By COLlive reporter
An uncommon letter is being signed by teachers of chassidus studies at Beis Medrash Oholei Torah, one of Chabad’s largest yeshivas and a division of Educational Institute Oholei Torah in Crown Heights.
8 of its rabbis, in positions of mashpi’im and chassidus teachers, came out with a statement on Friday, 24 Teves 5774, against “The Call of the Shofar”, a “self examination” program based on the controversial Landmark Forum.
Written in Hebrew, the letter states, “It is fallacious to participate in any way in organizations such as “Call of the Shofar” and all like it, and there is no room for chassidim to have such perspectives.”
“Call of the Shofar,” or COTS, uses “cognitive tools” and “guided imagery visualizations” to bring participants of its weekend retreats to “discoveries and rediscoveries.” They have been called a cult.
In their letter, the mashpi’im agreed that when methods “are against the spirit and philosophy of the Torah and chassidus in particular, it is all together absurdly fallacious to go and participate in the things and places.”
Signed on the letter are Rabbis Nachman Schapiro, Pinchos Korf, Yosef Yitzchok Pevzner, Sholom Charitonow, Yekusiel Feldman, Schneur Zalman Vilenkin, Shlomo Sternberg and Levi Yitzchok Matusof.
At least two of the individuals who signed on the letter have reportedly attended the retreat or referred bochurim under their influence to go there as well. The location of the retreat in the Tri-State area is Morristown, NJ.
They stopped short of discussing the nature and the extent of (some of) their own involvement with the program. They also didn’t offer guidance to those that already “pastured in other fields,” as they write.
Raphael Aron, a specialist on mind-control and cults, wrote on COLlive.com that he questions “whether these Mashpi’im, as well intentioned as they are, have the understanding and expertise to make these ‘referrals.'”
The mashpi’im did however conclude their letter by saying that those who feel they “need treatment” should “seek the advice of a G-d fearing medical expert and at the instruction of a Chassidic rabbi” active in halachic matters.
Rabbi Yaakov Schwei and Rabbi Yosef Braun, two members of the Crown Heights Beis Din, wrote on Friday that participation in the “Call of the Shofar” is forbidden.
An “urgent gathering” this past week in Crown Heights took place in the ballroom of Oholei Torah and was attended by 2000 people. Speakers called on finding meaning and fulfillment through Torah and chassidus.
RELATED ARTICLES:
+ Cult Expert Explains Dangers
+ R’ Yoel Kahn’s Full Speech
+ 2000 at “Urgent Gathering”
+ Rabbis Convene Urgent Gathering
+ Op-ed: The Call Is Simply a Symptom
+ What Really Happens at “Shofar”
+ Rabbi Y Schochet: Call of the Void
+ Rabbi Hecht: “Call of the Shofar is a Cult
+ Man Behind “Call of the Shofar”
https://www.mediafire.com/?td7kk79v6x17aoy
They don’t let Bochurim go Shabbos to the Rebbe’s Ohel (more then once a month, and never more, but sometimes they will give permission to go else where more than once a month) Bochurim need to fight strang to do what’s right The Yeshiva only cares about politics (the Hanhala of Chassidus are Moshiachistim and they won’t do nothing, and even the hanhala of Niglah won’t do anything because that Yeshiva Neglah and Chassidus Hanholah are 2 completely different management, i had a good friend how learnt there and he us to complain to me all the time telling me… Read more »
i read many of the comments on this saga, but have not come across these questions:
1) what hashgacha was the food?
2) this occured in a lubavitcher’s home in morristown nj where was the rabbi/shliach in this community when this was happening?
The attention to this case is good for the new generation.
From Zen Buddhism to EST to Landmark to COTS – Hashem Yishmor!! dress it in a different garment… it’s still avoda zara. the root is derived from avoda zara … it cannot be purified. _____________________________________________ The last EST Training was held in December 1984 in San Francisco; in its place came a newly developed course called “The Forum”, which began in January 1985. The EST Training presented several concepts, most notably the concept of transformation and taking responsibility for one’s life. The actual teaching, called “the technology of transformation”, emphasizes the value of integrity.[10] “est, Inc.” evolved into “est, an… Read more »
we have to create A new mivtzoym route
to go on Fridays before the COTS workshop starts, to give flyers warn participants
Perfect speech I love it
Your 100% right thx
In the name of complete transparency and honesty — a feature so prominently advocated by COTS — why don’t the four people, pinny lew etc. (whose name is on every COTS email) openly report their financial benefit from marketing and recruiting attendees?
Oholei toirah needs to appoint an independent group to review what happened here and how to fix it.
Some of the people involved are too connected to the hanhala to make a good judgement.
Keep your kids close, talk to them, watch them, be involved with them, did them a parve outlet that you will be involved with them or they will find their own, trust in Hashem, and trust in yourself., don’t allow anyone else to make decisions for them or about them.
Is that really feasible? They should wrap themselves in black clothes and disappear? Maybe suggest something more realistic…
DO NOT EVEN THiNK OF GOING THERE your wasting ur time ur money every thing (better to Learn Torah then going there)
Because I now about it
i was there, it’s so crazy i cant believe there are people that go for a SECOND time.
pay 750$!! for what? scream what ever he tells you to? i mean he is a professional, you have to have some head (like mine) not to fall for his stupid opinion.
but you don’t need to have to much of a head to know that this guy is off his wall
Believe it or not sometimes things which can seemingly help a person is forbidden, that’s why there are Rabbis who tell us what the law is because we arent equipped to on our own.
RYYP, one of the supposed signatories to this letter, said today by the Ohel to several people that he never signed anything! He was shocked that such a letter came out! He was shocked to learn that his name is listed with the two main perpetrators of this disastrous calamity that has befallen Oholei Torah! He had no answer as to whom is the reference of MH”M made to in the letter, Frishling or mashpiim! Clearly, those invloved are trying to dupe the naive Mashpiim (yes politically naive), into thinking that they regret their actions and are trying to blend… Read more »
Do mashpiim listen to mashpiim???
“Reb Yoel added that Rabbi Sternberg needs to pen his own letter and apologize to his students and the community.”
That was a week ago and it has NOT happened!!
The psak din concerning Call of the Shofar doesn’t reference any source in Shulchan Aruch at all and neither does the letter that preceded it. It’s a clear psak din only in the sense that it says clearly what not to do, but it is entirely unclear what it’s based on. Fear and hysteria can’t substitute halacha. Which halachos in Shulchan Aruch are the basis for the psak din? I’m hoping Rabbi Osdoba will clarify this matter.
excuse me, but as parents who care about our children, we dont send our children to yeshiva to learn avoda zara chas vshalom. responsible schools and teachers should take necessary steps to ensure this remains a chassidic school. not a “simcha frishling buddhist school.” were not blaming them for going but we have the right to demand a clean-up or a disinfection.
To # 100 “Are you Jewish” Everyone who learned Tanya knows that the alter Rebbe says in Tanya that the only reason why someone does an Avera, (for example, as in this case, by those who are Rabble Rousing against the Mashpiim, in direct violation of Halacha, which the Rabbonim warned against), – the Alter Rebbe says that the reason why they do that is because they fail to realise that by doing such (any) Avera, they are being seperated from Hashem, not unlike someone who converts to want to try and “be a GOY”, worship Avoda Zara, for which… Read more »
Dear 103
I can see that you don’t have any idea what you are talking about
Why is it that people return from COTS with a ” new life” ,just for one intense week end?
They feel as a new happy person, completed changed for “good”, “COTS changed my life’
This is the ” new program ” in their sub conscious
NO KANO’IM here, just knowledgeable people who know the REAL problem
# 94 is indeed jewish. It is just someone very close to one of the mashpiim and therefore is rambling incoherently.
All very nice to call it ‘a lynch mob’ however parents have every right to demand a certain standard from their child’s school. Period. And the same way a teacher would be fired or the very least ‘disciplined’ for any other questionable or innapropriate behavior, the same should apply here.
Additionally, where did you get that shofar hasn’t been called a dangerous cult? cots has been called a ‘dangerous brainwashing cult’ since landmark has been called that numerous times by numerous proffesionals, and shofar was modeled as a jewish or chasidic version of landmark. Wake up and smell the coffee.
I hate to spoil the lynch party, but I disagree! Fire melamdim? Big investigation? De-programming? What in the world are you talking about?! There is a very disturbing lynch-mob mentality that pervades this whole saga. Whoever is calling for that is acting contrary to anyone who spoke with any authority. Nowhere has anyone in authority said that Shofar is a dangerous brainwashing cult. a. R’ Shea Hecht said (video) it can be beneficial but not for the masses; that he had sent people there and would still send people there who can benefit from it. — Did he call it… Read more »
Much focus was on OT zal, but what about the Rabbeim in ELEMENTARY who were encouraged AND pressured (with subtle threats) that they must go to COTS? This is being swept under the carpet!! The principal of the elementary is an avid “supporter” of COTS and was recruiting ALL staff to join. No change in policy except that now it is “under ground”.
Parents wake up!
To 89.
Only some go. Many simply marry into it. There are still amazing, talented people here in crownheights.
Are YOU Jewish?
The real problem is that leaving COTS is not just a matter of Teshuva or not Teshuva The REAL problem are the EFFECTS of COTS If someone was very involved in COTS techniques for a while (some people went many times ,then as part of the staff)”working on themselves”,it takes a long time to DEPROGRAM The brainwashing is accomplished trough the auto suggestions which in turn program the subconscious The words of teshuva ( sorry,I made a mistake) are powerless and bounce against the already powerful programmed subconscious It is a process, they need to replace the auto suggestions in… Read more »
i don’t live in crown heights but do have ainiklech in ot and i still think, knowing these mashpiim and their giant heads,that it wouldn’t take them much to deprogram thereby removing or repairing any tuma influences.I don’t think they would for one second not realize their mistake after it being pointed out . maybe i am too trusting?
I am no shloimy Sternberg fan but a person can apologize and we can move on. Do not decide what kind of “punishment” is appropriate. It is not in our place. Public humiliation is a disgrace. This is Ben adom l’makom at this point. I believe what happened here is that R’ Sternberg attended the COTS with a very healthy ego and came out with an inflated one. I am sure he has been humbled now. Please do not insist on shfichas domim
this week in shul a prominent rebbe told the shul “The rebbiem do not pay Ohelei Torah pays for the rebbeim” to attend the weekend program. Now is the time for the menahalim to come clean once and for all. BTW there will be another retreat this week parshas Bo for OT teachers. find out where your sons Rebbe will be this shabbos! Is there double standards between zal and elementary?
Teachers. Mashpiim Principals. That went to COTS might continue teaching and also farbrengens with YOUTUBE Live. For supervision
All those writing negative comments against those who have since abandoned the cots, need to decide if they believe in the Torah or if they subscribe to the Goyishe Way of life and it’s lifestyle, instead, in defiance of the Rabbonim which is even far worse than those who have ever attended cots. If you are a Goy, it’s perfectly understandable that although the Rabbonim have specifically forbidden, badmouthing, those who had previously attended cots. But if someone is a Goy, his Kelpia is not impacted by a clear Psak Din of Rabbonim. Likewise anyone who listens to the “Goy… Read more »
This letter is simply a TACTIC to keep their jobs secure. It is NOT an indication of “teshuva” or even regret / apology in ANY manner. It is simply to APPEASE the loud calls for their removal. They would sign ANYTHING to keep their jobs. If it would be even a little sincere: 1. The letter would be SPECIFICALLY from those individuals who actually went, without adding the many others who did not attend. Teshuva or apologies are individual acts or regret and remorse, not generalized public policy statements. 2. The individuals would clearly state WHY they regret their action,… Read more »
KOL HAKOVOD, kudos to you that you announced your fitting name to the public(name given through ruach hakodesh) A little contradictory to the goal of cots, i see a trmendous amount of bittul here. If it was me I would be embarrassed to announce that after all the informative comments and asifa, psaks, letter from mashpiim and last but not least the informative article from a professiona R. Aron,and, I still did’t get it! If you still can’t absorb any of this, I guess yes, either you are a victim and you are brainwashed or you are as you named… Read more »
The reason and way so many lubavitchers managed to get involved in the cult, is because of 4 lubavitchers who have a financial deal with steve…
Your 100% correct.
Now it took us as parents in OT for yossel rosenfeld to realize what’s going on in Reb Michoel’s mosid.
The question should be,
What would Reb Mechoel do????
The other day, I was having a conversation with family about the fact that most of of our talented and great minds move out on Shlichus and the vacuum of leadership and empathetic teachers & Mashpios, that people complain about. I’m not from Crown Heights, but reading these comments I now understand why people leave Crown Heights and chose Shlichus. Who wants to be torn apart and personally attacked? I’m no fan of COTS, but tearing down an individual in such a public way is, to me, a bigger issue than COTS. Who gives us the right to spread Lashon… Read more »
Well said, with sholom and respect.
I think that #77 has stated the sutuation correctly. The parents need to be answered to and there must be a policy of correction to regain the confidence of the parents and the community.
ur so off. we are concerned that our our childrens teachers have a contagious virus. they need to b treated before returning. we love them dearly but this is a safety (bruchnius) issue. saying sorry is not enough if you still carry a disease.
Whats about the fact that the principal forced teachers to go and even threaten if they dnt go …
Rabbi sternberg is an amazing teacher who gives one if the best classes in chassidus in chabad amd is a devoted mashpia even befor getting married 3 years after his class he offerd to learn with me etc etc. A reall yid who really cears you cant blame him for trying to so wtv it takes to help Pepole even pay 750. From a ot salry just to be able to help buchrim a drop more. So he made a mistake who hasnt is that really a reson for him to stop helping all the pepole he helpt ?? Personly… Read more »
Even though it is each of our responsibilities to find a Mashpia, I do agree that it is significantly easier if there is a list of recommended Mashpiim with the times they are available, listed. About a year and a half ago, I was part of a group that opened the findamashpia.info site for women. In it, we have recommended Mashpios, times they are available to take calls and different topics they are listed under. We were hoping to do it alot sooner for men, but for various reasons, it did not work out. We have a site now for… Read more »
the cult seeped in like a snake and it was successful because it appeals to the EGO – Ego is the killer and it’s quite tragic that chassidim fell for this and fell so hard!! Why does one family feel the need to repeatedly post praise on this forum for one of the attendees? Over and over we read in the comments how great he is – if he is truly so great and merely got sapped in by the nachash let him prove his greatness and take a leave of absence – this will prove that he does in… Read more »
it’s not about bashing – How does it affect the STUDENTS? This should be THE concern. If a student knows that COTS attendees remain in the Yeshiva without some time off (the teachers can volunteer to take time off for rehab) what long term effect will this have? This should be the ONLY concern! We are adults and as soon as some other hot issue hits the press we adults will move on but the kinderlach will remember that their teacher / mashpia messed up quite seriously and signing his name to a general letter was meant to exonerate them?… Read more »
1. Why the need to ‘make nice’ of stern bergs name. If he’s good – great. If he did an error here – give it time to heal. Your making it smell with the low level posts.
2. Yes #27 the head of ot – yeshiva education is not a game if monopoly. Is it the age, or disconnect of some sort? Denial? The yeshiva needs a solution, so many good children are not feeling understood, cared for, catered to – what are you doing? You have talented mental health counsellors, coaches, psychologists – go make something happen.
A deep and insightful analysis! Thank you for your thoughtful post. Clearly, you have reflected sincerely on your experience and you are moving forward with intelligence and a positive attitude. I hope your shofar brothers read your wise words.
HOW ARE YOU COMMENTING ON COLLIVE, IF YOU TO THE INTERNET HACHLATA???!!!!!!!!
COTS is clearly a dangerous organisation.One must be VERY naive in wordly matters to not recognise this .From the little I heard a few months ago,it was clear that this is neither torah nor professional psycological therapy and therefore it si dangerous to put oneself in an intense unprofessional group therapy situation .For this, you dont need to be a groiser professer. Now-if mashpiim got involved and liked it enough to send bochurim(even if only one or two-each one is an oilom molai),it is only normal to recognise that they have lost their bearings as a chossid and definitely as… Read more »
Anyone who has read all the evidence about shofar being a mind controlling group, and cannot listen to reason – still insists on defending them incessantly – should take a good hard look at themsleves and realize – you have been brainwashed. Get help immediately.
I find it interesting that you mention a story with the rebbe and baalei teshuva. These mashpiim do not identify themselves with baali teshuva. on the contrary. They consider themselves from the “elites”. I am sure your emotional rant is just that. Perhaps it is someone very close to you….
You are totally understood. this is where the issue is, once you go you are captivated,addicted, damaged and mind controlled. Kudos to those a bit smarter then you who KNOW that if the Rabonim, assered it they listen, respect asnd REGRET for participating but you don’t want to listen to the more knowledgeable so what should we do with you? after all said and done and you still don’t get it, you need professional help.. And if you are playing dumb dumb dumb and trying to still encourage the oilam, sorry this is a no no for everyone besides those… Read more »
wow, chill bro
What on earth are you babbling on aabout? Parents are angry because they found out that the school they send their children to, with utmost trust that they will look out for their well being and safety, was not doing that. In fact, quite the opposite. They have a right to be upset! Also, now that its become known that cots is a cult, they are concerned about long tern effects on those that have gone. And rightfully so. Don’t bring in other politics which has nothing to do with this, and use it as an excuse for them to… Read more »
Teshuva? what kind of Teshuva ??? as of last week these secretive “mashpia meetings” were still going on!!
Perhaps you are pointing “shameful” fingers at the wrong people!
There have been numerous comments who try to influence public opinion that the Mashppim, who had formerly attended cots and were themselves innocent victims of cots and have already done Teshuva, should all be endlessly shamed, endlessly dragged through the mud, endlessly shunned and fired and that their Teshuva should never be accepted ever, ad infinitude. Who is heading this shameful ugly campaign to fire those who did Teshuva? Are these campaigners rooted in Kedusha? Or are they rooted in very deep Kelipa, the lowest of the lowest, which is far worse then those whom they seek to shame and… Read more »
lol! How much does it cost? or do you pay $750 to all shofar victims 😉
If you really went there…
I am starting a new business STOC (shofar the of call)
its a week end deprograming COTS
We work on bitul, ahavas Isroel, look for well being of other jews
To have two Yidden – no matter anything else – being slaughtered on the altar of Collive articles and comments, is just horrible!! Did they make wrong decisions – intentional or not? Most probably yes. Is this the way to deal with that? Absolutely not! If your issue is that you were personally harmed, deal with it in a normal, decent manner as dictated by Halacha. If you are worried for the safety of your children, form a group which will properly confront the school and deal with the problem directly; posting on Collive isn’t a real channel for that.… Read more »
The Rebbe promisses that for those who sincerely look, they shal find
Who
A bayshan, Rachman, Gomel chasdan
The rebeim have expressed charata and they are without a doubt doing tshuva. Excoriating them is rishus. There is plenty of blame to go around. What about those who endorsed this? Has anyone heard their repudiations? There still needs to be a din v’chesbon from those who have misled others to harm. The OT mashpiim should be forgiven and embraced. They have demonstrated courage and humility. There are others, however, who need to follow the example set by the OT rebeiim. COTS staff should be doing likewise, kol v’chomer. Although this is doubtfull to happen, it still must be said.… Read more »
I feel Rabbi Sternberg is a amazing devoted Mashpia, he really cares about the Bochrim and tries hard to help people in the Lubavitch community fight all types of addictions He can probably help people with his own research he did or at least know where to send them, anyone that writes anything negative abot him, probably is the same type of person that looks to bash people and Rabonim at large. People need help, and they need to know where they can seek it. The average person does not know how to apply Perek Chof vav for his ongoing… Read more »
What do our young and old see?
Machlokes,(מחלוקת)
machlokes (מחלוקת)
and more machlokes ) (ועוד מחלוקת
There is no respect between our Raabonim, there is no respect between the Mazkirus, there is no respect between Hamolaes of the yeshivas and no respect between the Hanholea and staff.
chazak vemots! umode viozev yirucham!
OT is no longer a yeshiva of standards and hasn’t been for a while.
The first three shiurum have a total of 35-45 boys and shir daled has 150 as OT was known for a shlichus launching pad.
This fact has changed over the years as now other yeshivois are sending shluchim.
Once The secret is out that OT is not the only place to go for a shlichus. Then it’s good bye OT
Unless of cource they make much needed changes. The maham in the letter dosent make it look like they care either way
is just another symptom of people looking for an easy answer,a quick fix,something new and better. Whether it’s a new teaching methodology every six months,a new healer,a new natural remedy…….Guess what ? There is no easy answer to many problems and although it’s good to be open minded,some are so open minded that their brains fell out and are susceptible to every nayeh mishugas,which usually cost a lot of money coincidentally.
First off..why was it necessary to schlep Morristown through the mud? Second off: Here’s what I think the problem is in a nutshell. I did go. And now recognize that it was wrong. And here’s why: Shofar drills two concepts into your head using all sorts of tactics (some borrowed from mind control). 1. I matter (for who I am) and 2. I’m good enough True statements? I would say so. But if these statements are taken in isolation they can be dangerous. If I’m good enough as I am, then maybe one small aviera won’t make a difference, right?… Read more »
its your job to find someone. Aseh LECHA rav. please. i hate when people pretend like all the misfourtunes in their lives is someone elses fault… there are PLENTY of rabbaim and people to choose from dont angrily point fingers accusing people of not signing up for the mashpia list
Rabbi Sternberg like all mashpiim is human. I am sure many bochurim connect to him. I did not at all. Whether he is or is not a good mashpia is not the issue. The issue here is that he attended the COTS and encouraged bochurim to go as well. I also would love to hear a chazarah from him on ” Tanya anynomous”
i was there, it’s so crazy i cant believe there are people that go for a SECOND time.
pay 750$!! for what? scream what ever he tells you to? i mean he is a professional, you have to have some head (like mine) not to fall for his stupid opinion.
but you don’t need to have to much of a head to know that this guy is off his wall
My experience was that other than 2 strange tools, the maskanos, premesees anfpd hachlatos were all “UNZEREH”!
can someone please explain who benefits from charactorizing all of cots as categorically “fremd”?
Thank you!
Bottomline: we must follow Rabbonim, even if we seek more clarity.
They sign this letter, as if they are still respected personalities in the community.
Oholei Torah should of suspended them without pay!
i was there once, i cant believe that there are people that went A SECOND TIME it’s crazy that place:
pay 750$!! for what? scream what ever he tells you to?
i mean he is a professional, you have to have some head (like mine) not to fall for his crazy opinion
No one yet have specified what part of COTS exactly is against halacha. I was there, there is NOTHING wrong with it! ! ! ! Everyone calm down and focus on real issues!
I got turned off when reading this letter by the constant Mah’m’ing of the Rebbe….!
Enough already!! We are all sick and tired of this!!
I don’t believe your are sincere, just trying to promote COTS or justify yourself. however if you are then email to raphael aron or read his article with abit more concentration and you will get it. I know if i would ever look for therapy for my children i made sure they were frum and licensed. how can someone trust this clean shaven guy. i know hindsight is 20/20 but on collive he looks so sly and more etc.
What this shofar call issue shows is that Crown Heights is not providing for the spiritual needs of many of us. I for one want a mashpia. I am anash, working. Who do I turn to for questions and direction here in CH? BH I can say that a spouse is a great mashpia. But is a spouse really a mashpia? Come on CH. There are a lot of bright talented rabbis here. Can you make yourselves public and available so we don’t have to run off to this call of the show so far?
He sat on th dais at the asifa
He apologized birabim at seder chasidus
He signed on to the letter posted above
Gevalt geshrigen!! What else do you want him to do? Can’t a person ever be forgiven? Bifrat, that this was all done with the best intentions. Although we expected better, he was also a victim
Remember, Hashem judges you the way you judge others and treats you the way you treat others.
A gute voch!
“some have used the controversy to further private agendas and to sow discord in the community – attacking venerable Mashpi’im”
“do not spark arguments or sow discord and strife in the community”
Cots is behind us. Now let’s move on and address the real issues of how to make Chassidus relevant to our everyday lives
im relieved when you say not ‘most’ but i heard they were under a lot of pressure to go from their superior. but please realize that every Rebbi has over 20 students under them yearly all day- so thats really bad- especially if the principal is (or was-) a hard-core- fanatic follower….
The teachers who attended the cult’s meeting MUST be fired immediately. It is well known that cults brainwash its members and they may still be secret followers of the cult.. We need Rabbi Shea Hecht, who is an expert cult buster deprogram these two teachers and they must also provide the names of the students they sent so that they to can be deprogrammed.
Chassidus is the only answer.
I agree. Reb Shloime Sternberg is a Taareh Chossid. A true Mentsh and Mashpia that understands the needs of bochurim. He doesn’t mumble in Yiddish. He speaks a clear and concise message. He means well.
OT grad 5769
you evidently have a very limited understanding of modern psychology. There is plenty of methods being utilized today that have nothing to do with Freud, and in fact contradict Freudian method. try Viktor Frankel for example. just one look into how much the Rebbe was involved with him should suffice as proof.
“Foolishness” (as you write) is to compare a licensed psychotherapist who is under the oversight of the established medical profession to a psycho who thinks he’s a therapist and provides unsupervised, unlicensed, unendorsed ‘therapy’ to gullible people.
It’s sad that you drank the coolaid. Get professional (licensed) help. I’m sure the damage can be undone!
Shaarei teshuva l’olam lo ninalu.
It’s nice that COL is reporting on the “Good news” side of things now – that people are doing teshuva.
mehem yiru vechein yaasu!
Gut voch.
The teachers who sent students were warned many times that he is playing with fire. Anyone who called got treated with the utmost arrogance.
Did his decision making abilities change.
Keep your son away until he says that he will be supervised by a superior.
Drei nisht kein kop.
That Mashpia stopped (if he Takeh did?) only after being told he can get fired. Not becuse he saw its wrong.
And 11 actual trained threpists who we should go to when needed should be frum. Not like the untrained pepole at cots who have one thing in mind.
Only a few from the Elementary division went not “most” – that”s stretching it a bit don”t u think? Get ur facts right!
Its not a must to go before teaching that”s a personal opinion!
Rabbi Sternberg is an unbelievable individual and Mashpia, who honestly cares for the Bochurim.
He taught my own son, who looks up to him with great respect, and helped him .. His words and guidance were actually, right on target ,and very sensible, i’m sure it was all AL PEI CHASSIDUS!!!! hatzlacha,Rabbi Sternberg
Ok so we shouldn’t send anyone to COTS who is searching. Who has more questions than answers. So where should we send them?????? We aren’t offering any other or better solutions. “Go learn chassidus and tanya. All answers are there.” Sorry but you have no clue who you are talking to. The mosdos have failed and many of todays mechanchim are not mashppiim. Today’s generation have serious questions and our rabbonim, mashppiim and mechanchim are not providing the answers.
Rabbi Manis got it right, right at the beginning of this fiasco.
When asked about this program is answered that as soon as he heard that Firshcling uses concepts of chasidus for his therapy he was immediately suspicious.
BY whta right, Rabbi Friedman said, does he hae the background to teach Chasidim Chasidus.
This was the first red light that the program was deceptive and ensnaring Chabdniks.
I totally agree with # 17 regarding a Mashpia in Oholei Torah that sent these Bochurim that needed help to this place once it was brought up and looked deeply into he realized he made a mistake and therefore signed this letter we all make mistakes and he did Tshuvah by coming out on this letter against it,.
I think he should be forgiven.
he really tries hard to give a Chassiodishe envirment to the Bochurim.
A student in Oholei Torah.
A gut Voch
Stop speaking bad about him. He meant the best for his students. The only one who thinks how to help his students for real.
Stop all this garbage!!!
A thankful student.
Rabbi sternberg helped myself immensely when he attended the staten island yeshiva camp. He really helped mold him into an emesdike chassidishe bochur. He always took the time to listen and offer himbadvice like a true mashpia. We will forever be indebted to rabbi sternberg for believing in our and helping him maximise his potential
At least two of the perpetrators are now shamelessly signing this letter. How disgusting. How low.
The whole thing is suspicious. What’s with the Maham in the letter? More bluff.
Has anyone with real credibility ever call this Frischling guy in and have him explain his methods, publicly? All this hype and hysteria only demonstrates the insecurity of those making the loudest noises. One cannot condemn nor qualify any program or institution unless they know fully what he or the institution is all about. If indeed it proves to be a cult where the practices are heipach haTorah, then it is indeed to be condemned, but if it simply therapeutic , then for some it may prove to be beneficial. Go and make a drisha vechakirah and then object. All… Read more »
Mashpiim are human beings like everyone else. But they should be held to the same accountability like everyone else. If a bochur ” made a mistake” does he have an oppurtunity to continue on… I think not.
This letter is total bluf, just signed to stay face. Where is the menahel and his son??!! The leadership of oholei Torah who can and have the authority to do something?, why don’t we hear from them? Do they not know what’s going on in their yeshiva with the staff on his payroll?? Major principals in the cheder, mashpipm roshei in the Zal and he does not know what is happening, and doesn’t issue a statement what ot policy is and what they are doing about it?? where are they?? Out to lunch?? THEY are responsible and they let This… Read more »
Don’t ruin someone name if they made a mistake.
Don’t remind a bal teshuva what they did wrong.
What happened, happened.
Move on.
Yud Shevat is coming.
Learn Basi ligand and get focus.
All the negative comments about Rabbi Stenberg is written by one angry Bochur who obviously needs a lot of help.
Everyone in Oholei Torah knows, that the only Mashpia who really cares about bocherim is Reb Shlomo.
they made a mistake, they hadn’t known, they went and saw that they were improving, there are some positive aspects in this cult that can improve a person for the better, it is just incomparable to chassidus
This is all a bunch of nonsense. CH, get over yourselves
many have been misled there too..sorry is not enough…they need to re-learn what is our derech- minds have been messed up and need to be deprogrammed and re-taught before they continue teaching.
if my son’s rebbi or principal has gone- steps should be taken to care of this poison.
כהן גדול היה צריך לומר שהוא לא מהצדוקין!!! הקרע בנפשות של הנערים עדיין מוקדם לקבוע מידת הנזק אולם רבה היא!!
הפזיזות של הכלט הרגיל לא מועיל לעניין כלל
אמנם יודעים אנו המניעים להחלטה יהיא לא מצד הקדושה ועל זה נאמר דמים בדמים וה
וד”ל
אני מתפלא על ההורים
בני צריך ללמ וד בקרוב
אצל ההוא שהבטיח לומר טעיתי….לעת עתה אני רואה אכלתי ואוכל ת עוד
החוצפה זועק. לשמים ויהיה
השם ישמור
ועדיין נשלם על טעיות אלו של תטאטא מ חת תשולחן ועוד חזון
ע
“We sincerely regret making this mistake, we had only the best intentions, we are cutting off all contact with the COTS cult, and we are going for deprogramming, and we will not be working at our jobs until our heads are fixed!”
That’s why people are going to call of the Shofer because
You write מהמ on the rebbe.
Cut out the bs.
Please! For all those writing these kinds of comments, it will be much more effective if you just pick up the phone and make your statement in the right spot.
Lets approach this maturely on this site.
Thank you!
Reb shloime known to be deep caring and down to earth mashpia really wanted to help these bochrim and meant there best and as soon as he realised he made mistkae he stopped he doesn’t deserve to be criticized
He should have hazloche in being madrich the next generation of chassidim
IF YOU WENT….you know who you are…
please leave, become a baal teshuva, and youll be welcomed back! but for now…we are quite worried to have our sons under your influence…
We’re talking about 18, 19, 20 year olds…
listen you have issues? fine.
but please do not bring up lies, about sternburg having meeting in his basement, sheloi hoyo, veloi nivre.
the meetings were done in a classroom, with the lighs on, with everyones cell phone with him.
anybody who says otherwise, should bring proof to what he says, instead of besmirching others.
Most of the elementarys principals and teachers went to COT. I personally was going to start teaching and a few respectable teachers told me its a must to go to COT before teaching. They all should be fired or at least do teshuva!
AAT: Teachers and Mashpiim
If you where under the influence of the SHOFER
how can you send buchrim which are pure and have problems to a colt
and if your answer is that you did not know that it is a colt how can you recommend someone to go somewhere if you dont know what it is
its like a doctor that prescribe meds and dose not know what he is prscribeing…
YOU DON’T BELONG IN EDUCATION
THERE IS NO MALPRACTICE INSURANCE IN MESSING UP BUCHRIM
So Freudian therapy is not foreign pastures? Psychotherapy as practiced today is not from foreign pastures? Taking about our problems and challenges and tracing them back to their route to understand ourselves and our responses better is now not kosher? This is what goes on mainly at COTS. I participated. So now all therapy is banned since some of its founders are at foreign tables? Then let’s be true across the board and forbid it all. How foolish is that! What a big foolish debacle. Just makes people hate the establishment even more bad disenfranchises the 800 Lubavitches, good meaning… Read more »
encouraged bochrim to go, While we are on the topic, what about principals in the elementary division They “strongly” encouraged teachers to go. Even going as far as paying for them to go.
COTS is a dangerous money-making Cult run by S. Frischling. According to his own web site he is trained by leading masters of mind control and Buddhism. The Crown Heights Beis Din has issued their decree that COTS is totally forbidden. The Rebbe would have stopped Frisching, his organization and those who sent our children to this cult immediately. It is unfathomable that Oholei Torah, the Rebbe’s moisad, has now, within its walls, numerous rabbis, mashpiam and a principal of 3rd and 4th grade, who are now brain-washed and have actually sent many others, including children to this dangerous cult.… Read more »
Never sent a single Bochur there.
PLEASE i hear elementary principals and teachers went as well (where my boys are) PLEASE if you are one of them do what needs to be done to re-wire yourself the right way so you can teach our boys AL TAHARAS HAKODESH. we know you went for the right reasons but damage has been done to all participants and heavy doses of learning chassidus is the only remedy at this point!
No Loshon horah here. If you have an issue, call ot, or whoever is in charge and speak to them. It is a big big problem to name people on a forum like this. Let’s take care of our issues, but try to do it in the smartest, most peaceful and most mature way possible.
Many teachers went and encouraged people to go.
thats a great damage control letter, but what about the two unmentioned mashpiam that were involved!?
and what about the mashpia who implwments some of what he learned to manipulate his studrnts ……
he must recieve the proper help, bfore he can continue influencing our children
And this is supposed to fix this ??
why are they not being held accountable!
Why was this allowed to happen? And why hasn’t the school done what is necessary? G-d help us!
We’re very glad to hear that it’s all behind us. May we all continue to add in Torah and be connected to the rebbe and chassidus.
boruch hashem they left COTS
now COTS is down and chassidus is UP!!!!!