By Rabbi Michoel Chazan
A few years ago, my son came home and told me about the discussions of the day in Yeshiva concerning the arguments between Rabbi Avraham Osdoba and Rabbi Yaacov Schwei regarding the necessity of a filter for tap water.
My son told me that the discussion became very heated amongst the bochurim and everyone began taking sides. I asked my son, “Which side did you take?” He answered me, “When it comes to Rabbonim, I don’t take sides.”
I also have tried very hard to stay neutral, and B”H maintain a good relationship with both Rabbonim. But as I walked home from Shul this past Friday night, a resident approached me and asked if I had signed the letter supporting the community elections. I replied “Yes,” and he asked why I was taking a side.
The Rebbe said that the Rabbonim should stay out of the election process. By not voting, am I not taking a side?
If the Rabbonim are arguing over whether you need a water filter, should I have one sink with a filter and one without to be Yotze LaChol Hadaos (according to all opinions)? If the Rabbonim have a problem amongst themselves, why should they paralyze the democratic process of having elections for Vaad Hakohol?
The by-laws on the CHJCC (Crown Heights Jewish Community Council) stipulate that there must be elections every three years. Over a year ago the Netizgim (representatives from the Shuls in the community) were in the process of holding elections, but the process was halted because one of the Rabbonim claimed there could not be an election until there is peace between the Rabbonim.
If it is the case that we have to rely on the opposing Rabbonim and their biased advisers on both sides, then we can be sure that we will never have elections and we will never have a united Bais Din. Then we will never receive an honest accounting of the community finances, and we will never be able to move on.
As I wrote in a previous letter to the community, our “leaders” are failures, and the only way to fix up this community is do it by ourselves and not rely on the “leadership.”
In the last few years the respect for the Rabbonim and the community’s Kosher Hechsher has gone way down; the level of tznius has sunken to all time lows; and our self respect as a community has hit rock bottom. How could we tell our children to work out their problems when the Rabbonim can’t even work out their problems?
The Rebbe spoke out strongly for elections. He handed a dollar to everyone who voted in the first election. Have we become a communist regime that we don’t have any right to pick our community leaders?
If the Rabbonim have problems let them handle it in a Bais Din. It’s time for the community to open up its eyes. No matter how much good a Vaad member does, he cannot become a dictator. There need to be elections now, and if you don’t vote now then don’t complain later.
It’s very easy to complain about the candidates’ qualifications (or lack thereof). Especially when you do it anonymously, so you don’t have to take the heat for your words. If people think they could do better, then they should have run. If we don’t vote in this election and vote en masse, then we will definitely not have peace, and we will be able to blame only ourselves.
Friday, a bunch of thugs ripped down signs for the upcoming candidate forum. Going to court to stop the elections will definitely not bring peace to this community. It’s a terrible waste of community resources.
If you don’t vote, then you are voting for communism. If we just look the other way without protesting, then we deserve what we get.
May we all merit to see the real Shalom with Mashiach Tzidkanu.
– Michoel Chazan is Director of Chaplaincy Services at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center. He was elected twice to the Vaad Hakohol (member 1996-99, chairman 1999-2002) and was Chairman of the Board of the Crown Heights Jewish Community Council.
COLlive Elections Coverage:
+ A Letter to My Supporters
+ Disputed Candidates Press On
+ Vaad Hakohol Under Dispute
The tragic abysmal and horrible situation we find ourselves in here in Holy Crown Heights, The Rebbe’s, MH”M, neighborhood is impossible to live with. ‘Kan Tzva HaShem Es HaBrocho!’ said The Messiah. True, this rav says ‘don’t vote’ it will harm the community. But if you see your child gravely ill with 5 minutes to live and the doctor tells you operate and he will live but lose a limb, which is preferable? Someone said: “Don’t vote. The outcome will be terrible, worse than now!” I asked for proof. I said that if he could show me that it would… Read more »
Rock-on, Rabbi Chazan!
Your courage to speak out to what is wrong even though you know many (bored individuals) will attempt to bash and dirty your important words, is something I truly admire you for. You are a true mentch and really care for your community. Ignore those ugly comments. Most probably they are coming from ignorant and very ugly people. To everyone else: Many commentators on our websites and blogs are most probably coming from people who you would not stop to listen to, had you met them in the street. These people comment on websites and blogs and feel good about… Read more »
You/we are all fools thinking that this so called election and these so called candidates is actually an election and these candidates are candidates. I sincerely hope that the majority of this community are not so vulnerable, stupid and foolish to think and believe that this is actually a real election.
M. Chazan was once a member of the Vaad. Pray tell us one accomplishment for the community durng his candidacy. He obviously has his agenda. BTW, it seems reasonable that Osdoba says we can’thave an election till the issue with Schwei is resolved. Let’s look at Schwei’s accomplishments. He threw out M. Gerlitzky from the Gabbaim! He threw out Rubashkin, Lang and Plotkin from the Vaad and all the Netzigim from being Netzigim! He doesn’t recognise The Rabbonim, Rabbis Raitport, Segal and Zirkind. what is their Aveira?! They don’t dance to his tune they are not willing to be is… Read more »
FVM LN, how dare you say “and how angry the Rebbe was”? This is how you talk about the Rebbe? Do you know that “Kol Hakoeis Keilu Oveid Avoda Zara”? (for a Lamdan like you I’ll translate: One who gets angry is the equivelant to one who worships idols). Is your opinion of the Rebbe so low, that for your political agenda you’re willing to give the Rebbe this honor? Do Teshuva and go to the Ohel and ask for serious Mechila by the Rebbe. Just btw, according to Halacha you are Chayav Nidui! Do Teshuva. I love you too… Read more »
To # 25
G-d gave you brain, NOT so that you should put your brain in the trunk of car and follow blindly a corrupt BLIND-rabbi instead.
Blind is right!
Torah says that a rabbi, no matter how big he is, if he takes bribes he is BLINDED.
Osdoba clearly has personal vested interests here.
So why would anyone in their right mind, ever even dream of following “a BLIND MAN” even if he has the title “rabbi”.
you most not have a family with kids.
because to steep so low and involve a family matter in the comments
is not a jewish costom vidal
in Jewish law there is no such thing as a mind of your own, by non jews a man can do what he wants but in halacha you need to listen to the rabbi
Answer to # 20
You have it backwards.
Rabbi Osdoba already IS in Cherem.
Why put Rabbi Osdoba in to a new Cherem again, if he is in Cherem already?
Do you need Rabbi Osdoba to think for you, or are you a mature adult with a mind of your own?
Don’t get hung up on those who think their Rabbi is “some kind of G-d”, when in truth their own Rabbi, really only his own selfish interest at heart.
It happens to be that chazan is very close to Rabbi Ozdoba, and has almost nothing to do with Rabbi Shwei.
I guess what you fail to understand, is that someone like Michoel Chazan has no problem being objective and saying the truth, even if offends those that he is close to.
To comment #1 You make no sense. Hes not saying this because hes anyones fan. You cant accept that hes saying it because its the truth. How can you compare that election witgh this one? This election is a community election done with full trtansparacy unlike the election you mention. In case you forgot, let me remind you that Rabbi shwei signed on a consent agreement to hold elections that will be run by a neutral part and one that would be transparent and fair. Rabbi Ozdoba also signed the agreement, which called for holding it off for 2 months,… Read more »
the rebbe said there should not be elections for gabbuim.
but like always people do what they like.
but please do mix the rebbe in your taivus
Michoel, you couldnt have explained it any better. your opinion is unbiased, you are not a candidate in these elections. Your experience as a former member has given you a lot of insight in to whats really going on behind this fight, and therefore you really know hiow important it is to carry on with the election.
“Now how does Rabbi Osdoba have the CHUTZPAH”
you most not have grow up in a Jewish environment to be able to say that
according to Jewish law
1) a man is not allowed to talk about a rabbi in such a manner (he can be placed in charum)
2) it is the rabbi’s who is there to learn and tell you what shell be done not vis versa
3) if you dont like the way the rabbi move out of ch!
I predict that the Judge will throw the plaintiffs out, “on their head”. What a Meshugaas to “wait for the last second”, before elections, and then “YELL FIRE” … please please please help…”EMERGECY” and the try and FOOL THE JUDGE that all of a sudden you have an EMERGENCY need for a supposed fake TRO. Judges are not stupid and will not fall for such bull—-. Besides a TRO is only granted if there is imminent financial loss to the plaintiff. Here the Judge can let elections go and if they want to contest it later there is nothing lost… Read more »
http://www.votetamir.com/
ANNOUNCING RESIGNATION FROM CANDIDACY PURSUANT TO PSAK BET DIN C.H.
With much disappointment I regret to inform you that last night (5/19/09) I received a Psak Din (dated 5/18/09) prohibiting my involvment with the upcoming elections. The Psak labels the election as Illegal. Considering that Unity and Humility must (at times) come before freedom, I beg the apology of all the people that supported me and all the caring hearts that yearned swift change. I hereby announce my resignation from candidacy to the CHJCC.
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Regretfully i announce my resignation from candidacy to the CHJCC. Updated information will be available on my site at votetamir.com
Very truly yours,
Zaki Isaac B. Tamir
to # 13
How do you know the Rebbe still wants us to bring our children to shull on Shavuos if you haven’t heard him say that in 15 years?
How do you know if the Rebbe is still interested in us all doing his Bakasha Nafshis, to farbreng together beachdus this Shabbos before Shavuos?
This election will probably be pushed off for a long time. Usualy a request for a Temporary Restraining Order is granted until all sides are represented, put in papers and are heard. The problem is that this is going to cost alot of yideshe gelt. I hope the Bylaws have a mediation clause that allow for a Zablah. May Hashem help us.
How the heck do you people talk on Lubavitchers??? Locked up? Are you out of your mind??
The Rebbe says VOTE !
Really? the Rebbe hasn’t been with us for 15 years, how do you know what he wants?????????????
I comnmend you Reb Michoel, for such an eloquent article. Im glad to se that you are not afraid to expose corruption and say it like it is. The forces who are behind blocking the election , are doing it, just to preserve power and control over the Communities funds and its power structure. That includes Rabbi Osdoba and the fake rabbonim Moshe intalled as a means to preserve gis own power. Moshe openly admitted, that his goal is to stay for life and by installing segal as his puppet , they have a deal that each one will protect… Read more »
Answer to comment # 2
The Rebbe says VOTE !
The Rebbe spoke entire longs sichos encouraging elections and the Rebbe gave Dollars specifically only to those who VOTE.
Now how does Rabbi Osdoba have the CHUTZPAH to contradict and appose the Rebbe???
We must not forget why we say Av HaRachamim on Shabbos Mevorchim Sivan. This is maaseh Satan and he is doing a great job.
STOP THIS NOW. Both sides are too deep in their own garbage.
WHat about the Netzigim dispute. what is the deal with that? can anyone start a netzigim group and call elections.
R”L How do we expect to be treated by others, if we live like this? All this in Sefiras haomer?
osdoba is going against his own self by taking people to civil court instead of keeping things in jewish court — he’s not respected by many in this community for his failed behavior
In order to go ahead with elections that will hopefully put an end to the community strife and appoint better leadership, then to be fair – the rabbonim, who is the source of the strife – must also be removed from office and new elections should be held to wipe the slate clean.
Otherwise Reb Michoel is not correct. Crown Heights already has what it deserves! It is time to do teshuvah…..
this guy is a terrorist and needs to be locked up, yankel chazan mendel hendel and the rest of the 770 gang
I commend Rabbi Chazan for his courage.
He demonstrated so eloquently, it’s refreshing.
Rabbi Chazan is a real Ohev Yisroel and always involved with Cesed
He is an objective and Emesse voice.
Rabbi Chazan makes us all proud
Mendy Hendel (Bais Moshiach / Tzfas terrorists / 770 anarchy / chilul hashem in lubavitch) met with nine of the candidates in 770 the other day.
This is no democratic process – this is an electoral farce.
for someone who saw the first election as a fight against the Rebbeh
i am enjoying every minute of this
es zol kain yiden nit shatten
a rabbi from the community comes out and say’s “dont vote”.
how do you have the chutzpa to write this article you think you understand better then the rabbi???
did they not teach you in school “daas balibatim hapach daas torah” ???
does the rebbi not know the rebbe’s sichus???
the klal in halacha is shav wial tasa udif sit and shut up!
did he say the same thing when they had new elections for rabbonim? or is he just saying it now because he is a shvei fan?? shvei was worried at the last elections that he would be outvoted so he was againts the elections. osdobo feels the same way this time around. the shvei camp need to make up their mind