace.… Read more »

To 59
December 22, 2013 1:54 am

The Yechi and crazy moshichist staff made everyone crazy

Linking Legs?
December 22, 2013 1:49 am

When they ask everybody to link legs with he person sitting next to them in the circle? Supposedly to break the ice. Uchhhh….

TO #53
December 22, 2013 1:48 am

Thank you!!!

I’m not sure who you are or if your serious or trying to play me. I am going to be dan le’chaf zechus that you are being sincere.

It sounds like your on the right path.:)

MALACHI
December 22, 2013 1:48 am

There is a major distinction between my EXPERIENCE and a retelling of my experience. If you read 5 different recollectios of the experience of COTS you will get 5 different stories. And each will be the recollection of what the particular individual experienced. The only way to actually KNOW what goes on is to experience the program for yourself. This is not a “come on”, it is a simple fact. You can read about how to ride a bicycle all you want but until you get the feel of the experience of riding a bicycle, you will never know what… Read more »

Camp All Year
December 22, 2013 1:45 am

Normal is Boring
Pushut meshuge tzudreit
Yechi Hamelch

To #41
December 22, 2013 1:44 am

The question is not if you need COTS. That is completely irrelevant.
The question is: do you WANT COTS. In other words: most likely COTS will help you deepen your relationship with Hashem and help you make even more progress than you have already.
Do you want something like that? Is the chance of getting that worth a weekend away and 750 to you?

If yes, go do it.

If not, well then… Good for you on what you’ve accomplished so far!

You are an amazing person.

love me?
December 22, 2013 1:42 am

how many times do i have to scream” love me” until someone will love me???? does this work? maybe this is for me after all

I want my money back
December 22, 2013 1:40 am

I went to Call of the Shofar for a weekend and was kept in the dark about what the excerisies would be yet when the time came to share our pain all I could do was thank my parents for loving me and encouraging me thru every step of my life, as the group continued to place blame for every bad thing in their lifes on their parents or others close to them I marveled at how lucky I am to have been raised and cradled in a loving atmosphere.. While everyone sat in their misery (self introspection) I found… Read more »

I dunno, from what
December 22, 2013 1:37 am

it says here, this thing is pretty innocuous.
Of course, if there’s more to it than what’s written here, then that’s a different story.
Weird, yes. Cultissh, maybe. Actually harmful? Not really…

To 41
December 22, 2013 1:35 am

You should go

adam
December 22, 2013 1:34 am

i have staffed many times in israel and the US I am not an instructor, what this guy is saying is grossly misinterpreted. how the schedule which takes 3 pages in a staff book without details is summarized in less than a page is funny. there are dvar torahs by the meals, chabad niggunim, and 2 1/2 hours for shachris on shabbos morning. that is the fact. many people decide to wake up early and learn and i was able to learn friday night. there are dvar malchus and chayenus there and they are used. the meditation is not feel… Read more »

KOL hakovod
December 22, 2013 1:31 am

Kol hakovod to everyone going for self help do they can have a more enriched life at home or work mostly within themselves let’s applause for these smart Chevra that have the guts to make change in their life for the better ! Let’s applause simcha for making this happen for them! Let’s encourage everyone we know that needs a bit of assistance in the self help area to go be courageous and get the help you need Let’s hear some success stories so you may be encouraged to go rather then not If your tooth hurts whom do you… Read more »

Intense Therapy???
December 22, 2013 1:27 am

Go to a psychologist.
Avoid these types of things. Their intention may be to help, but they are not trained professionals and you have to be careful what you can be ‘fed’ when you are in a group setting, relaxing and sharing experiences that are intense and emotional.

Just an observation,
December 22, 2013 1:23 am

What I have noticed from a couple of people who have gone to The COTS is that:
Those that suffered from insecurity came back with self confidence
Those that went with self confidence came back arrogant
And those that went arrogant came back with egos so inflated they couldn’t internalize the concept do bitul even if they tried.
The irony is that a few of these individuals are actually giving Tanya shiurim… I would love to be a fly on the wall when they are actually discussing the concept if “bitul”!!

tiere brider tiereh brider
December 22, 2013 1:23 am

ven vellen mir zich veiter zehn
baym shafer, shlogen un shrayen, ,
vellen mir zich veiter zehn
where r u avrom fried, can’t you put it together alittle better

no talking by shabbos meal?
December 22, 2013 1:21 am

Why? that’s horrible, not in Shabbos spirit at all!
The shouting sounds like Scientology (read Rabbi Shea Hechts book on the Scientology guy they de-programed, best story in the book)

Programs in Morristown NJ Suspicious
December 22, 2013 1:19 am

If you see the schedule there are almost all the programs in Morristown NJ
This means that only Lubavitchers chassidim are the target
Is not suspicious?
You don’t have other group of chassidim or normal modern orthodox or non forums almost going there
90 percent Chabad
Crazy,!!!

dancing
December 22, 2013 1:16 am

what abou tthe dancing that goes on when you first get there for an hour or so to warm up?

and curious – what type of music did you listen to?

rumor?
December 22, 2013 1:15 am

i heard this guy spent time in budhism etc. did anyone check if that was true. \ in the pic he looks like a creep/guru. SORRY

Where's the Mashke?
December 22, 2013 1:14 am

if they’d allow alcohol, count me in. A three day farbrengen should make me a mentch out of me

after reading all these comments
December 22, 2013 1:10 am

we are all cured from the hearty laughs these comments provided at least for me. i could not stop rolling , never mind screaming or lying in a circle, just rolling until tears came down.
a bitereh gelechter – maybe this is all what it was meant to do-

YOU ALL NEED A DOSE OF SHOFAR
December 22, 2013 1:08 am

Can’t you hear yourselves all you critics?
YOU NEED AHOFAR BADLY
To fix up your negative attitudes
You will NEVER know unless you go
You guys need it the most
That’s all I can say
LIVE ANS LET LIVE!!

fitz rabin
December 22, 2013 1:04 am

i recognize you and ya, gut gezokt.
as i was losing hope on the old fashioned Lubavitchers/old chassidim, i B”H made a mistake, after reading these comments i see there still exists many foonn der alter heim on the old track i thought was totally lost. these comments are very entertaining – like the sound of the cholent(after it was digested)

To spend a Shabbos like this?
December 22, 2013 1:04 am

If a person needs therapy I can understand how he would do such exercises with his therapist (provided it does not go against Halachah) but for people who want to have better lives, This is just plain wrong. Never mind the Bitul Torah…spending a whole week intentionally without seforim to have a better life is bad enough, but the Avir…silent Shabbos meals? Dos heist Shabbos? Daven quickly cause your in a rush to do therapy? Mention something on the parshah? even a Misnaged knows better then that! Even if there is no avodah zara at all, bhut to spend a… Read more »

Explain please...
December 22, 2013 1:03 am

For individuals (specifically one who may have suffered from some sort of trauma or abuse) it may be highly beneficial but a critical point is how any mashpia can encourage bochurim attending this program?
Perhaps someone like rabbi Sternberg can explain how he has encouraged many many bochurim to go.

Our biggest issue is that..
December 22, 2013 1:03 am

some wont admit to themselves that they have issues.
“oh this is for crazies” they say, bec i cant “lower” myself to get help.
Let the ppl who can use this, use it! It’s about time our community fills the vpid with this positive and much needed group.

avoidah zara?
December 22, 2013 1:02 am

Obviously not. This is a powerful form of help where you got get down to the root of your inhibitions. Yes, these exercises are necessary in order to break through a life of repression.

Primal madness
December 22, 2013 1:01 am

“Imagine the degree of commitment made by the people you met in this chapter: at their therapist’s command, they rolled and moaned, beat cushions…screamed, yelled, laughed, cried, insulted others, and were themselves humiliated and insulted.” – Margaret Singer Phd In general, if your therapist is telling you that you have to get worse before you get better, is tearing you apart rather than building you up, is letting group members insult and ridicule you, is insisting that you must go deeper and deeper and deeper to feel the feeling, or is doing anything that smacks of old-fashioned ventilation theories, get… Read more »

as I said
December 22, 2013 1:00 am

There is much more that goes on there. Most men who go dont tell their wives what happenes there.
After I went I needed therapy to get back to normal again…
As shochat said its the call of the void (by the void).

22 and 24
December 22, 2013 12:54 am

I am with you! and 27 gave me agood laugh,
so no medication on shabbos but therapy is allowed? or maybe this is not therapy just making you crazier then before. i hear mashpiim are into this as well. this is how they spend shabbos????

This can't be all
December 22, 2013 12:53 am

The bits mentioned here are weird enough! I’m certain there’s more! How can the 1 hour intense breathing be amazing if you’re also screaming at the same time?! Hashem Yishmor that we have so many people who think this actually sounds normal!
Shabbos nuch going from a meal of silence to yelling & shoving the instructor I have no words…doesn’t sound remotely close to anything Shabbos should resemble.
You COTS members sound like you need serious deprogramming!

Daven fairly quickly?
December 22, 2013 12:52 am

Why?

To #26
December 22, 2013 12:47 am

And I have dayunus and I say you are a shoite!

Was the chulent good?
December 22, 2013 12:47 am

You missed the main part, how is the Chulent?

This thing smells like bad Chulent to me, Why call it the call of the Shofar? Sounds Jewish and all Kosher but its Eastern and has been around for years, Scam!

Should have been called the sound of Chulent!

what do you think? advice
December 22, 2013 12:46 am

I have pains from the past and present,but I dunno if they are effecting me I know how to think and view things in a optimistic and positive way, sometimes ( when things don’t go smooth, I start raising my voice quickly , and then I know HOW to calm down gam zu letova works very well with me BH H gave me a few millions ,that help me a lot, when I have a problem, I think about all the chessed that H performed with me, and all the problems melt right away Do I need to go to… Read more »

I am sorry
December 22, 2013 12:43 am

Narishe Kinder and I mean it. I wouldnt get down in a circle on the floor. I wouldnt scream out my problems like that. I wouldnt touch someone elses heart. It all sounds very silly to me. Even if they payed me I wouldnt do it and beleive me I have my pekel of problems just like anyone else. The program makes no sense so therefore it is nonsense.

shabbos
December 22, 2013 12:42 am

To me, the worst part is, its held on Shabbos. How on earth could any self-respecting frum Lubavitcher attend something like this on Shabbos?! What is going on here? What has happened to us??
If you need therapy, by all means go ahead to a qualified therapist. But this is not therapy. This is rediculous.
And anyone who had thought twice before going to a ‘retreat’ on shabbos would have been saved from this mess.

???
December 22, 2013 12:41 am

Shabbos morning to daven quickly i dont understand how some1 can do that especialy the mashpiim that went there. Even a balabus davens baarichus shabbos

goyesh muzik on sbabes is not tanya....
December 22, 2013 12:39 am

AND WAT WEET THE GURU part

האדמור/ בבא /סיינט /3שמחה

Listen Closly ALL
December 22, 2013 12:39 am

it comes from Alcoholics Anonymous and a little Budda and Monk style ..to be honest i believe the founder needed Parnosa he spent a week or two or etc going trough books and now has a passport to charge people money…hes making 20k a weekend the jokes on us!

to the rov (#26)
December 22, 2013 12:33 am

i didnt know that you learn about this in smicha which part is it in taaruvos or melicha?

oh no
December 22, 2013 12:32 am

were is our old yiddisher mameh with one frask she can bang out all bad and bang in all good

Screaming: iMatter
December 22, 2013 12:31 am

When they do the shouting the scream: I matter, be there for me , love me, accept me for who I am, I’m good enough. Then the instructor screams at you to say it louder and louder. Like an animal, like a – explicit language is used – animal. This goes on for each person for about 10 minutes. This is also why, if you notice the call of the shofar guys come back from the weekend with no voice. All horsed out from screaming iMatter. Be there for me, love me, accept me for who I am.

No Chezkas Kashrus!!!
December 22, 2013 12:27 am

Anyone who has gone to Shofar, has lost their Chezkas Kashrus!!!

I would NOT believe that that is what goes on there AT ALL!!! Its a trap to make it look more innocent than it is!!! Look: folks have already commented that there is more that happens there that the author did not include!!!

They can NOT be believed!!!

STAY AWAY!!!

Fitz Rabin

to #19
December 22, 2013 12:25 am

but TANYA perek 9 says that they CANT co-exist peacefully so that means its NOT chassidus that they are teaching…

Frankist
December 22, 2013 12:22 am

Just like mr. Frank 400 years ago he is a masis and madich and asuur to be melamed zchus on these pepole

Chassidus has it all.
December 22, 2013 12:15 am

And if you think not, just learn a little more. Every mekurov falls in love with chassidus, why is it that we have to run elsewhere?

Very Nice
December 22, 2013 12:12 am

Thank you for sharing that with us.

Wow, this sounds so normal now!
December 22, 2013 12:12 am

Why didn’t anyone tell me that this is what they do in the first place? I think I can totally enjoy staring into hearts and fun dancing circles where I have a chance to do my dance!

Muttar lach mutar lach
December 22, 2013 12:12 am

I just got my smich so now im a rov and have the right to pasken. after much resesrch in the past 800 comments my psak din (daas tora) is that it is 100% muttar And kosher. Like chassidus explines that mutar means it can be elevated so all should to this

therapetized
December 22, 2013 12:12 am

Forget abt not going bc of all the intellectual reasons that’s some weird stuff goin on… bh I didn’t go I think I’d single handedly destroy the whole program I would not be able to do not one of those exercises…. this sounds like a place for guys with serious issues not a place for reg ppl who just “wanna get to know themselves better”

wow
December 22, 2013 12:11 am

its scary
is this a way to spend Shabbos koidesh?

KOL HAKOVOD
December 22, 2013 12:11 am

To all you people that are interested in growth in moving on in life by getting rid of yesterday’s “monsters” and being able to clean your slate and be a better parent spouse etc because you have been fortunate to take a step UP in life and get help and inspiration for a better life I feel so bad to those critics that are of no understanding what self growth /improvement is all about and will knock all the well meaning innocent people down because of their ignorance. I have only rachmonos for all if you who put this down… Read more »

aha
December 22, 2013 12:11 am

So it really is crazy

so, clearly it is not for everyone.
December 22, 2013 12:09 am

This is a program for people who have gone through intense traumatic experiences. This is a healing tool for those experiences. Comparable, perhaps to the 12 steps prAA program… This is a way to deal with the pain and stop myself from being a victim of that pain and help myself not make others victims of my pain. So, to find out if such a program is good or right for you, you need to have a mashpia who gets you, who knows your pain and who can guide you in healing it. It wpuld be imteresting to see if… Read more »

Wow
December 22, 2013 12:08 am

Sure sounds cult-like to me.

Me too
December 22, 2013 12:07 am

I always suffered from a inner strugle of feeling as if i was a small city with 2 kings each trying to conqer the city and every time one side made progress the other side would use all its might. This has been going on for years i feel torn between these to sides and makes my life so hard. Finaly i went to the shofar and i feel at peace the 2 kings are not fighting anymore they can peacfully co-exist and i feel like a have a much better life without all the bickering and regret. Thanx allot… Read more »

A cult? doesn't sound like it..
December 22, 2013 12:04 am

I didn’t realize that is what the call of the shofar is about. I’d like to do something like that. Sounds like personal growth to me..

there's more
December 22, 2013 12:03 am

That wouldn’t take 3 days

when i read it dosent sound like too bad
December 21, 2013 11:59 pm

sound like a self improving . dealing with your emotion is good. i wish it wouldn’t be on shabbas.. not a good time to cry & be sad (i understand its very convenient over the weekend)
good luck to everyone!

Chaim
December 21, 2013 11:59 pm

The intention to my understanding is not just venting or having a cathartic experience rather recognizing my old patterns of thinking and go I’ve been generating my life from those constricted patterns

To put it the way you are is a crude way to put it in my oppinion, and is cheapening the experience

It’s not about the pain, it’s about well being

finally!
December 21, 2013 11:59 pm

But this is only some of what goes on…

I was there. There is a lot more…

yah... its a cult
December 21, 2013 11:59 pm
Well being
December 21, 2013 11:51 pm

That is so weird….can someone please explain what is this terminology of well being and how did it become such an important word in the vocabulary of many COTS graduates (or is it members)?

Great. Thank you. This is what it's all about
December 21, 2013 11:50 pm

me-me-me-me.

G-d, Chassidus, Rebbe – none of it.

Whoever is using the name of Chabad in all of it, should be ashamed of themselves.

Google landmark to understand how this is an old, “cultish” type of event.

very strange
December 21, 2013 11:50 pm

surprised that we are involved with things like this.
it sounds like the moonies.

@diveritor
December 21, 2013 11:48 pm

Seems like a mixture of auditing from Scientology with some business tactics from Landmark, hypnosis and a tinge of inspiration from some other religions and cults Wonder if it’s true? Pretty scary.

Woah!!
December 21, 2013 11:47 pm

PP,P that is super intense bruh!
such a thing (landmark, emclear….)should be known by all participants before they go, its not a cult. but psychological treatment isn’t a one size fits all, everyones issues are different, so only go if sent by psychiatrist specifically for you.

captive minds
December 21, 2013 11:45 pm

Just look at the video rabbi hecht spoke about and you will see exactly this!!!
Not saying it is bad but “call a spade a spade”

Crunch
December 21, 2013 11:44 pm

I was there and this is all accurate. One point to note: While it may sound weird to someone who never went that we paid hundreds of dollars to ‘breathe’ for an our, note that you really need to experience that breathing technique. It is quite unreal!

MISSING
December 21, 2013 11:44 pm

this schedule is missing all the lectures, check-ins etc

Oy vay
December 21, 2013 11:43 pm

And ppl like this?

Just a question...
December 21, 2013 11:41 pm

Reading this has really helped clarify for me what is going on at the resort. While reading this I just had one question.
What is the source for these exercises?
If they come from Torah or even modern therapy, than I see nothing wrong with it, but if it comes from other religious meditation styles, than would they not be considered Avoda Zara?

(For those who will ask why they would be considered Avoda Zara; Anything that has its roots in avoda zara, are also considered in part Avoda Zara. For example certain types of yoga, and meditation techniques.)

Rolling on the floor
December 21, 2013 11:35 pm

What about the rolling on floor?

Moe
December 21, 2013 11:34 pm

Creepy

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