By COLlive reporter
And now, the call of the rabbis.
Crown Heights residents and Chabad chassidim in the Tri State area are being called to attend an “Emergency Gathering” on Tuesday, 21 Teves, 8:30 PM at Oholei Torah hall in Brooklyn, NY.
The “urgent meeting for Anash and Tmimim in connection with the situation in the Anash community” is being organized by leading rabbonim and mashpi’im in response to the growing following of “The Call of the Shofar.”
The program has been under public scrutiny since COLlive aired a video conversation with its founder Simcha Frischling, an alumnus of Yeshiva Ohr Samayach in Monsey and the controversial Landmark Worldwide.
“We had heard about it and know one or two people who went,” commented one of the organizers of the gathering, “but most of the rabbonim weren’t aware of the magnitude of its following and its methods until it was posted on COLlive.”
Rabbi Yoel Kahn, chief reviewer and transcriber of the Rebbe‘s discourses and a preeminent authority on Chabad-chassidic teachings, is the leading force behind the gathering.
He was seen on Monday visiting Kollel Menachem in Crown Heights to rally support from Rosh Kollel Rabbi Yosef Heller who is said to have been warning people against attending the LGAT (Large Group Awareness Training) weekend retreats.
The retreats are followed up with weekly meetings “to continue integrating the inner-work into their lives,” TeleSeminars, private sessions and a weekly email from Frischling. Participants are also urged to recruit family members and friends to subsequent retreats.
Rabbi Kahn will be addressing the gathering in Yiddish. A speech in English will be given by Rabbi Ezra Schochet, the revered Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Ohr Elchanan Chabad in Los Angeles, who is flying in especially for the event.
Organizers said Rabbi Heller and Rabbi Pinchos Korf, a senior Mashpia in the Central Lubavitch Yeshiva of 770 and Beis Medrash Oholei Torah, will be sitting on stage, alongside other rabbis, rosh yeshivas and mashpi’im.
The emcee will be Rabbi Aron Ginsburg, Director of Chabad Lubavitch of Boro Park. Separate seating for men and women.
“The speeches won’t be whether or not this is a cult,” an organizer noted. “The issue is how is it that everyone comes to Chabad for inspiration, meaning and happiness and our own are going to foreign sources.”
LETTER FROM BADATZ
In related news, two members of the Crown Heights Beis Din have written a letter saying that they conducted an “investigation and exploration” and “countless inquiries” into the Call of the Shofar.
Rabbi Yaacov Schwei and Rabbi Yosef Braun write that after “extensive discussions” with representatives of the program, “key experts in the above matters” and with senior mashpi’im, “the issue is quite complex and at this stage it isn’t practically feasible to conclude the investigation in due course.”
They did, however, write that on a practical level, “until such time that the investigation is satisfactorily completed,” it is “simple and clear that one should not participate in any of those activities and therapies where these concerns exist”:
1. “The halachic issue: Many such therapies possess elements of avoda zara. All therapies must be reviewed to ensure they have no inkling of serious halachic concerns. In addition, the purging of avoda zara elements from various therapies requires particular skill. Even if and when done efficiently, not all are of the correct temperament to benefit from this type of treatment.”
2. “The medical issue: Many of the groups utilize various mind-controlling techniques. Even where this isn’t relevant, some therapies are counterproductive when administered to the wrong person or in the wrong dosage.”
3. “The chassidishe question: are the ideas discussed at these seminars consistent with the Chabad approach, namely with the directives of our Rebbeim?”
They said that “in cases where professional medical opinion deems it necessary for an individual to make use of such therapies, he should consult his local mashpia who in turn will seek the advice of a seasoned Rav and halachic expert.”
From the wider public, they ask, to set time to study chassidus, noting that Tanya “contains all answers to all questions,” as stated by the Alter Rebbe.
They quoted the Frierdiker Rebbe regarding the impact of a farbrengen: “A farbrengen gives so much encouragement. It burns all thorns of materialistic life and pours a cup of vitality in the day to day life.”
RELATED ARTICLES:
+ Man Behind “Call of the Shofar”
+ “Call of the Shofar is a Cult”
+ The Call of the Void
+ What Really Happens at “Shofar”
+ The Call Is Simply a Symptom
But the $1200 advanced weekend is no issue with you of course? You don’t have “an issue with the issue”? Let me guess you’re “real” and “present” and it’s fine by you? Shouldn’t you be in a wonderful place of “well-being” right now and not be concerned with what I’m saying? Shame. Haven’t you you learnt anything after shouting “I matter” until you turned blue? Guess you better hurry back for another weekend. Sell your belongings to go. Simcha and Pinny need it. They know what’s best for you. They are wiser and smarter than anyone who has ever graced… Read more »
the crown heights groups that meet weekly don’t give anything to the organization
there was a meeting of shofar guys meeting in monsey from 830 to 1030 that meets every tuesday
but of course you knew that
there is a meeting that meets almost every tuesday night and sunday night for shofar alumni, get your facts straight
there is no charge for the sunday group but when they were renting a pale there was a suggested monetary commitment per month usually around $10 noone was under an obligation
To 101. Actually the Rebbe sent my relatives to the Rav when there were questions about mental health. They acted according to the psak din that the Rav cited. To 109. If COTis an experiential shiur in chassidus, why go there at all. Why don’t you go to the original source of chassidus? If you have questions on how to apply it to your life ask someone, a mashpia etc. To 120. It’s ring. To 135. Do you know who uses mantras, when and where? All cults, YOGA (which is from Tumah and klipa sources) etc. That actually is more… Read more »
@ Stop ignoring the Elephant – you forgot the other one: Child S Abuse Crisis…
From the post above – with prices listed – it’s obviously a money making CULT (not colt – which by the way is a young horse). If people are prepared to throw away money – they have more dollars than sense.
Brainwashing is not new but I Gus’s chabad never dealt with it…at least nowthaywill have a clew about it there are 110ts of kids right now as I type in ch that are under the influence and have there brains rund by an outsider lets unite and drop politics to save are skin…it’s time.
Sorry, but for $900 I would buy a laptop; for $1200 a MacBook Pro. Something I can use for creating & consuming Jewish content, which I would then share with the world. This would bolster my self-esteem more than any of this stuff. For the record: I was involved in Actualizations, an offshoot of EST, back in my youth. I came to CH to get away from it! BTW, who has the $$ for this? With people struggling to put bread on the table or pay for tuition, where do they get the money for this? Like I said, I’d… Read more »
oy u sound so bitter and confused! if you honestly believe Rabbanim r so self-centered ur in deep trouble.- please help yourself.
If anyone is really concerned about doing the right thing? and getting guidance form the right place? – concerned that perhaps shofar should not be the source of guidance, because perhaps it;s not “pure enough”?
We must ask ourselves, how “pure” is the opinion of anyone, if that person does not necessarily accept the fact that only the Badataz of CH has the final authority to decide this issue, for us all.
Good questions… Here’s the answer to your last one: After the first course for $650 do they try getting you to come back or pay for any other service? if so, how much is the most one person can spend on COTS? First of all it’s $750 for the men (up from 500/600 climbing $50 more every few months) and $900 for women and Yes; They to try and get you to pay for more… 1. There are phone calls you can join for a fee 2. You can return as “staff” for a weekend for $300 3. There is… Read more »
what are you haking about rabonum not on this
was is rabbi heller? he is one of the rabanim of crown heights
rabbi osdobo hold the same about the shofar
When the organizers of the kinus did not invite the rav of the schuna to one of the kinus hashluchim the rebbe cancelled the shabbos farbrengen in protest…
It would behoove those who claim to engage in this important initiative for the sake of chassidus and lubavitch to question what they would answer to the rebbe as to why they did not invite rabbi osdoba, the incumbent rav who was serving before gimel tamuz
we bring in a rav from boro park, and fly in the rosh but neglect our own???
The number of people effected and the caliber of those that were effected is what makes this so severe and urgent.
Is it going to be live
good good! please everyone read comment no. 32, i love it.
and to shlomo smukler, and for everyone who says this thing makes you feel great and frum etc. now i have my heter for driving on shabbos because it makes me feel worthy, happier and frumer. that is exactly what you are saying only a different issur.
Spot on!!!
And they think we’re too dumb to figure it out!!!
you are missing the point, if this is tumaa or based on avoda zoro then this is an issue where the rabbonim just can’t keep quiet. this is the straw that broke the camel’s back. if they didn’taddress any issues publicly till now, this one is of utmost importance bec. it has to do with the most severe transgression.
NO MATTER if the results, accomlishments of cots are GREAT!!!!it still might just be avoda zoro, period
YITAHKA BASHOFAR GADOL! We need, oh so badly, the call of the Shofar of Moshiach! Let’s use our power of “screaming” for Ad Mosai? Ad Mosai? Ad Mosai? We must have Moshiach Immediately! Until that very moment-lets daaven and say Tehillim with LOTS of Kavana! Hashem must listen to our heartfelt cries and take us out of this long and dreary Golus! Amein Kein Yehi Ratzon!
Rules from BEis Din CH only apply for people living in CH
This should be a general Chabad ruling made by Worldwide Chabad BEis Din
BH COTS facebook page posted this 23 hours ago. Something I recently read that very much speaks to what I’m currently going through Maintain your balance within the arena where opposites clash Allow things to go through their changes and stay focused on what is real Be like the ocean though there are waves on the surface in its depths there is perfect calm There is no results for that quote (maybe because he is paraphrasing, or reading a different translation than what is online) but if you look for the last line, you get this, from The Second Book… Read more »
Will this be aired online?
This program has been running for two years. What happened now except that makes it urgent except that col made a story of it?
Before ch badatz gives there opinion . They should focus in the area they are responsible for.
New types of new age schools for ch kids
Pizza shops ice cream and candy stores open all hours of the night.
Terible and tragic infighting
And the list goes on
The issue at hand is the COS which is a program that is not acceptable, period. All the grievances regarding unrelated matters have to be brought up to the Rabbonim in an organised way but not at this asifa. There were always (yes even before Gimmel Taamuz people with issues. The first place was Raabonim and Mashpi’im. THe Rebbe was not a social worker. The gave advice where advice was needed and the best therapy was at farbrengens etc. But even then people still had issues which the Rebbe sent to Rabbonim and Mashpiim as well as the Hanholas Hayeshiva.… Read more »
כל אלו שהלכו
לא אובייקטיבים לחוות דעה
לא על פי מציאות ולא על פי הלכה הם מסוממים ממש לא מגלים
סודות הכת ורוצים שנאמין להם שעץ הדעת טוב הוא
חיבים שאלו שהשתתפו המשפיעים יורידו טלפיהם מילדינו!
לא ייתכן ששטופי מח יגידו דעה!
ונבואה קטנה גם אחרי שהרב נים יגידו דזה סכנה הם ימשיכו בסתר למשוך קורבנות דמים תרתי משמעה
Thank you for having the courage to say what is really behind the asifa. The mashpiim know that they have not been giving really usable advice and now are trying to smash what is working, good for you!!
the hysteria is that many have gone to something which may be tumah. with all due respect to your ‘prestigious’ titles- its a big deal for us religious jews. sorry.
what about these rabbis organizing programs that are kosher instead of just getting up and screaming against what there is?
WAKE UP CALL, of the “shofar”! This comment is a general one, not specifically directed towards this issue, and can be applied, to all the disgruntled OpEds of recent. Yet another new day, and yet another new symptom, illustrating that “Lubavitch” (internal communities/schools) desperately needs “Chabad” (external storefront) style tactics and effort, to save itself from imploding and/or fading away. For all the innovation and ingenuity in really helping the “outside world”, you would think this avante garde organization would be able to care for its own, but alas, it’s like the proverbial shoemaker, who’s own kids go barefoot. For… Read more »
We don’t need Mashpiim anymore
We have shofar
With COTS. We have clarity ,well being ,love,peace,excitement for life
We don’t have good role models
We become the role models after being COTS graduates
We irradiate love ,joy ,it’s contagious
Yechi COTS leolam vaed,,,
Anyone that learnes chitas/ rambam gives Tzedakah daily and belongs to a shul that has shiurim and no mixed kiddushim or mingling….puts away thier phone when they get home from work (any job) will be a good husband /father. and have a good life the AR says in todays Tanya “anyone can overcome thier animal soul and Taavos oilam hazeh”
I am getting ready to leave the office and as always checking in with COLLIVE for the latest.
My question is: Are there so many laydigayers?
For crying out loud, 133 comments.
Am I to believe that there are 133 people out there with absolutely nothing to do?.
One of the biggest mistakes made by those who are fomenting this panic is that they are unintentionally (or for a few, perhaps intentionally) misinterpreting what Shofar is about. Here’s a quote from the article above: “The issue is how is it that everyone comes to Chabad for inspiration, meaning and happiness and our own are going to foreign sources.” It’s like yiddishe mamme saying, “Why are you going to the doctor, don’t I provide you with all your nutritional needs?” Going to a therapy-type group of one kind or another, does not mean that you have turned your back… Read more »
All the CH Rabbonim were invited (first hand information) and most are coming.
So much polemics about not getting help where some people can find it but WHAT IS the alternative????????
NONE in Lubavitch has a voice to talk about the real problems that happen in REAL LIFE
Can they make a weekend for poor people? poor people cant get help? do one weekend pro-bono!
What are the pro’s and con’s of Shofar. I never went but observed the results of those which did go. Pro’s: 1) I will not spell out all the details but to make a long story short, whatever positive results most psychotherapy can do for most people who need it, and it takes many years of therapy, shofar can very often accomplish years of psychotherapy work, in just one weekend and the results are mostly only positive productive results. The Con’s Fortunately or Unfortunately the methodology which they use is very similar to the methodology used in cults, yet shofar… Read more »
The one member of our community that is surely benefiting from this hysteria is COLlive. I can only hope that advertising rates will skyrocket for them based on the huge uptick in page views. Kol Hakavod COL :).
If you are going to write a name, spell it properly it is Smukler.
That was a very clear and coherent post.
I have the same concern as you. The rabble-roused mentality that is on display here, and what has stirred up this emergency meeting, is very dangerous and can really hurt people who have gone to this program.
Please read comment 68.
This is the Same Stuff on a Different Day.These are the same Rabbis who have been around while CH “deteriorated”. Why are they suddenly making this “urgent meeting”?
We need fresh perspective people who are in touch with the people.
The Rabbi Jakobson’s
Leibel Wolf
Manis Freidman
R’ Garelick Etc.
Didn’t the Rebbe give R’ Leibel Wolf instructions about Kosher meditation? He should be the main person at the “asifa”.
Rabbi heller who has not been in a public gathering for over 20 years his participation is the most important since he interacts with every Yungerman and has a responsibility to set them in the right way,
They also have used his name that it is ok to so he must go and show it is not true
What’s really bothering them? Why no Rabbonim on the panel? Why no Mental Health Professionals? There is one answer which answers all these questions, all at the same time. The only reason why the Shoffar program is feared so much is because it’s so very effective and that’s exactly why the Mashpiim and specifically NOT the Rabbonim are so upset. Because the tremendous effectiveness of the Shofar program, puts all the Mashpiim to shame and brings to light the current Mashpiim’s great failures, the Hashpaah which they should have been doing until now, so that there would be no need… Read more »
I posted 124
your comment is exactly my point…
They also sound completely high….or brainwashed repeating key phrases they’ve been fed…
Benny Forer about an hour ago · Reflections on the Call of the Shofar controversy: I don’t know much about the program, nor do I particularly care. But, ever since the controversy began, I’ve been asking — What’s the goal and purpose for writing and bashing COTS? Okay, so you feel it might be a cult. Gotcha. But, why are you suddenly bashing this group? Why are rabbis, rabbonim and mashpiim writing articles and calling meetings to discuss this issue? What difference does it make if mature adults make a decision to attend a weekend retreat? Is the goal to… Read more »
Interesting observation.
Those bashing come across with so much hatred…
Those who are supportive sound cool and level-headed.
Need I say more?
Anyone that wants to see first hand the terrible effects COTS has had on it’s devotees should carefully read the ramblings of comment 109-111 written by COTS recruiter Shlomo Shmukler.
Yishlach lohem miheira refuah shileima min hashomayin!
Colt is a type of gun, cult is the word you are looking for
What are you so afraid of?
Signed,
Therapy Lover
P.S. Why are two speeches in Hebrew? Is there really a value in using a language that the whole audience is not comfortable with?
Moshe i have no vested interest in anything accept bringing Achdus to the world and maybe going for a beer this new years. But if you dont believe me or care to talk fell free to give me a wring,! yourself, or anyone for that matter. my cell number is 416 829 3391. please only call with specific questions regarding Shofar and if you are willing to listen to the answers, or if you want to shoot the &#%@ about other life topics NON SHOFAR i would be more than happy as well. if you want to scream at me,… Read more »
I am shocked that the Rebbe’s choice of a Chassidishe Rov was not on the schedule, nor quoted in the article.
Are we forgetting about whom the Rebbe wanted to represent the halachic questions in CH?
Barf
the next few hundred years in golus
or the next few seconds till the the geulah
i choose the second over the first we can do it
lets all put the baggage aside we have been told if we
meant it with a emes moshiach would have already been here long ago… lets do it dont look for reasons to shoot down a gathering of chassidim today!
Rabbi Manis Friedman DOES address the issues of TZNIUS, the SHIDDUCH crisis, our YOUTH crisis and many many other issues and problems that we are facing in this day and age. Everything he says is based on CHASSIDUS and is explained in a very clear and concise manner. Check out the website 11213.org or google Rabbi Manis Friedman. And until Moshiach gets here any second now, let’s listen to some sound advice from a very reputable and smart Chossid.
Wow. just wow. your rambling, incoherent writing speaks volumes about the effects of this dangerous CULT. Of course, peace and love to all. What else is new.
Of course Shofar has no leader. Thats how all these cults have evolved in recent years, since people finally grew suspicious of mind controlling cults with leaders.
And we have many kings among us…hmm, pray tell, are those the ones who say you have to give them $750 to become cured of all that ails you?
I have the utmost pity for you. Please get proper counseling and help immediately.
mr shlomo smukler
please identify your interest and recruiting work towards COTS so people can read your comments and understand where you are coming from .. no just I went once … enough of this … go to docors and get medical approval before you consider this .. think whatthey do … not the results because this is mind manipulation …
This whole meeting seems useless and a huge missing of the point if Reb Manis is not there. The problem we have today is that Chassidim feel like they need to go somewhere else to deal with their real life issues, and nobody addresses this issue! The fact is that most people don’t learn Chassidus aliba dnafshei, to understand it in a very personla and practical way. There is only one teacher (that I can think of) who teaches chassidus in this way and that is Reb Manis. If all the other rabbis come together and talk about all the… Read more »
do you think the rebbi gave a dollar to every kid every sunday because we did NOT matter? the whole lubavitch is that we all matter!! after all the rebbi gave open access to anyone to move into a town and become a sleach because we all matter!!!!!! if you feel you dont matter you need to spend time with rabbi groner or a mashpia and for free you will see how you matter or join yagdil torah or sign up at haddar torah
and most importantly. TRUE SELF LOVE AND TRUE SELF AWARENESS IS EXPRESSED IN ONES, CONFIDENT HOWEVER SELFLESS DEVOTION TO OTHER PEOPLES FEELINGS THOUGHTS, NEEDS AND DESIRES…. BECAUSE I MATTER TO #77 YOU MATEER EQUALLY IF NOT MORE THSN ME AND i am now a vesel to genuinely give to you to my friends to my family and to my children. we all make mistakes and we all misunderstand others at times. The question is what happens next? Do we own up to the affect we have had on others or do we sit back into our own story of our… Read more »
CONTINUED:….shofar, a place to rediscover oneself by acknowledging past experiences whether positive or negative and understanding from a Chassidish and toyrah perspective how my past has affected my life up until the present….. By understanding ourselves we create opportunity to love ourselves and therefore others. To be open to Toyrah and Mitsvas because we now can realise that we have free will. To Truly LISTEN to people and show genuine compassion.. En educated ear will hear that call of the Shofar is simply an experiential shiur in Chassidus. Following strict Torah guidlines….. Shofar has no leader!!!! we have only one… Read more »
Each and everyone of you are beautiful people, with passionate and powerful opinions, and may you continue to help better the world through spreading words of Torah and gemilas chasadim I will not say much, but i will say that i have been to Call of the Shofar. I did not go 7 times like some of my wonderful friends but i went and i loved it. fo rthose who have not been there, there is absolutely no way to have any real idea of what it really is all about. So i will tell you in 2-3 sentences, and… Read more »
How can a new couple start a family when the minimum rent for a descent appartment is out of reach. When this couple is blessed with a few children how can they pay for the schar limud ??? Why don’t the gevirim step up to the plate and build affordable housing and help the yeshivot?? It is time that we help our own with Jobs that so many yungerleit need. The Rabayim helped create Jobs for Chassidim. Where are the Chasiddim with the means to help create Jobs for their fellow Chassidim. The Nachas you would give the Rebbe and… Read more »
Are you rewriting history?
The Rebbe instructed that they use the term ‘Beth Din of Crown Heights’, as they were elected by Crown Heights and NOT by Lubavitch international. The Rebbe did want they should get Kovod in Crown Heights, including Kovod in 770, (imho, since it is located in Crown Heights.) The Rebbe did instruct them not to get involved in Lubavitch international, and mostly, they keep to it.
yes it would be beneficial to have a psychologist but that is not the point right now. the ponnt right now is al pi halacha- so we need scholars/rabbonim to tell us if this therapy is ossur or mutar. we don’t necessarily need a therapist to tell us that bec. they might be biased.
Enough said. Thank you.
there could be tons of justified reasons why what when however if this is avoda zoro would you have anythng else to add???? there is nothing to say “this is avoda zoro!!!!” so go from one extrememto the other or go half dressed(non tznius) or be mechalel shabbos but this is avoda zoro, the 49th shaar of tuma so there shouldn’t be “HYSTERIA” nothing to do about judging or haviing other issues here “we shold let this avoda zoro continue???” tose that want to continue waas just as sincere following the rebbe – to you it is the SAME thing… Read more »
Your comment shows real insensitivity. We all know that you have a valid point, but I’m sure you can find a way to say it that’s not insulting.
Perhaps the friends they were with were bad for this person and he finally got the guts to do whats right and disassociate with these bad friends. Perhaps he was doing favors for people when he really shouldn’t have. This is alot more complex than you are making it, and you are not filling in all the gaps to your story. The call of the shofar is obviously not for you and I hope you don’t attend, but for some it was a life savor.
These Rabbinom are skilled in Halacha. With all due respect, they have no experience in therapy and healthcare. Where are the Mental Health Professionals?! Not even one psychologist!
colt kōlt/ noun noun: colt; plural noun: colts 1. a young, uncastrated male horse, in particular one less than four years old. Or Colt kōlt/ nountrademark noun: Colt; plural noun: Colts 1. a type of revolver. Do you perhaps mean cult kəlt/ noun noun: cult; plural noun: cults 1. a system of religious veneration and devotion directed toward a particular figure or object. “the cult of St. Olaf” a relatively small group of people having religious beliefs or practices regarded by others as strange or sinister. “a network of Satan-worshiping cults” synonyms: sect, denomination, group, movement, church, persuasion, body, faction… Read more »
In my opinion, the problem originated when the Merkoz Chinuch office introduced “professionals” to teach our melamdim. They were the first ones to let “foreigners” be mashpia on our melamdim.
I truly hope that this terrible situation will highlight the dangers of receiving hashpoah from “foreign” sources, no matter how innocent it seems.
Whether you are a Yechi Nik or not You cannot argue with what living torah does & By Hashgacha Pratis The video presented as below is a simple solution This so called Asifa needs in reality to be about Achdus & respect not side issues
On Going Mainstream
During the slavery of the Jewish people in ancient Egypt, Pharaoh’s harshest decree was that every male child born, be drowned in the Nile.
11 Shevat 5718 – February 01, 1958
The Rebbe didn’t come to the fabrengen until the Rabonim were invited!
this is doen in Kehila Crown Heights and if The Rabonim are not invited it looses its dignity.
for real leaders stepping forward. And hopefully this should not be a one time event, but the first of many
I would love to see Shea Hecht and Manis Friedman there too.
The Rebbe set up a Beis Din to paskan on halachic issues pertaining to Chabad. They should be the ones to take leadership. They should be the ones to decide on the halachic issue of wether it’s a”z or not.
can we air it live
We have a tznius mageifa……
We have a shidduch crisis…
We have a parnosa crisis….
We have a youth crisis…..
We have a modern orthodoxy movement ……
MAKE An EMERGENCY MEETING AND INCLUDE LEADERS THAT RESONATE WITH THE NEW GENERATION
RABBI FRIEDMAN. RABBI ULMAN. DR TWERSKI YOSSI JACOBSON.
The above topics must be addressed
They are determining where Lubavitch is heading.
We are in such deep trouble and ignoring the elephant ONLY deepens our troubles.
G-d have mercy on us and on the Rebbes koved.
This meeting is for Lubavitch worldwide, not limited to Crown Heights residence. This is emphasized by having well recognized Rabbonim/Mahpiim who or usually above (aside of) politics. If a Rav strongly involved in Crown Heights politics would be part of this, many Lubavitchers will dismiss opinions stated at the Asifa.
Never the less, IMHO, should any of the other local Rabbonim show up, he should be placed on the dais.
Braun Schwei and I hear Rabbi Segal and Osdaba are also preparing a long letter with others signing on it.
BH BH
Thanks whoever is doing this.
We must also understand many went thinking it was just a weekend of intr thought and Hisboninos so do not make fun of the inoocent guys who were shlepted in.
We must worry about the guys running it NY who are shleping guys and making $ off our backs.
Thank Hashem you live long!!!!!!! we need u!!!!!!!
People are quick to judge because of those who came back more self-centered.
For those educated in psychology (and even chassidus) you will know, that for someone who was a shmatteh all his life, becoming self-centered is a part of the process.
Sure, you can’t stop half-way, but even the Rambam encourages going to the other extreme and leveling out afterwards.
Everyone agrees that (crazy or otherwise) it is a powerful tool for introspection, healing and growth. Those who went and didn’t succeed have buyers remorse and are badmouthing the organization , shifting the blame instead of taking responsibility for their issues of insecurity and having faith in others (key components to having success at the workshop). Those who didn’t go and are afraid of something new are either looking for answers or finding excuses not to go. Those who went and truly succeeded keep to themselves while enjoying life, hence the glaring void in past participants’ comments in support of… Read more »
Pathetic thats all I can say ….. so many more issues in this screwed up community…… wake up people ….. I went to shofar its therapy …. many many many of you should try it .. and then you all wounder why this community is in such turmoil in every aspect … something is not working in this community and brave people want to better themselves and it becomes a problem ???? Shame on all of you who know nothing about it !!!
As a Mechanech I feel the “LANGUAGE ISSUE” we have in O.T. and some other schools is far more important then this. If we would only know how much STRESS it causes to many of our children in their learning, we would have a Emergency Gathering on this issue as well. And remember the life of a child and the way he looks at himself has a lot to do with his success in learning, and in turn it will effect his self esteem, which can create a lot of issues down the line. Please spread the word,and lets try… Read more »
not at all , that is not reb yoel kahn’s agenda.
perhaps there too many conflicts between the community as to which rov they would listen to etc. Kahn and shochet are more neutral in my opinion. Kahn can’t have an agenda other than PURE
Your comment shows real stupidity!
Ever heard of time difference??
2 giants
RYoel #1 in chassidus
Rabbi Ezra Schchet #1 in nigla in Lubavitch
What are the speeches going to be about if you can’t learn Torah?
Shea you were great. Why did you stop or backtrack are you afraid of a law suit?
dovi you are not being 100% honest, you forgot to add to your disclaimer, that berry shwartz is your brother in law.
We mostly have to look why so many people in our community are looking for outside help and inspiration and guidance. They are not finding it here. I know one person who went and he claims now he feels free and it is ok to do what he feels like doing. His frumkeit has gone way down. He has connected to his inner being and his inner needs and happiness. It is time crown heights, I mean Lubavitch divide itself into 2 distinct groups. Those that believe in our values etc. etc and those who bring in garbage from outside.… Read more »
nothing equals to the avoda zoro mageifa. this is a matter of avoda zoro. even if no issues are resolved for the community, the community must be aware that this therapy is based on avoda zoro.
If I hear one more brainwashed pathetic robot spouting the lingo they were indoctrinated with at shofar ill scream. ‘Better life’ more open’ ‘closer to my family’ ….I personally know of many people who are devastated by the results wrought on their family members, who are now “so happy doing what feels right for them” which means being utterly self centered, obsessed with their own personal well being at the expense of others, cutting off from family and friends and some becoming less religious. That does not make them closer to their families who are devastated by this. How sad… Read more »
What SF of COTS has seen was a downward spiral in Chabad. I don’t see ANY compelling evidence that he can be of any help, but he very successfully identified that “the emperor is not wearing clothes”. Sadly, all mashpiim in Lubavitch had the attitude after gimmel taamuz of “mi ani oomuh ani- who am I to offer unsolicited hadrocho/leadership”. Chabad needs to revive Aguch and offer real leadership. This is clear. What is more complex, is how we will humble ourselves collectively and become real Mushpoiim and takeh internalize their hadrocho. Sadly, the more chilled out Lubavitchers, myself included… Read more »
here it is not an issue wether our community needs this therapy. even if it made the whole oilam gevaldik more frum and chassidish. Scholars have to define if this is avoda zoro REGARDLESS the outcome. those that went simply did not have an inkling that this might be ossur. Why doyou think so many talmidei chachomim /tsaddikim were inclined to serve avoda zoro in our history???Because it felt GOOD!!!!!it felt RIGHT!!! It gave them something. we always sat and wondered how they were they running to avoda zoro, now we have a fraction of an idea.
1. Will it just be a complaining session or will it produce results?
2. Did the problem itself just become a problem because the Rabbonim are worried about it?
3. Did COL sensationalize by calling this “Urgent,” and thereby adding fuel to fire, or is that how it was originally worded?
4. Can the leadership translate their letters into English for this generation?
That was a clearly written, lucid and imperative response! I’m in agreement with you that this event could possibly turn into a mass hysteria with leaders making automatic decisions that have little basis in fact…which will shed light on the problem in our current leadership.
Rabbi Osdaba must be there. Why isn’t he included?
unfortunately some on ur list may have participated as well. we need higher than that- those who know the Rebbes words best.
Those behind this “Emergency Meeting have ONE thing and ONE THING ONLY, in mind…… Break and destroy the authority of our Bais Din !!!!! We have a tznius mageifa……Shhhhh, nothing. We have a shidduch crisis… Shhhhh, nothing. We have a parnosa crisis….Shhhh, nothing We have a youth crisis…..Shhhh, nothing. We have a modern orthodoxy movement ……Shhhhh, nothing. MAKE A EMERGENCY MEETING AND MAKE SURE TO SIDE STEP: Rabbi Ozdoba, Rabbi Schwei and Rabbi Braun. They should have been part and parcel of this event and whoever chooses to stay home, can stay home. We are in such deep trouble and… Read more »
Thank you collive for exposing this klipa in our community. You have performed a real public service. Kol hakavod
This frenzy regarding the Shofar Program evokes images of villagers coming out with their pitchforks in the deep south. Mass hysteria, unfounded rumors mixed in with the truths and what you have basically is group hyperventilation, culminating with the fatwa. For the record, I work in the mental health field and I am concerned about this program. Shofar’s modality seems to use highly unconventional therapies, which is like prescribing anti-biotics for a sniffle. Based on a superficial glance, its seems way over the top. It is also very concerning that the people leading it are ad hoc lay leaders who… Read more »
People need help!
Maybe the focus should be where people should go for help instead of where they shouldn’t.
Thank you to the Rabbonim and for those of you who did attend I beg you to have the bittul and kabolas ol and may you see the brochos that they bring in a revealed way.
Would it be possible to air this important event?
Thank you!
Is not in the list. Is that because he too attended COTS and has sent bochurim there too?
Have you really got nothing better to do at 12,1and 2 in the morning then comment on collive’s articles?
Seriously, get a day job.
Shea heact and manis friedman
Should Talk as well
Why does a mashpia in OT feels the need to go to such a place.
Does he feel a need to get info from others?
Are the Rebbe’s sichos not enough??
The problem might be that the “MASHPIEM” need a cult to be able to be proper mashpiem.
Hashem yerachem!!!!!!!!!!
Kotlarsky should be there as well to take responsibility for his COTS promoting shluchim.
#32, totally crack up laugh out loud.
First I believe this is our leaders own fault! Since gimmel tammuz there has been a very clear vacuum of proper leadership from the those who have the knowledge or the influence on the masses that call themselves lubavitchers. Second when all of the focus and energy is applied to the shluchim and chabad houses and the source, namely crown heights is left to flounder then what do you expect! When the “cream of the crop” is spread out into the world and we are stuck with the leftovers what do you expect. and third of all if this is… Read more »
can the event please be put on air
The leaders of Lubavitch are finally stepping up and leading. Please have a live online hookup so Lubavitch communities around the world can participate.
I hope this leads to follow up sessions where leaders visit many other communities and provide inspiration and direction.
I also hope that with time they start to Iinclude the younger mashpiim in this initiative and start to get the needed funding to develope the next generation of mashpiim and rabonim that will lead us to the geula woth the Rebbe broishum!
Can you define serious professional? Is it someone with a degree? perhaps a person who spent years in college in the company of people who are not Chabad?
I’ll stick with the Rebbe’s Chassidim when it comes to ruchniyus matters. Since everything for a Jew is ruchniyus, I’ll do lechatchile ariber.
this guy is looking for new clientele- beware that none fall victim- within and out of chabad!
Rabbanim are taking a stand.
to 5: Avoda Zara has always been a core issue to the Jewish nation-thats why its a big issue on this site which is mostly frequented by jews.
This is a very important matter and a lot of people out of CH want to participate. Perhaps it can be streamed on teleconference?
my void
they stay on, or lose their jobs?
Just want to add my vote for video of the meeting, live AND viewable later please.
who is this rabbi ulman guy?
Anybody have any idea how many Lubavitchers have gone to this?
I don’t live in CH and never heard of COTS till a week ago. How any Chabad people have gone since it started?
What is their demographic? Single? married? Chassidish? Modern?
After the first course for $650 do they try getting you to come back or pay for any other service? if so, how much is the most one person can spend on COTS?
Thanx for the info.
I feel very relieved to see that our most respected rabbonim are weighing in and have organized this event.
We owe Rabbi Shea Hecht a great big thanks for waking us up from our sleep. I often wondered what was infesting some of us and now I understand. When michanchin, teachers, shluchim etc. participate in programs like COTS, Landmark, etc and then are michanuch our children, what can we possibly expect? The yetzer tries to get at us constantly. He wasn’t successful with blatant attempts via missionaries and so on, so the clever yetzer found a way via COTS and Landmark. Some or our educators, shluchim, teachers and mashpiim attended and absorbed the avoda zara from there and through… Read more »
YY Jacobson
Simon Jacobson
R’ Leibel Wolf
Rabbi Ulman
Rabbi manis Freidman
I believe that they are more in touch with the general population and will be more likely listened to.
No disrespect to R Shochet and R Yoel Kahn.
To our Tanya Kadisha, for being A Mirgo’ah L’nafsheinoo when studied honestly (Alibah D’nafsheo).
Will anybody from the Shofar management be there to defend and accurately portray themselves? It seems to me that the event will be like a debate or trial with only one side allowed to speak and the other is demonized and found guilty even before they had a chance to say a word. The irony is that Shofar is being viewed totally incorrectly. They are NOT coming to substitute any of the ways of chasisdus but just to help people access it better. Here is a very simple example (because for these types of things it is better to break… Read more »
Lubavitch is invited into two: Those that went to COTS and those that didn’t. This is what people will be asking on shidduch dates.
They should serve Hassids Hipsters “Call of the Sausage” & The “Landmark” soup at the Asifa…… 🙂
please post the meeting online!!!!!!!!
For the benifit for many, please air the program on Collive..thank you
Can there please be a live broadcast. Thank you very much!
I cant believe “this is such a big thing” that Rav Ezra Schochet is flyin in all the way from Los Angeles just 2 spk abt “Call of The Shofar”
Your respect is mind boggling.
Rabbi Ezra schochet is more aware of this generation then you think. Even if you can’t handle the way he says it.
Can you please post it on line LIVE for thousands of Shluchim and Anash to be able to be aprt of this. The Rebbe in 5750 spoke how Nittul is to be utilised to sharpen and hone your clarity and sharpness in limud Hatorah, so this is a great way to know and use the tools we were given by our Heilgier Rabeim Zichusom Yogein Oleinu! May all those who are teaching us how to be better Chassidim be blessed. please AIR this LUVE on COLLIVE and a trmendous Yasher Koach to the dedicated staff of COL for doing so… Read more »
Thanks for saying what needed to be said. You are a brave man.
Personally, what we really need here is a group therapy session strictly devoted to all those poor ‘colts’ as well as all those ‘dumbing’ souls out there. We can call it The Call of the Comments and invite anyone ‘dumbing’ enough to write a comment ridiculing those who write comments to participate. Perhaps The Call of the Comments can even rid ‘The Dumbings’ of their inexplicable obsession over Colts. UPDATE: Inside information has informed us that following the dubious success of The Call of the Shofar, a new group therapy dubbed ‘The Crunch of the Matza’ will be opening. If… Read more »
Will rabbi manis Friedman be there?
אם חס ושלום הרבנים יגמגמו נשלם על זה בבכיה לדורות הרבנים של קראון היטס בשתיקתם כבר השלימו עם פשרה עם הכת אין חצי אמת בכל התוקף יש לנער זאת מאיתנו! זה בשביל בנינו בנותינו שלוחים וה עולם באם יתחנפו וידברו על צורך בכתות כאלו עדיף לא לעשות אסיפה זו והרבה שלוחים למקום הנקוד ה היא לא אם יש אתגרים, אלא שצבא של שוטפי מוחות רודפים את משפחתינו בשם .יתקון וחסידות וזה צריך לעצור מיד!!!!! ועוד לא דיברנו על המשפיעים שממשיכים להטיף שזה זה חבד וזה זה הגורו ההוא יושיע אותך רח”ל אנ י מקוה ש רבנים לא יפספסו את ההזדמנות… Read more »
We need to hear from rabbonim that are more down to earth…
What you’re essentially saying is you believe that the approach for a healthy mind and soul and the thoughts and feelings that occupy them should be dictated by professionals in the academic field rather than those who can well interpret the wisdom of the Torah, Chassidus and the Rebbe’s teachings.
Clearly you have very different values than those people to whom this site caters i.e. most of people reading your comment.
How ironic that this emergency meeting about a Jewish cult is happening on x-mas eve. Though I am relieved action is being taken, I am concerned about the young men who felt they desperately needed this experience– I’m sure they are feeling crushed and fear the void. Though I have been vigilantly sounding the alarm that the community needed to wake up to the danger this group and frischling pose, I now want to make sure that the people who had authentic spiritual experiences at these weekends don’t feel broken and become more embittered. I highly recommend sensitivity and empathy… Read more »
Please air it online
Thank you for everything you’ve done to bring this important event to fruition.
I understand the importance of doing this in Hebrew, but it would help many of us that don’t yet read fluently. Thank you.
The reason why it took so long for a response I due to the fact that a lot of research had to be done before any rov or Mashpia can talk out rightly about this.
I am extremely happy I went… This community is very very sad… and offer nothing to people in the community… Let me make it clear… this is very sad when there are so many really issues going on… but I expect nothing less
Or you can complicate it. If it helps then all to you. No their is nothing against Halacha period. All this will be is abounch of people talking haking about something they haven’t experienced. Exactly what YOU were going threw at your shabos table this week! Yes I mean you!
Can u air it online please
why did you care to comment? not sure why i did but i decided i dont care what you think….i care what reb yoel kahan, rabbi heller, rabbi shochat have to say wish i was in crown heights to hear them….
I see that the maspia from OT is not on the invite….is this due to his attending “The Call of the Shofar” not once but twice?
The point of this meeting is not a response to call of the shofar rather it is the true call of the shofar to make us realize that we must set ourselves and our youth straight with the methods of chassidus
as rabbi schochets article was titled call of the void, that is the true call and desperate outcry
This is what the meeting is about, filling the void so many seem to feel
When it comes to matters that can have a tremendous effect on the neshama these are the right people you can trust- people with the view of chassidus and Torah.
what is a colt exactly? you call it “the dumbing term”; however i think you used the word dumb on the wrong people….
I agree. Nothing like talking about other people’s lives and choices..better than reality tv if you know what I mean. This is way better entertainment than anything that out there.. and COLlive is free, which is such a good service that everyone can decide what everyone else should do. Where I live, you can’t decide what other people should do or talk about it, because everyone just does what they want, but here its mamash like one family that if someone goes somewhere its everyone’s inyan and thats what makes Col so good.
Pls post the results- with abundance of help from Hashem and the Rebbe it will be another didan notzach to finish with this “group”!
It seems you don’t like whoever came up with the term “colt”. Your comment is the first reference I’ve seen to this program being a colt, unless you meant to say “cult”. That being said you wrote wrote a comment for someone so she that no one cares about the issue
Pls make live on line there a lot of ppl out of town that want to here what thy have to say
That’s the questions, why do people care about this “nothing of an issue”?
If “no one really cares,” why is this the topic of discussion whoever I go? in shul, at the shabbos table, col, facebook, everywhere?
Will there be a ladies section?
The Call of the Shofar excitement never seems to end. First there was an interview, a response, another response and more ( I can’t keep count) and it does not stop! Now this! More excitement! I go now on COL every day to check – there always more and more. I I used to live in CH and I miss the how you always talk and know whats cooking ‘by Yenem’ and everyone has their kochleffel mixed in. Now, I can sit back and read such interesting articles, i mamash feel like I am back in the hood, its so… Read more »
Finally! An end to the shofar cult. By the way, I heard steve firshling has relocated to Australia…
I can’t believe this nothing of an issue is becoming so big. Why do people care about this matter? I know COL (god bless you guys) are getting a tremendous amounts of hits off these stories – and the “Chabad Light” issue two years ago – which is great business on your part. But I can’t understand why people care so much. Why does it matter if in fact this weekend retreat is a colt? By the way, “colt,” the dumbing term anyone could have come up with to describe the weekend. Colt, whoever came up with this term for… Read more »
Are very far from bring aware of that this generation needs.
Chabad needs some serious professional input here.
No we’re talking! It’s about time someone does something!
Can it please be live on line???
We need the community elders to step up to the plate. Their voices have been silent for too many long years and this is the result.