ב"ה
Saturday, 29 Adar I, 5784
  |  March 9, 2024

Orlofsky: My Sincere Regret

Rabbi Dovid Orlofsky has sent to COLlive the following statement (via The Chofetz Chaim Foundation): "I never said these words before, nor have I ever repeated these words, nor will I ever repeat these words again." Full Story

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ohev shalom rodef shalom
August 4, 2014 6:56 am

Shalom ‘s never been easy to find and keep and save, and on the day before 9beav we should all have rah’manout, the same way Hakadosh Barouh’ Hou has so many times over for his dear children, and with all the difficult situations in Israel, it will help tremendously to have ahavat h’inam and it would be a real effort along with tehilim and tefilot for our dear soldiers, and also for all Klal Israel in danger in many different places nowadays, not only in Eretz Israel, but all over the world ! So between our fellow jews, we always… Read more »

Crocadile Tears Should Not Qualify A Speaker
October 22, 2010 1:04 pm

Why does the apology only come under pressure? Why doesn’t the Chofetz Chaim Foundation disqualify him? Obviously they feel that even this qualifies him more- If not, so they would remove him from speaking.
A proper authority on the subject should be one with at least a clean record of what he stands for himself (or is being asked to lecture on).

It is an insult that he is still being asked to speak

not the first time
August 29, 2010 3:20 am

CCHF could have been more circumspect about their choice, based on his style of speaking against a strongly supported member of the Ramat Bet Shemesh community several years before.

Also I’m not so sure content is the issue – many object to the meshichist approach that exists within Lubavitch. But the vast majority have a speaking style that doesn’t come across like this. It might also have to do with following the very specific rules of lashon hara l’toeles – the specific content matters as well.

what a shame
November 25, 2009 2:26 pm

I am a Lubavitcher and I am upset about the machichism also. I don’t think it is a kavod to our holy Rebbe to play G-d and say things we know nothing about. Every group of Jews has some undesirables and we should only take pity on them. We should pray that they see the light which is the truth of Torah and not man made up. Don’t blame all of Lubavitch for the Machichisim. We are out there in no man’s land helping all Jews and hoping that the mixed up Lubavitchers will stop the shtik soon. When Rabbies… Read more »

Yaakov Krakow
August 9, 2009 3:52 pm

A comment to several of the comments above: No one “has” to hold by their rav. Rosh Loikesh had 24 refutations for everything his Rebbe Reb Yochanan said, and Reb Yochanan lamented the lack of challenge when R”L died and actually reprimanded one of his disciples for trying to make him feel “better” by offering to reinforce his halachic opinoins. Soon, Reb Yochanan died himself. Everyone from genius down to simple-person is responsible for his own thoughts and conclusions. A person can’t limit his/her thinking to what his/her parents or rabbi command him to think (whether you are chabad, litvish,… Read more »

Tanya
August 1, 2009 3:10 am

by hashgocha pratis the Tanya these days is K’tonti – when the Alter Rebbe was arrested and asked his Chassidim not to provoke the misnagdim and to be anshey shalom – even when the misnagdim had so wronged him and had informed on and maligned the Alter Rebbe, getting him arrested with a threat to his very life. we have to know what is right and wrong – to notice when things are not kosher and to make a me’cha, but our job is mainly to be “day workers” to spread light where there is darkness. If this guy or… Read more »

To 48
August 1, 2009 2:14 am

After they realised what anger his speech provoked, they didn’t publicise it on the other adds. The same thing happened in Australia.

PLEASE TAKE NOTE
July 31, 2009 11:43 pm

A simple research of Rabbi Orlofsky’s history will reveal his tendency to be untruthful, and scathingly critical on other Rabbis. (Also see link from 204)
I am not speaking loshon hora like this out of spite. Rather, I want everyone to be aware that Rabbi Orlofsky himself is not the most trustworthy individual.

wow
July 31, 2009 11:10 pm

I just read this post and its numerous comments: I wish to add that I cannot agree more with comment #163 and 164 To comment # 153 : Clearly you have very little understanding of Chabad and Chassidus. The reason why no one here is addressing or “shlugging up” what Orlofsky said is because it is so far from the truth that it is silly to counter argue. Its like an anti semite who says all Jews have horns and conspire to control the world etc. You don’t argue with that , only express outrage , which is what most… Read more »

Question
July 31, 2009 12:25 pm

Was his class aired?

a guten erev shabes
July 31, 2009 12:22 pm

chevreh think about it we are shnai ohr 2 lights and he is
OhrLo’ fsky

to 52
July 31, 2009 11:16 am

go to #1

yichus
July 31, 2009 10:10 am

I spoke to someone who went to yeshiva with him and he told me that he was never taken seriously and that there were even some whispers about his yichus.

To 211/212
July 31, 2009 7:38 am

I stand corrected. I missed it because it was spelled differently. Nobody has a right to call any group of holy Jews by that or any name. This goes for Orlofsky and his cronies too. BTW, it’s hebrew not yiddish.

he doesnt get it
July 31, 2009 7:03 am

Orlo fsky does not understand that there were gdoilie yisrael in all generations we were critical of each other in the sharpest terms but did not cross a certain line and were even respectful of each other in public. He doesnt get – but what would you expect from a B”N who never learned chasidus.

TO ALL WHO RESPONDED TO 160
July 30, 2009 11:14 pm

i would like to thank you for responding to my comment with understanding and respect. It truly bothers me when there is machlokes and i appreciate your time and efforts, which helped me view the things that were disturbing me, in a more clear and true light.
May we be zoche to the coming of Moshiach, and the rebuilding of the Bais Hamikdash, Bekorov Mamash.

TO 188
July 30, 2009 11:09 pm

you posted: “My question to you is: What yeshiva did/do you go to that tells you this about Chabad? I don’t know of any Chabad schools that teach people to think the way you have obviously been taught to think about Chabad. ” i’m sorry if you did not read the beginning of my post, where i clearly wrote that i have great respect for Chabad. the ‘issues’ i wrote about, were disturbing me, as i personally admire lubavitch a lot, but i have heard from others really negative views about lubavitchers. I don’t believe them, but was hurt and… Read more »

TO 186
July 30, 2009 11:02 pm

please reread the last sentence of comment# 72.
maybe you don’t understand yiddish, but i do.

TO 186
July 30, 2009 10:35 pm

please reread the last sentence of comment# 72.
maybe you don’t understand yiddish, but i do.

to 202
July 30, 2009 6:58 pm

1) Lamah attah medaber shekarim?

2) R’ Orlovsky hu ish mevugar, v’al lo l’daber kimo yeled kattan bli sechel v’daat.

Halacha and halacha only!
July 30, 2009 6:56 pm

There are Halachos pertaining to such an individual and what he’s meant to do to correct his wrong doing and how the public and klal yisroel is meant to relate to him. In this context there is no room whatsoever for many of the remarks being made above, as to ahavas yisroel towards him, loshon harah against him, what would the rebbe say etc. etc, its erev tisha beav and all the rest, which plays no role in anyway when the shulchan aruch and poskim are clear on how this fellow should be treated. Just ask your orthodox rabbi who… Read more »

Hey #202
July 30, 2009 6:55 pm

Chabad AND Nosson Slifkin. Do you notice a pattern emerging here? Is there anyone else? Here are two examples of things that this shoiteh doesn’t take responsibility for. Poshut a coward. Quoting him “I have always tried to follow my Rebbeim and be true to their views”. So where did he get this cowardice, stabbing gedolei yisroel and entire communities in the back, smiling to their faces? Take a guess.

#202
July 30, 2009 6:37 pm

Ein yeled beChabad medaber kacha. Hasinoh hee rak mimisnagdim komocho

He's not the first...
July 30, 2009 5:23 pm

There have been many before him…we just heard from another posek, shmutz on Lubavitch. So one feeds the next. Let’s say our piece, and go further to bring Moshiach…

moshiach now!
July 30, 2009 5:20 pm

He’s a tinok shenishba l’bain hamisnagdim. Be mature, and accept his apology (for whatever it’s worth). Let’s take a lesson from this whole event, and have ahavas chinam and speak only lashon tov about every Jew.

De Ja Vu
July 30, 2009 4:51 pm
Shluchim Boycotting?
July 30, 2009 4:22 pm

What is all this about shluchim boycotting or not boycotting this programme? What conceivable reason do shluchim have to carry this programme in the first place? Have we no Tisha Be’Av Torah of our own that we need to dring water from foreign wells?

למה לחבד מותר .
July 30, 2009 4:16 pm

כל ילד בחבד מדבר נגד כלהמנהיגים בעם ישראל כולל רבס וגאונים ופוסקים וכמובן על מתנגדים מתוך שנאה תהומית זה בסדר כמובן כי לחבד הכל מותר

shmaya
July 30, 2009 3:00 pm

if his apology is sincere what took a few years to produce it ?!
after the big tumult in Toronto he didn’t apologize .Only after it became international and athreat to his future did he apologize. Shame on him.

to 155 et al
July 30, 2009 2:45 pm

Earlier this year I was in Chevron with R’ Danny Cohen. While we were walking around, a group of kavayochol tourists but really anachists and rabble rousers from europe were walking with us. We overheard their comments about IDF murderers, land grabbing settlements, etc. I asked Danny why don’t you talk to them. He said that he used to argue with these groups and one day he realized that is not his shlichus and he should concentrate on the Rebbe’s work. I understand your pain and fustration. 3 of my close relatives on shlichus are being attacked by these people… Read more »

To #153
July 30, 2009 1:18 pm

The truth is there’s no way to tell. All of it is hearsay and nothing is written down. Our knowledge of great Tzaddikim makes us highly doubt that they ‘curse each other out’, particularly publicly, which is what makes this so ridiculous. The fact that you can’t prove it one way or the other makes his comments wishy-washy to begin with. The people he claims said the words can be asked if they said them though, that would clear up the whole thing. Regardless, I think most of the Jewish world understands and sees what a giant and Gaon the… Read more »

henoch libowits
July 30, 2009 12:51 pm

Rabbi Libowits was a very nice man when i was growing up in rockaway on the beach he would be sitting on the beach near the boardwalk reading the tog morgen zhurnal and not allow us to go under the boardwalk because of broken glass.and we always wondered why he sat in back of the beach our friends told us he did not want to be in mixed swimming

to 181
July 30, 2009 12:12 pm

I think that if there was a tape of you saying those things to a group of people in a laughing way then it would be inappropiate to reccomend you as the lubavitch representative that i am sure CC would like to introduce next year.

dangerous people
July 30, 2009 11:58 am

orlofsky shach and kotler all got the same agenda hate and to try and pull people away from yahadus

Lubavitch stand up
July 30, 2009 11:46 am

its about time the world realizes that the so called kiruv organizations ohr samayach and aish are full of poison pushing people away from yiddishkite and its time for lubavitch to get up and publicize this to the entire jewish world they take all our mekurovim and poison them against Chabad lets stand up for our rights

to my brothers and sisters
July 30, 2009 11:24 am

taereh chasidim and all jews from allover the world we have to make a machah on this person and all those that encourage him . and that’s it we should not waste our time on this lets continue doing what we do with Chasidus because this is what someone with no chasidus can say
and to you David Orlofsky, you have a PeSUL you should go check your Tfillin
and on the day that you go check your Tfillin you should fast and hope your Tfillin are POSUL because a psul in your Tefillin can be corrected

to 192
July 30, 2009 11:18 am

well stated.

To # 160 - some history, and answers.
July 30, 2009 10:53 am

As I don’t know you, and certainly not your background and situation, I will attempt to address the issues you raise, correct certain misconceptions, and thereby, hopefully, spread some light on this dark day. 1. The Besht had many students, some of whom continued to build Chassidic dynasties. Of the ‘chassidusen’ still in existence, most ultimately trace themselves to either the Maggid of Mezritch, or R’ Nochum Chernobyler. Although there were (and are) pronounced philosophical differences between the Chabad and Chagass schools (Tanya / Meor Einayim etc.), it is an absolute falsehood to suggest that Chabad views other chassidussen as… Read more »

Don't blame cChf
July 30, 2009 10:49 am

There is nothing they could have done, since they send out the DVD’s in advance and could not recall them. It is not a live show.

The best thing is to demand now that they put a Lubavitcher rabbi on there like Yossi Jacobson, the helikeh Rebbe of Kol Shmuel.

father figure issue
July 30, 2009 10:46 am

Please do not take this guy’s words seriously at all. We are dealing here with a limited intelligence person. When such a person gains fans among young people, especially of the opposite gender, this goes to the head. The person starts making statements about things he knows nothing about, and a normal person would keep out of it knowing the limits of their intelligence. But a celebrity does not always think rationally and talks in matters beyond his ken. This occurred with obama’s “they acted stupidly” statement. Once we are playing armchair kupp-doktor (on Tisha B’av noch!), I would say… Read more »

Not his first time
July 30, 2009 10:29 am

Here’s an apology he sent a few years ago to Rabbi Nosson Slifkin, after a nasty email about the latter was sent by the former: TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: Someone is circulating a letter containing personal attacks against Nosson Slifkin purporting to represent me. I have not authorized ANY letter to be distributed! I am working on a letter relating to this issue. That letter is NOT it. Please send this to whoever has a copy and ask them not to distribute this letter. I apologize to Nosson and his family for the hurt they must have suffered from… Read more »

to #160...
July 30, 2009 10:28 am

To quote from your post:
“but just as there are lubavitchers who are taught that the rest of the jewish world is misled and misnagdim are non-toradik, and litvish peolpe are misguided…….so too,there are those ppl who are taught that lubavitch are wrong…it goes both ways.”

My question to you is: What yeshiva did/do you go to that tells you this about Chabad? I don’t know of any Chabad schools that teach people to think the way you have obviously been taught to think about Chabad.

What Rabbi Orlofsky Shilta Really Accomplished:
July 30, 2009 10:11 am

To trivialize CCHF. Nice work genius. Shomer Piv Uleshono Shomer Mitzoras Nafsho.

# 160 - I'll help you understand
July 30, 2009 10:06 am

the only post that has the words ‘uma shfeila’ is YOURS, you phony.

TO YANKEL
July 30, 2009 10:00 am

if you are wondering if there is any truth to orlovsky’s trash, he proved it’s validity by his so called apology. he did not even hedge and say that wasn’t what he meant, or that it was misinterprited. nor that he doesn’t really feel the way the words may have come across. the fact is he feels that way, but just like obama puts his foot in his mouth then fumbles to correct it so as to remain in power. i still remember the days when everyone ridiculed lubavitch for their “kiruv” work. for taking in “goyim” as they called… Read more »

what's shmiras haloshon?
July 30, 2009 9:41 am

the problem is not just what orlovsky said (and once said can’t be erased from the minds of those he said it to) but that he feels that much sinas chinom, regardless of his apology. his apology did not say i was wrong and mistaken with what i said just that he’s sorry to have upset certain people by saying what he felt. so good ole chabad does what it does best and makes peace (and rightfully so) but that doesn’t mean that the “rabbi” doesn’t feel the same as before.

PLEASE !!!!!!!!
July 30, 2009 9:38 am

ok i dont believe this !!!!

its tisha bav and all u ppl can do is sit around typing comments about orlafsky -just 4get it!!!! that guy is a rambling man who likes having his say – u dont need to get all worked up about it !!!!! ignore him , hate him his words if thats what u want , and leave it !!!!

moshiach now !!!!

To 170
July 30, 2009 9:37 am

If you are so ashamed, put your money where your mouth is. YOU should complain to the CCHF! Maybe your voice would carry more weight than ours. We ARE biased…it was OUR Rebbe who was so disgustingly attacked. But if YOU were to complain to CCHF, get people to stop supporting them as hypocrites, then maybe attitudes will change. I sent the CCHF an email (with my name & email address) saying if Rabbi Orlofsky remains on the program (remember, they had enough time to pull him & replace him with someone who is not a hypocrite & a hate-mongerer)… Read more »

This would be similar
July 30, 2009 9:31 am

His speech would be similar to a chabad person giving a formal lecture on how the misnagdim were the foundation of the haskalal and reform movement, that there was mass chillul shabbos amoungst their top talmidim in euroupe, that rav aaron kotler set policies for the feeding of bochrim in china during the was that led to shficas domim, or that rav hutner was the only frum yid to eat treifis when his plain was hijacked. The only differenc is that all the above stories are verifiable and all the stories he said are verifieblke as lies. and also we… Read more »

CCHF SUPPORTING PURE GARBAGE. WHY?
July 30, 2009 9:21 am

SHAME on this organization and all it’s members for supporting the destruction of the bais hamikdosh by bringing so much hate to this world. (so hard to build so easy to destroy). your families are turning over on their graves. you had the power of stopping this big C’H. but simply choose not to. HOW CAN YOU DAVEN ?

learn from Obama...
July 30, 2009 9:19 am

and get together over a beer! R. Orlofsky should do what Obama is doing with the police officer he said acted “stupidly”- get together with a capable, knowledgeable Chabad Rabbi, who can help him see who Chabad and the Rebbe really are, learn some chassidus, and help erase all this baseless prejudice against Chabad. And a trip to the Ohel would also help…

What If
July 30, 2009 9:10 am

I was wondering, has anyone ever heard of a lecture or a class or anything of that nature held by a Chabad leader, teacher Rabbi, let alone Godol, if there is such a thing amongst Chassidim, whose nature and design is to bash, malign and degrade any group Jews.
If such a thing would happen and come to light (with recorded evidence) what would the Gdoilm, who are now ever so silent say or do, especially if their Rosh Yeshiva or Godol was the victim? I Would love to hear your opinion.

If he really means his appology then...
July 30, 2009 8:58 am

Let him give an entire lecture on the beauty of Chabad Lubavitch and the philosophy and post it publicly on all the website the other class were posted. Post in all places he is affiliated with.

153 - GET OUT OF HERE!
July 30, 2009 8:24 am

u dont belong here! we are all steadfast chassidim of our dear rebbe.
get off collive

To R' Orlofsky and #173
July 30, 2009 8:20 am

I am a Lubavitcher and I don’t have the power to forgive you. Ask the Rebbe for forgiveness, not us.

to 159 and 169
July 30, 2009 8:16 am

You ask, how can rabbi Orlofsky be blamed for just following his Rov. Don’t we all follow our rabbanim? I would say there is a big difference. Rabbi Orlofsky is himself a godol, as it says on the poster. He is therefore able to come to his own conclusions. There are examples of this in history: the Vilna Gaon put Chassidim in cherem (based on the kinds of slander that Orlofsky continues to perpetuate) but his own student, Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin undid the cherem and was in contact with chassidic Rebbes. If Rabbi Orlofsky was a true ohev yisroel… Read more »

To Rabbi Orlofsky
July 30, 2009 8:09 am

I am a Lubavither and I forgive you.

To #159
July 30, 2009 7:51 am

I understand your frustration, but you should know that just because one Lubavitcher says something, that doesn’t mean that all of Lubavitch thinks that way. I personally don’t agree with all of the loshon hora that is going on either. Disagreeing with Orlofsky and respectfully stating that he should stop speaking badly about Chabad is one thing; making unneccesary rude comments, either about him or about “all litvaks” is another thing. I truly don’t think that most Lubavitchers think that all litvaks are bad, at least not the ones I know. We believe that chassidus is a very beautiful thing,… Read more »

agree with 168
July 30, 2009 7:36 am

Actually, Orlofsky himself mocks Aish Hatorah on this tape and mimics the voice of Aish founder Rabbi Weinberg (when he mentions “five pleasures, etc” which was Rabbi Weinberg’s big chidush), which is forbidden in the laws of loshon hara.

No Bigotry Please
July 30, 2009 7:30 am

Please don’t lump us all together. I myself may be referred to as a Misnageid, but am utterly ashamed and appalled by the remarks of Rav Orlofsky Shlita.
I would like to see a M’Hchaah Borabbim from all the Gidolei Yisrael. If they are truly Gedolim, who are against Lashon Hara . . . then they ought to all come out with a public denouncement of this despicable conduct.

Dear Rabbi Orlofsky
July 30, 2009 7:30 am

Dear Reb Dovid, (I am loath to call you rabbi since you don’t deserve the title, but to get your attention i have done so.) A Lubavicher fort is made of Ahavas Yisroel, so despite the fact that i agree with a lot of the anger that is posted above, i would like to take a different tack. The video of the Rebbe showing on this site for Tisha b’av is about finding something good in Miriam bas Bilgah, so surely we can find a positive approach to all this. So here it is: Can we really blame you for… Read more »

Orlofskyism
July 30, 2009 7:22 am

I agree with 163. In my experience, those two-faced ones who smile to your face and then bad-mouth you behind your back do the same thing with other people they don’t like, not just Lubavitch.

to 164
July 30, 2009 7:14 am

The only explanation is that they know the truth about Chabad and don’t truly believe the lies they spread about us. And so when they’re pushed into a corner, they back down, al derech: makkin oisoi ad she’yomar rotzeh ani (a Jew’s desire to do Hashem’s ratzon ultimately comes through).

This may explain Orlofslky’s apology-non-apology and a positive spin on this whole episose, a limud zchus for him on this Tisha B’av day. Rabbi Kahanov’s point is well taken.

Response to 159
July 30, 2009 7:09 am

Thank you for your polite and measured words.
To find out what Lubavitch believes you can find out from Lubavitcher rabbonim or Rebbetzins. Please do not use the comments on this site — many of which are written by children or otherwise “bored souls” –as your basis for what is Lubavitch philosophy.

I can assure you that if anything the Rebbe was MOST respectful and embracing of all forms of Orthodox Judaism. As he always told the Chasidishe Rebbes who visited him: “Yaarich yamim al mamlachto.”

Agree to #7
July 30, 2009 7:00 am

every word # 7 writes is correct and is just as it is. Listen here, I wasnt born yesterday and know that these are the facts, we must always remember not to waste our kochos on them and there treif rubbish “Hamisabeik im menuval mitnavel gam kein” as the alter rebbe says in tanya.

Worse than original misnagdim
July 30, 2009 6:58 am

The original misnagdim would never issue an apology like Orlofsky’s. Who apologizes for stating their beliefs? If Chabad is “dangerous” etc. as he claims, why apologize for saying it?

This is what makes the misnagdim of today so insidious. In public they smile and make like their good buddies — eating our food when on vacation, using our shuls, mikvaots hashgachas etc. — but as soon as we’re out of earshot, the mocking and slander begins.

For shame. At least stick to your story.

WE NEED TO EXPOSE "ORLOFSKYISM"
July 30, 2009 6:57 am

I cannot agree more with # 154. I myself suffer at the hands of this rotten and destructive element, who in public smile at you, but behind your back deride you and Chabad in the most nefarious of ways. Orlofsky is not a person it’s a breed. The Orlofsy’s preach Shmiras Haloshon in public but in private are the biggest B’aalei Loshon Harah, Richilus Motzaei Shem-Rah. They destroy lives, communities and often Yiddishkiet itself. Many in Chabad are unaware as to what extent they embitter the lives of hard working Shluchim, many Shluchim don’t even understand this. Just about everything… Read more »

To 154
July 30, 2009 6:33 am

I would like to clarify one thing; I am NOT a rabbi, just a simple Jew observing the local news. Last thing I’d like to achieve is a mix up by one of the readers confusing me for a real Rabbi Minkowicz and portraying my words as his. Who knows what influence that might have on his life and Shlichus. As for your extended statement, you are preaching to the choir. My point was merely to focus on the ASEI TOV, which we have an abundance of.

Dovi Minkowicz

[email protected]

Kol HaKavod
July 30, 2009 6:33 am

I’m glad he took it back and his apology should be accepted

please help me understand
July 30, 2009 6:02 am

i am not lubavitch, but have many relatives that are. i am a chassid’ista, and our rebbe has much respect for Lubavitch. i’ve heard many a negative comments about lubavitch and continue to belive, as i always have, that they are not true, and if yes, just true to a minority of lubavitchers. it does bother me tremendously, that some of these comments here, slander and speak bad about ‘misnagdim’. it is so ironic, one commenter wrote, that they are a ‘uma shfeila’. others seem to believe that only lubavitchers are living according to the torah, and ALL others need… Read more »

A suggestion for CCHF
July 30, 2009 5:57 am

I have just read 155 the posts and the only other positive thing that could happen is the the CCHF should use a Lubavitcher next year for their Tisha’ B’Av program.
By the way I have been a supporter of this event for many years and will now find out who is in their program before I continue to support them.

I know Rabbi O.
July 30, 2009 5:55 am

Dovid Orlofsky is a great teacher and speaker and I know that Michael Rothschild is wonderful person. On Tisha B’Av I don’t want to further machlokes but to add a important point. Dovid O. was a talmid of Rabbi H. Leibowitz, a”h, of Chofetz Chaim Yeshiva ( I don’t think it’s connected to the organization talked about here) in Queens. He was and his talmidim are rabidly anti-chabad. Individually, they will never insult a chabnik to his/her face. Middos and Mussar are stressed in the yeshiva. However, I once told a good friend that I would daven for her very… Read more »

Just a thought
July 30, 2009 5:11 am

I would like to be M’orer that due to the enormous Shturem of this issue, it is more than likely that there are many non Anash visiting this site and are following the discussion. It is hence a good idea to keep the remarks respectful and to the point. We may obviously express our opinions, anguish and outrage but it would be far more effective to do so in a civil respectful manner. We should also take in to consideration that today is TB.
Y Kahanov

A Shliach
July 30, 2009 5:04 am

I think i represent a major Portion of Lubavitch who are more embarrased by the outcry than the venouous words from Rabbi Orlovski.

This whole reaction, took away our veniflinu, and made us look like a bunch of small minded people vos kenen zich nisht halten hecher. Like the kid in the playground who starts kicking and screaming every time someone says a little insult. Who cares what this guy said? Ribono Shel Olam!

Rabbi Minkowicz
July 30, 2009 4:29 am

I don’t give my name not because I have a problem with it, but because I am a member of anash that lives in the Orei Hasodeh and there are KA”H several Shlucim here whom I don’t want to identify by my comments. I don’t want my comments in any way misinterpreted as anything but the opinions of an individual member of anash. If you can post your email address I will contact you privately. As for using time properly, the Torah takes very seriously the time, effort and money of a Jew. Where I live, I have seen that… Read more »

a bit of normalcy
July 30, 2009 4:24 am

there is no one who can accept this mans appoligy
firstly he never said that he doesn’t hold of what he said
secondly what he said was recorded and publicised so he needs to go and publicly apologise to every one and every place and there is no individual or group or community that can except him may there only be true ahavas yisroel especially in these times

Yankel
July 30, 2009 3:49 am

As a neutral person, my question is – is there anyy truth to rabbi orlofsky’s original comments?

No one has discussed that

Not the first time
July 30, 2009 3:25 am

Rabbi Orlofsky has engaged in malicious talk against others too, also with an utterly inadequate apology. See http://www.zootorah.com/controversy/orlofsky.html

to 88
July 30, 2009 3:09 am

and you are…?

My response to 135, 136 & 138
July 30, 2009 2:41 am

To 135: You should read my remarks with a little heart and sensitivity. If you lack that precious gift, you can go with MERCHO CEFULO. BTW, do you come with a name? To 136: FUN DIR SHPROTST CHOCHMO. How about you, do you come with a name? To 138: I’m in CH, B”H just had my 5th. His name is Moshe Zalmen. If you didn’t hear from me in a while, I should say DITTO. Would love to hear from you, that’s if I know who you are. Easy fast Dovi Minkowicz Ps: to 135 & 136: I think it… Read more »

answer to 41#
July 30, 2009 12:59 am

No he is not in that video there are 2 versions, so for all of those people who are spending so much precious time debating this issue..go do a mitzvah and make someone smile. And if u have a problem with a rabbi then dont watch something hes talking in, but this uproar is not at all needed. .LET IT GO ALREADY.Alot of the Holy tanya is all about being bitul and humbel…it seems that many are acting in an opposite manner by feeling like THEY have been so hurt THEY are so mortified AND they will not alow someone… Read more »

NOTICE !!!
July 30, 2009 12:30 am

WHAT IS ORLOFSKY SAYING? HE IS NOT SAYING: 1.HE REGRETS WHAT HE DID OR 2.HE DIDN’T MEAN IT IN THE WAY IT WAS UNDERSTOOD WHAT IS CLEAR FROM WHAT HE WRITES: “…SINCERE REGRET FOR THE PAIN MY WORDS HAVE CAUSED…I AM HORRIFIED THAT ON EREV TISHA B’AV…THEY SHOULD BE THE CAUSE OF STRIFE IN KLAL YISROEL…I AM ANGUISHED THAT MY WORDS HAVE CAUSED AGMAS NEFESH TO SO MANY WONDERFUL PEOPLE…” FROM ALL THIS IS CLEAR THAT HE DOES NOT RETRACT IN ANY WAY FROM WHAT HE HAS SAID (ALSO THAT WOULDN’T BE LOGICAL SINCE USUALLY WHAT PEOPLE SAY IS EXPRESSING… Read more »

GET OVER IT!!!
July 30, 2009 12:21 am

SO WAHT??

LIKE NOW WAT?

HUS GNO GAIN BAREING A GRUDGE

To Rabbi Orlovsky
July 29, 2009 11:41 pm

Who is certainly reading all of these comments, (although he would never admit it). I say Kol Hakvod for coming out and making this apology. Although you do not take back any of what you said, it is a BIG STEP in the right direction. I say, let’s focus on love of each other, You of chabad and chabad of you, and find a few chabadnicks to have a discussion with WITH AN OPEN MIND, not to become a Chabadnik, just to clarify that some of things (e.g. assumptions) that you made are either (1) false, or (2) misqotes, or… Read more »

orlofsky
July 29, 2009 10:45 pm

he only teaches what he hears all day long, wha t , sadly people enjoy hearing. And we in Lubavitch have this Challenge to make them understand different, But
Chas vesholom to fall and give hem acknowledgement or
FINSTERNISH FUN GOLUS IS GREAT LET US NOT SAY THEY ARE KIRUV NO KIRUV LET US NOT FOOL OURSELVES OR OHERS WE SHOULD BE STRONG
LIKE IN THE DAYS OF OLD AND WE WILL SUCCEED

Orlofsky did nothing wrong...
July 29, 2009 10:10 pm

Don’t you know its not Loshon Horah if you say bad things about Chabad. The issur of loshon hora does not apply to Chabad. (Sad to say but this is what they think….)

For the record
July 29, 2009 10:06 pm

For the record, a lot of these “Rabbis” slander chabad. It happens all the time. Its just the Orlofsky got caught on tape and somehow COL got a hold of the tape

Bad luck for Orlofsky

funny #110
July 29, 2009 10:03 pm

Although this is very sad and depressing, I must admit comment #110 was pretty funny.

tanya
July 29, 2009 9:07 pm

maybe he should of listened to his teacher and learned tanya…. maybe then he would not come to such sinas chinom..

Text of Michael Rothschild's letter, "My Brother Died at the Chabad House in Mumbai"
July 29, 2009 8:53 pm

My Dear Fellow Jew, On Wednesday night I logged onto Reuters on my Blackberry and I saw something about terrorists in Mumbai. No connection to me. Or so I thought. The next morning the news slammed home when my chavrusa told me that his cousin is the Chabad shaliach in Mumbai and that there was some kind of attack and they can’t seem to get him on the phone. For the next 24 hours I, my family and everybody I know had only one thing on our minds – the fate of the Chabad shaliach, his wife and the unknown… Read more »

clarificaation
July 29, 2009 8:26 pm

to #83 :
that story ha no mokoir

TO DOVI
July 29, 2009 6:23 pm

WHERE ARE U THESE DAYS?

HAVENT HEARD FROM U IN AGES!

a friend
July 29, 2009 6:12 pm

love all you lubavitchers. you are truly awesome.
have an easy fast.

Kokus #135
July 29, 2009 4:55 pm

Well said

To Dovi
July 29, 2009 4:41 pm

Should we read your comments with a Pozeir or an Azlageireish?

A Chassid Is Fort A Chassid!
July 29, 2009 4:30 pm

It is so nice to see the deep feelings of love for the Rebbe expressed so passionately by so many in the last 12 hours. I think that the response to this story has broken all records. Despite the self criticism that is sometimes expressed on this forum, the fact remains that a Chassid is fort a Chassid.
The Rebbe declared that Yad Chassidim Al Elyonah and today we saw it B’Muchash. Boy what a little Achdus can do.
Thanks to COL and to Rabbi Kahanov for taking the initiative on this issue.

To 129
July 29, 2009 4:13 pm

It is every Lubavitchers obligation to go out there and return as many Yidden as possible to their Jewish roots. By being argumentative and quarrelsome about the corrupt behavior in the Litvish KIRUV scheme, one would have accomplished zilch except loss of time. The Rebbe, a living example for 90+ years of how a Jewish individual should conduct himself and a beacon and guiding light in TIME MANAGEMENT, in my humble opinion wouldn’t retort to this matter as we have. Though I truly believe Rabbi Rothschild’s apology isn’t just a politically correct statement, I do not commend Orlofskis KAV HADIBUR!… Read more »

PRAISE THE REBBE AND CHABAD
July 29, 2009 4:12 pm

If he REALLY regrets what he said (cause he changed his position and now loves the rebbe and chabad)he has to do the opposite what he did and Publicly PRAISE THE REBBE AND CHABAD otherwise what use to opologize when we know what lurks in his head!

i agree
July 29, 2009 3:21 pm

too 42 #

BTW
July 29, 2009 3:06 pm

Yasher koach to COLLive for being on top of this from the beginning. You’re the only Chabad WebSite with any kind of Geon Yaakov and Lubavitch pride.

To 119
July 29, 2009 3:00 pm

And the mikurovim that they poison? The suggestion is that we sit with farleigte hent and smile sweetly?

To 124
July 29, 2009 2:58 pm

Yes, Moshiach now. We need to bring Moshiach by being accepting and loving. But if someone starts a fight, bringing Moshiach doesn’t mean that you need to be a doormat. Please see Moshe Rabeinu vs. Korach Va’adosi. (No comparison to Moshe Rabeinu but there’s an einfache lesson there as well.)

SimpleYid.
July 29, 2009 2:57 pm

Where is his apology? To me this seems like an excuse.

He should come out and say that what he said was very foolish and he was wrong. Why is he giving excuses? Some People!

To #120
July 29, 2009 2:54 pm

After 200 years none of them has learned anything. Let them hold out the olive branch.

To #118
July 29, 2009 2:51 pm

So a murderer is only guilty after the second murder?

AD MOSSAI!!
July 29, 2009 2:38 pm

WILL WE CONTINUE IN THIS HORRIBLE CHAIN OF LH”R?
WE KNOW WHO OUR REBBE IS AND NEED NOT TO WORRY ABOUT PPLS COMMENTS!
MOSHIACH NOW!!!!

to number 67
July 29, 2009 1:59 pm

the link does not work- how do i read his letter about Mumbai???

What????
July 29, 2009 1:59 pm

So basically he didn’t deny that that is what he feels – he just feels bad that this has been broadcast and he’s in trouble.
Did he say I was wrong – the Rebbe was a tzadik?No. He said I’ll never SAY it again – but he’ll continue to think it.

Which Shliach?!?!?!?!
July 29, 2009 1:51 pm

I want to know which shliach is broadcasting this Chafetz Chaim heritage program on Tisha B’av when they allow a speaker who quoted the Rebbe being called………????? How can a “Rabbi” speak on Tisha B’av about Lashon Hara etc. when he is quoted as having spoken about the Rebbe in such a vile way. We have to protest this Chafet Chaim foundation until they remove him and penalize him for his provocotive words and tone towards the Rebbe.!!

......ACCEPT HIS APOLOGY! please!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 29, 2009 1:48 pm

NOW WE HAVE TO SHOW THAT WE CARE ABOUT BRINGING ACHDUS AND MOSHIACH AND BLINKING WE LL ACCEPT HIS APOLOGY!!!!!!!!
we have been vindicated – now lets be gracious! He’s LEARNT his lesson!
He’s also a Yid….

MY TATI HATES YOUR REBBE!!!
July 29, 2009 1:46 pm

The difference between a Chassid and … About 2 decades ago in the very holy and Talmudic city of Antwerp, Belgium a young and vibrant little girl from a well known Lubavitch family attended the local BETH JACOB school. Being it was the Rebbes decision not to open a competing establishment, the local Lubavitchers (girls) all attended the above mentioned (rather litvish or veltish) institution. One day, in the middle of recess while playing outside in the courtyard, a classmate approached this Lubavitch girl and says: “YOU KNOW, MY TATI HATES YOUR REBBE!” without skipping a hearts beat the little… Read more »

don lekav zechus
July 29, 2009 1:45 pm

to be fair, when he says ‘i never said these words before’ i think he means this was the only time-i.e. he doesn’t go round every day cursing chabad.

let him do teshuvah
July 29, 2009 1:42 pm

he should go to the ohel and ask the rebbe for mechilah. then maybe maybe then will i be intrested in even discussing if to listen to this guy after a couple of years of him behaving himself

Adding to 112
July 29, 2009 1:02 pm

In the city where I live there is a Kollel that just started. One of the Kollel wives told a mikureves who just started going to the Mikva (not yet frum) that Chabad Mikvas are posul. Word got around and a very strong macho’oh was made by the shluchim and local anash and they had to apologize. The apology was: “We didn’t do it. The woman did it on her own. We would never do this.” Blah, blah. Once this was made public, I made sure to tell all of the local Chabad balei batim and mekuravim EXACTLY what this… Read more »

It's okay to disagree with Chabad
July 29, 2009 12:58 pm

But Orlofsky did not just “disagree” with the Rebbe. R’ Ovadia Yosef disagreed with the Rebbe (yet he is qouted in Likutei Sichos–no grudge is held). The Satmar Rov disagreed with the Rebbe. Orlofsky, on the other hand, spoke disgustingly and with hatred regarding the Rebbe. IT is inexcusable.

To Rabbi Michael Rothschild
July 29, 2009 12:52 pm

Can we please put the baseless hatred toward Chassidim from the times of the Alter Rebbe and the GRA behind us? How many Tisha B’Avs have passed since then? Is the point of your organization to foster Love between Jews? How do you have someone on your staff that carries a 200 year old grudge? Lo Sikom…Lo Sitor…Lo Selech Rochil. WHEN DOES THIS NARISHKEIT STOP? Now it’s supposed to be Chabad’s responsibility to “put this behind us”? Chabad didn’t start this. Not now, not 30 years ago, not 200 years ago. LET THE ONES WHO STARTED THIS, STOP IT! Let… Read more »

Slimy and underhanded
July 29, 2009 12:49 pm

Orflofsky, sadly, teaches at Neveh, a baal teshuvah seminary in israel. We now know why the girls that go there come back hating Chabad. Perhaps some pressure should be applied to Neveh to get rid of this hater.

If he engages in this against Chabad in such a slimy under-handed way, laughing like a snake as he plants his poison in the innocent minds of his students, and then lies openly in his “apology” — is he a man that can be trusted around young people?

Chabad and Kollels
July 29, 2009 12:45 pm

Now you understand why Chabad is weary of kollels and misnagdic kiruv people. Sadly, Orlfosky’s vitriol is not unusual among misnagdim. They will come to a community and smile to everyone and join the Chabad shul and dance at the shliach’s wedding and then behind Chabad’s back will tell the community members the same lies that Orlofsky promotes.

this is called oplogzing?!!!!
July 29, 2009 12:43 pm

What does he have to oplogize for! opologizing doesn’t mean he that he no longer believes the words that he said. he just “regrets how much pain they caused”. we shouldn’t accept this opology!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

First loshon hara and now sheker
July 29, 2009 12:32 pm

To cover up his loshon hara, he’s now lying, as pointed out by 109. Just as he lies in his apology, he reveals that all his stories are lies and falshehoods.

So now he’s disqualified from speaking at a Midvar Sheker Tirchak rallies.

Fake, Phony, Fraud
July 29, 2009 12:20 pm

This guy is worse than Obama, CCHF should demand a better apology or delete him from the video they’re planning to show. It was not a response to a talmid, he starts off the lecture by saying: “We spoke last time about reform, conservative, reconstructionist, and now we’ll talk about chassidim.” Actually, someone asks about Breslov and he says we’re not going to talk about that. So much it just being an answer to a question. But more to the point, who cares if it was only a response to a question in front of 8 people. What if I… Read more »

To 94
July 29, 2009 12:14 pm

We should remember that someone who is crazy, is crazy; it’s nebach not their fault. But someone who is a Rosho has a choice; and as long as he mocks the Rebbe borabim and doesn’t do Teshuva borabim (that means to admit he’s wrong and to say unconditionally that what was said is wrong)….then Mi shyesh beyodo limchos velo micho, mikri….

Needs positive action to show he's sorry
July 29, 2009 12:13 pm

As many mentioned, he only seems sorry that people heard about it. The whole letter seems a bit arrogant. To change, there needs to be a positive course of action, like a hachlata to actually learn more about chabad and chassidus from actual chabad chassidim – or something like that.

Three People
July 29, 2009 12:10 pm

is considered public.

shlucha of the Rebbe
July 29, 2009 11:55 am

i was so upset today, i couldnt even daven straight….but then i realized that it helped me run my CGI with so much more strength. we are the Yosef Hatzadik and they are the rest of the shevatim.. they just dont get it. they dont understand it AT ALL… I really admire those yidden who can forgive him so quickly….it hurts us…ITS OUR REBBE!!!! but i think if WE represent Ahavas Yisrael – then no matter what we should find the koach the REbbe gave us and use it to forgive him. Venizkeh zehn zich mitn Rebbe duh limateh ve’hu… Read more »

Paul Krakow of Alpharetta GA
July 29, 2009 11:42 am

a quick shiloh (a minor detail) . . . since there were only 8 people present (9 including the speaker) is the lashon hara in question at a lesser level of intensity then if ten people (a minyan) were present? (I’m just curious if there is a halachic significance to number of people hearing lashon hara going beyond ten)

right to continue to not be a Chossid.
July 29, 2009 11:30 am

According to the Baal Shem Tov nobody has a right to not be a chossid….

Lets be reasonable
July 29, 2009 11:28 am

Its not fair of us to slam the CCHF now, considering that they acknowledged our concerns, and that a grave error was made. However, since the program was all pre-recorded, there isn’t much they can do now.
IF they ever use David Orlofsky again – that would be another story, but the people there are real mentchen, and I doubt they will.

He needs to go to the OHEL and ask for Mechila
July 29, 2009 11:28 am

That’s where the mechila belongs. He said Loshon Hora on the Rebbe, more than anything else.

to #93
July 29, 2009 11:26 am

I am not writer #83, I am another person who has heard that story before

From Toronto
July 29, 2009 11:12 am

hardly anything can bee added to all the thoughts previously expressed. One thing I can add is this: (and this applies to many others, even in Lubavitch) You are a Rabbi, You represent the Jewish people. In a certain way, as a Jew and what is thought of as a leader of Jews, you have to act it!! I am not condoning being inconsistent, but sometimes people speak one way amongst their buddies and otherwise in front of a group. (I am not talking about the Tochein of the words, I am talking about the packaging of the Tochein.) If… Read more »

Ohr Somayach / Orlofsky / Schiller / Hate / Fake Apologies
July 29, 2009 11:09 am

It’s interesting to note that a few years back, when cd’s of Orlofsky hateful diatribe were distributed to various Rabbonim in Toronto, two shuls cancelled lectures by David Orlofsky. However, what takes the cake is this: Later that year, Rabi Nota Schiller of Ohr Somayach, came to Toronto to try and smooth things over. (It seems Dovid Orlofsky is an excellent fundraiser for OS, and they wanted him back in town for an event.) When confronted with Orlofskys statements, do you know what Rabbi Schiller said ? “This shiur was given off-campus in another location, so it has nothing to… Read more »

To #88
July 29, 2009 11:01 am

Why don’t you take your own advice. Be a living example big shot.

Nebech on Orlofsky
July 29, 2009 10:42 am

Orlofsky – nebech. May G-d have mercy on your soul.

REALITY CHECK
July 29, 2009 10:38 am

To me it seems pretty simple: (1) This is not new news. It is just new to you, because you just found out. But it has been going on with so many for so long. So now you want to be moiche against misnagdim? (2) However there is a blatant hypocricy for the CCF to be airing any such person who is known to have articulated such unforgiveable sentiments. (3) It is not for us to fogive him. He really should go to the Ohel and ask mechila al pi din Shulchan Oruch. (4) NEVERTHELESS, the precise Ahavas Chinom that… Read more »

You know,
July 29, 2009 10:33 am

However bad it was what Orlofsky did, many of the comments here will make others certain that Lubavitchers are truly loony.

To #83
July 29, 2009 10:25 am

Be very careful before you slander the great chofetz chaim with a story that really does not add up.

Can't believe this
July 29, 2009 10:24 am

It seems like Michael Rothchild is a good and sincere person whow has a real problem on his hands. However, if he couldn’t get a real oplogy from Orlovsky, he should have not published anything. He was m’vazeh the Rebbe. He has the right to continue to not be a chosid, but he could opologise for repeating stories that he had no good source for, or for not trying to see the stories that he did see in a better light (as he does so effectivly with satmar) The least he has to do is go to the ohel and… Read more »

In perspective.
July 29, 2009 10:22 am

What other organization would respond so quickly and strongly. Mr. Rothschild deserves our thanks.

By calling others Stupid Misnagdim you are just as bad as anybody else.

Even though his comments did cause pain and are inexcusable we must have that extra Ahvahs Chinam and forgive him. The Rebbe never instructed us to get offended on his behalf; he did instruct us to do all we can to bring Moshiach.

If we get so worked up when someone speaks out against the rebbe we should get at least equally worked up to do what the Rebbe asked us to do.

i emailed the cc foundation
July 29, 2009 10:20 am

I emailed the foundation and I got an automatic respose of the above apology letter. I responded by saying the following: The “apology” letter written by dovid orlofsky is no apology. I’m curious to know what the question is that the ‘talmud’ asked. Was it perhaps Why do we hate Lubavitch so much? or Which sect of Chassidim are the craziest? What kind of question deserves a 20 minute answer putting down chabad? He is not sorry for what he said, he’s sorry that he got atacked for what he said. I am still asking that you do not keep… Read more »

Ouraged
July 29, 2009 10:15 am

I attempted to send the following message to the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation after I called them and requested an email address, but the address (surprise!) was not in service. Here is the text of my message: Let me understand please. Rabbi Orlofsky is lecturing on Tisha B’Av about “Slander, Gossip and Verbal Abuse?” And his excuse is that he said it in front of only 8 people? And his “apology” only worries about the pain that he caused but he doesn’t regret WHAT he said? And this is going to lecture on Tisha B’Av about shmiras haloshon? Do you… Read more »

bunch of BABIES!!!
July 29, 2009 10:14 am

y dont u all grow up already and move on in life??? what would the rebbe say if he was alive today?? huh?? would he sit on the computer and in 770 talking about this WASTING precious time?? I DONT THINK SO! oh and all u brave ppl opening up on the internet where noone knows who u r ?? cowards maybe get on in life and do some good deeds and make the rebbe and Hashem happy, cmon already…

Is the apology another lie ?
July 29, 2009 10:05 am

Rabbi Orlofsky says that “The words I said, were said once, in response to a question of a talmid, to a class of 8 people.” Yet for anybody who actually listened to the recordings, that is simply a lie. He started off mocking Chassidim and their Rebbeim as part of his prepared remarks, and continued on from there. He made sure to use the questions as a springboard for further vile slander, but most of his ignorant and vicious remarks were NOT in response to any question. As to whether his remarks were in fact only made to “eight talmidim”,… Read more »

MAKE THE FINAL DECISION PUBLIC
July 29, 2009 10:03 am

It is very disturbing that this organization has not made a final decision to ban this individual. THE HESITATION IS VERY DESTRUCTIVE. it reflex their full support of what he said.

Boruch ben Tzvi (A"H) HaKohaine Hoffinger BS"D
July 29, 2009 9:50 am

R. (Not a rabbi in my eyes. Rabbi mean teacher.) Orlovsky is a brainless fool.
What wisdom does he have?
He’s probably jealous.
Saying anything negative about the Messiah, especially during these 3 weeks show this man is of lttle import.
Tragic. Crazy. Galus.

shaliach
July 29, 2009 9:49 am

also kotler tried to apologize to the rebbe , mister it’s too late go find another job

A timeless story about the chofetz chayim and the frierdiker rebbe
July 29, 2009 9:49 am

when the chofetz chayim wrotre his shmiras haloshon book, he sent a shliach to all the gedolim of europe for haskomos, including to the frierdiker rebbe. When the shliach came to the frierdiker rebbe, the rebbe looked at the manuscripts and said that he cannot give a haskomo because there are 2 things missing in the book: 1 that he only talks about what is not allowed (sur mera and no asse tov), and 2, that he does not mention that somtimes, twitching your nose can also be real loshon hora. When the shliach returned to the chofetz chayim, he… Read more »

Words or Action
July 29, 2009 9:35 am

Rabbi Orlofsky should commit to doing Teshuva through deeds like perhaps fasting for speaking about a Tzaddik Hador. Does he think that he can fool G-d himself? Words are not enough for what has been done. Is he capable of expressing love to The Rebbe unlike the negativity that he has spewed. That is the litmus test.
Rabbi Orlofsky should know that we can teach him through Tanya how to truly have Ahavas Yisroel this Erev Tisha B’av.

To #72
July 29, 2009 9:32 am

Well said! I was raised in a Litvak home & I cried plenty listening to insane criticism of Chabad & our Rebbe by my otherwise tolerant family. Everything you said is true.

Moshe Yokel
July 29, 2009 9:24 am

Sorry

harm was done

To COL
July 29, 2009 9:18 am

May I suggest you email all these comments & those from the other thread to Rabbi Rothschild AND to Rabbi Orlofsky? They need to know exactly the level of pain they have caused & the feelings of mistrust we hold about the organization AND this reprehensible, hypocritical individual.

Basically, we are not falling for it. And they need to understand that.

Fellow Lubavitchers: keep the calls & emails to Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation coming! And anyone who goes to Lecture 2 tomorrow…WALK OUT when he gets up to speak. Make a dignified machor!

AFTER ALL THE FACTS
July 29, 2009 9:17 am

THIS IS NOT ABOUT US OR HIM,
WHATEVER THE ORGANIZATION CHOOSES TO DO WILL SEND A STRONG MESSAGE.

"I never said these words before, nor have I ever repeated these words, nor will I ever repeat these words again."
July 29, 2009 9:07 am

i said it in front of a class of 8 people. i will never say it again. I NEVER SAID THESE WORDS BEFORE.!!!!!!!!!!!??????????????????
hellllllllllllllllloooooooooooooooo????????????

forgiving is not the same as liking
July 29, 2009 9:01 am

We were complaining that he was saying bad things about Lubavitch in public, and that it’s a mitzvah to be mochiach him. So that’s what we did, and he apologized and asked for our mechila! So, we should be moichel him for saying something that he once said and now regrets. That doesn’t mean we have to like him, nor does he have to like us, but from this point on, we did what we had to, so there’s no more excuses for loshon hora.

THE REAL TEST
July 29, 2009 9:00 am

CHOFETZ CHAIM HERITAGE FOUNDATION IS REPRESENTED BY SELECTED SPEAKERS
IT WILL BE A GRAVE AND AN UNREPAIRABLE MISTAKE LETTING AN INDIVIDUAL ON THIS CALIBER ABLE TO SPEAK, THESE WHERE NOT JUST WORDS, THIS WAS A REFLECTION OF HIS REAL CORE OF HIS UPBRINGING OF THE ENVIRONMENT HE WAS EXPOSE TO , THIS WAS PURE HATRED, VICIOUS, DEGRADING, COMPLETELY AGAINST TORAH VALUES, WHOM EVER CHOOSES TO ASSOCIATE WITH HAS NO PLACE IN ANY COMMUNITY ESPECIALLY THE JEWISH COMMUNITY. EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON, THIS IS A TEST WHICH WILL BRING THE TRUTH TO THE SURFACE.
THE TIME HAS COME

to 64 you are wrong
July 29, 2009 8:52 am

they all say exactly these things. he didn’t invent them. he was fed this poison, as I was when i learned in their yeshivos.

hersh
July 29, 2009 8:52 am

He actually pinpointed his downfall by refusing to study chassidus. Had he done so, his speech would have been full of Ahavas Yisroel. A shame on the Ch Ch Foundation which attempts to implant yiras Shomayim but with this speaker has failed miserably. Ein Dovor Ho’Omaid Bifnei Hateshuva – Rabbi start learning CHASSIDUS!

mechil shmechila
July 29, 2009 8:48 am

do not be fooled; he his not a fringe guy. all misnagdim think and feel the same way. I have been a talmid in a litvishe yeshiva in the ’70s and taught in another litvishe yeshiva in the ’90s, and as a lubavitcher, I’ve heard this speach countless times. the whole thing including the vindication of satmars. for those who think that any portion of chabad has caused this kind of talk, listen again and you’ll see that the despise these poeple have for us dates at least to the frierdiker rebbe, long befor nun alef-nun beis. I am very… Read more »

Non-apology apology
July 29, 2009 8:47 am

Rabbi Orlofsky stated “I would like to express my sincere regret for the pain my words have caused” Meaning he doesn’t regret saying the words, he regrets the fact that they caused so much pain and provoked such a reaction, as pointed out by #18. This is a classic example of a non-apology apology. Let him renounce his words, and the sentiments contained therein, unambiguously. Additionally, he has managed to admit saying those words and deny it in the same paragraph: “I never said these words before, nor have I ever repeated these words, nor will I ever repeat these… Read more »

Michael Rothschild, director CCHF
July 29, 2009 8:35 am

I’m so so sorry. for what we are trying to do–that this should happen erev Tisha Bav –is horrific. I’m sorry.

to 64
July 29, 2009 8:31 am

Actually things have been said DIRECTLY to me by him. To the point I threw up I was so sickened by how I was treated, spoken to, and the situations he allowed to happen and took part in that PLEASE G-d have been rectified now.

Why are we even discussing this...?
July 29, 2009 8:31 am

We dont talk about Yoshke because we dont want to give power to his name. wHEN WE ARE DISCUSSING THIS GUY WE ARE MAKING HIM FOR FAMOUS AND GIVING HIM LOTS OF ATTENTION.. EVEN IF ITS NEGATIVE ATTENTION ITS STILL ATTENTION. In hollywood they love it..this is what they live for. You dont think this guy is so excited by all the attention we are giving him. He shouldnt even be a thought.

CCHF is a true friend of Chabad
July 29, 2009 8:24 am

As a Lubavitcher, and a friend and supporter of Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation, I can say first-hand that CCHF is a true friend of Chabad, and of every single Jew. They work tirelessly and effectively to bring Moshiach through educational programs–many of them free–promoting ahavas Yisrael, Loshon Tov, and achdus. After Mumbai, their director, Michael Rothschild wrote and published on the internet, a beautiful open letter to klal Yisrael enttitled, “My brother died at the Chabad House in Mumbai, India” (http://www.hashkafah.com/email-brother-died-Chabad-House-Mumbai-India-t55697.html&mode=threaded). Read this and you will see what Michael Rothschild and Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation are really all about. They… Read more »

Simple Solution
July 29, 2009 8:23 am

Why are Chabad Houses publicizing this event? A shander!!! Time for Merkos HQ to start putting their own Web events on so Shluchim needn’t run elsewhere for a Tisha B’Av program. Use this for the positive and limit if not eradicate exposure of those who are jealous, anti, negative and espouse the antithesis of the essence of Chassidus and Mussar. If Orlofsky is the best they can come up with, ochen vey when we feel the need to show him when it is obvious that he has no kovod for gedolim, chassidim, rebbeim, and is lacking in yiras shomayin and… Read more »

answer to 41#
July 29, 2009 8:22 am

No he is not in that video there are 2 versions, so for all of those people who are spending so much precious time debating this issue..go do a mitzvah and make someone smile. And if u have a problem with a rabbi then dont watch something hes talking in, but this uproar is not at all needed. .LET IT GO ALREADY.Alot of the Holy tanya is all about being bitul and humbel…it seems that many are acting in an opposite manner by feeling like THEY have been so hurt THEY are so mortified AND they will not alow someone… Read more »

To number 63
July 29, 2009 8:22 am

Rabbi Kamenetsky is no chossid, and probably follows his fathers ways, but- from those who know him well – he is a mentsch. You would never, ever, hear this kind of slander about another Jew from him. In fact, I’d say that most of the hate Rabbi Orlofsky spews in that lecture would not have been said by any frumme yid for about 200+ years.
It’s like a goy standing up today and preaching a blood libel.

Kamenetsky
July 29, 2009 8:08 am

Why are people taking issue with just this one guy? Kamenetsky has said some horrible things about the Rebbe.

ach somayach
July 29, 2009 8:07 am

orlofsky should start giving a sichoh shiur in ohr samayach then it will be ach somayach

let go and move on!!!
July 29, 2009 8:02 am

let move our message was heard that we care aboutour rebbes koved now lets move on with tov and chesed vdal

This is not an apology.
July 29, 2009 8:01 am

First of all, things need to be viewed separately, an on their own merits. 1. It is quite clear that Michael Rothschild is a decent yid who made an innocent mistake, apologized, and attempted to rectify things as best he could – kudos to him. 2. Rabbi Orlofsky not only attacks Chabad and the Lubavitcher Rebbe in the most disgusting way, he also (in the first part of that lecture) calls the Belzer Rebbe an an-haaretz, accuses the early Chassidic rebbes of being people who “knew nothing, who were alchoholics, who were immoral, who had orgies…” – yes, that is… Read more »

agree
July 29, 2009 8:01 am

we said 54

all it is is education
July 29, 2009 7:59 am

This is the gouls we live in. Jew as awhole get bullied because that is the correct way, and within Judaism, Lubavitchers get bullied because that is the correct way. nothing to get all offended about. so, an uneducated guy said somehitng. if a non-jew said something bad about Jews would you get all hyped up? no! so let him be.

(Rabbi)Orlofsky
July 29, 2009 7:58 am

I have 2 questions to ask you
# 1If you never said these negative comments why are you apologizing?
#2 Why don’t you sue the people who distributed the speach which you claimnot to have given?

this doesn't negate that he still shouldn't speak tomorrow
July 29, 2009 7:57 am

I appreciate his apology, but the fact that he spoke lashon hara like this means that he cannot be a featured speaker for an organization that promotes shemiras halashon. End of story.

Wow 53 - Kop Doktar
July 29, 2009 7:56 am

Very well said. Really brings the point home.

Lets see this happen, Rabbi Orlofsky!!!!!!

Go to 770 go to 770 go to 770 go to 770 go to 770 go to 770
July 29, 2009 7:54 am

mr orlofsky should stand in the rebbes shul 770 beis rabaynu shebabovel ask mechilah from the entire yiddeshe world become a baal teshuvah and start to learn the rebbes sichos and the rebbes mamorim then we will consider the next step

Kop Doktar
July 29, 2009 7:51 am

Imagine… if a speaker was chosen to give chizuk to kashrus. It is then revealed that only a short while ago he was recorded on video eating a cheeseburger at a treif fast-food location! The speaker issues an apology, “I only ate one cheeseburger that day, it never happened before, nor will it ever happen again.” Should THIS speaker remain as the keynote address on keeping kosher???? With all due respect. the apology needs to be given AT THE OHEL – ironically, see Hilchos Loshon Hara on this!! Also, part of the tikun MUST be to speak Loshon Tov, by… Read more »

ITS TO LATE TO APOLOGIZE!!!
July 29, 2009 7:51 am

were can i hear the recordings? now that collive took them down?

Chofetz Chaim Heritage
July 29, 2009 7:49 am

The Chofetz Chaim Heritage foundation is a wonderful asset to the Jewish nation. What they accomplish is to be commended. Let us forgive and forget and may we see the ?Geulah bekarov ame!!

mechilah?
July 29, 2009 7:48 am

go to the ohel and ask personal mechilah to the rebbe!

T0 #36
July 29, 2009 7:43 am

I Agree!

his name is not on our flyer in Amsterdam
July 29, 2009 7:33 am

On the poster in Amsterdam his name is not mentioned, Does that mean he won’t be heard? Is this video worldwide the same? The following rabbis are mentioned: Steinman, salomon, kamenetsky, rabinowitz, frand and shapiro, please answer me

Big Deal
July 29, 2009 7:32 am

So a stupid Misnagid say things that stupid misnagdim say. Surprise, surprise. Every misnagid that I know has a condescending attitude to Lubavitch, which stems from their own ignorance.

I am not surprised that this man is the poster child for Loshon Horah education – many of these people are the greatest hypocrites on that issue. What I am surprised is that COL would replay his filthy drivel word for word. Feh!

visit the ohel
July 29, 2009 7:31 am

maybe what he can really do now is go to the ohel, and ask the Rebbe for forgiveness for speaking publicly like this.

To 44
July 29, 2009 7:27 am

How is this well done by Michael Rothschild.
By continueing to allow orlofsky to participate in their event they are essentially condoning his behavior.
If that is not called hypocricy I dont know what is.
What a sham this organization is. I used to respect them but now after this I have totally lost all respect for them.

thank you Michael Rothschild
July 29, 2009 7:25 am

i agree with 21
well done Michael Rothschild

agree
July 29, 2009 7:24 am

with 42

Are you kidding me?
July 29, 2009 7:23 am

This is not enough of an apology!!!!
Seems to me his only regret is that he got caught.

I personally find it hard to forgive
July 29, 2009 7:19 am

Especially since he obviously still beleives everything he said. i truly doubt he is telling the truth when he claims he only said these words once.
He seemed very “knowlegeable” in his lies.
This is obviously part of his regular lectures.
I am very disappointed that he is considered a public speaker on Torah subjects when he clearly does not follow the Torah.

Ahavas Chinam
July 29, 2009 7:18 am

Can I please hear someone say that the Rebbe is NOT actually Moshiach?
May all yidden, frum or frie, litvish chasidish or sphardi, no matter there backround or the unique path they choose to serve god or the Rav/rebbe from they choose to learn how, be zoche to Ahavas Yisrael unilaterally, and the immediate coming of the geulah!
Easy fast all
“Hu yaase Shalom Aleinu v’al kol Yisrael”

Stop saying negative
July 29, 2009 7:17 am

I believe that the fact that col posted the protest and the fact that so many people called and showed we care and what we feel was extremely important but now WE as chabad need to do what we stand for – and accept his apolgy and be the mature ones – even if his apology makes no sense! We need to have ahavas chinam and commend him for what he did-please stop saying negative things or else tey will look at us like what he said about chabad were all true statements!!!

we were tought to have ahavas yisroel
July 29, 2009 7:16 am

we were thought to forgive
we need to remember who we are – even tough we have very valid and strong feeling why we shouldnt forgive!
but we all know – because the Rebbe told us – the way to bring moshiach is thru having Ahavas Yisroel

to 2
July 29, 2009 7:15 am

when you quote someone you bear responsibility for it as well,he’s not the brisker and he made a mistake….. this organization is not about debating who and what is right but about being careful what you comes out of your mouth, in this prospect this rov failed miserably. -about his teacher: don’t bring up teachers, adults make up their own minds and find out for themselves especially when they speak publicly and give a straight opinion from a leadership position… -about shluchim: first of all it might very well be some got hurts when shluchim moved in and not just… Read more »

The only way...
July 29, 2009 7:14 am

His apology is valueless until he goes to the Rebbe’s Ohel and asks mechila from the Rebbe.

Some clarity
July 29, 2009 7:13 am

Through some very little research you will learn that he has spoken that way after that recording and his talmidim leave his classes -until this very day- with hateful sentiments towards Lubavitch.

He does not mean what he says
July 29, 2009 7:11 am

I wonder what the question is that the ‘talmuld’ asked??

to #12 he diddnt vow not to speak like that again, he vowed never to say these WORDS again!!

The thing is...
July 29, 2009 7:09 am

Orlofsky is entitled to his opinion, but he shouldn’t be involved with an organization who’s mandate so clearly runs against his expressed behavior.

wow
July 29, 2009 7:06 am

to the people at collive, look at the power you have in your hands! amazing!
please use keep using it right!

too little, too late.
July 29, 2009 7:06 am

I just read Rabbi Orlovsky’s apology and the CCH. 1. Whatever apology he made (& it was a strong one, I have to admit) it doesn’t alter the fact that he is a hypocrite. He is standing up to talk about Shmiras Haloshen after what he said??? He should voluntarily step down or be removed. 2. He doesn’t deny he said those terrible things (well, how could he?) However, he doesn’t repudiate them either. As far as I know he still believes them & my guess is he has said them since. We all say what’s in our heart, especially… Read more »

If you read what #2 wrote
July 29, 2009 7:04 am

He didn’t say anything really bad about the rebbe, no need to be so up in arms about it.
Would you apologize for calling all misnagdim “chabad haters”? When we are not.

It's like the Terrorists apologizing after 9/11
July 29, 2009 7:04 am

It’s like the terrorists apologizing after 9/11 According to the Rambam, proper tshuva is to regret and fix whatever has been done. If you drop a garbage bag filled with confetti from the Empire State Building you can’t just say you’re sorry, you are responsible for every piece. These words of Orlovsky definitely seeped into the minds of many baalei tshuvos or newcomers who are now engrained with animosity towards chassidus and our Rebbe. This man’s apology is a first step (perhaps to clear the name of the Chofetz Chaim Foundation for its supporters) but says nothing about what needs… Read more »

i agree very much with all sorry for the pain is not detracting the ideas or shame
July 29, 2009 7:04 am

he will be careful not to be caught speaking like this in public about tzaddikim

though i knew this was going to happen this is INTERFERENCE in another organizations speakers

and they didnt want the publicity

this could even backfire

he should detract and say he was wrong

to #18
July 29, 2009 7:04 am

You think VIN would post either apology??? They insult Lubavitch as much as anyone.

lets greet moshiach
July 29, 2009 7:03 am

heads up fellow chassidim, WE know whats the truth.
have an easy fast brothers!

Apology
July 29, 2009 7:03 am

Nowhere in the apology does he state that he has changed his chabad hating opinions. He regrets saying it and causing anguish and he will not say it again but he doesn’t admit that his perverted view of lubavitch has changed a single bit.

This is what we call a half arsed apologly.

Ahavas Chinam.
July 29, 2009 7:02 am

I would rather be guilty of Ahavas Chinam than Sinas Chinam.

To #11
July 29, 2009 7:02 am

You say “with all due respect to Rabbi Orlofsky…”

You actually have respect for this man? For what???

I called. You can too. Speak up (politely) & tell the nice girl who answers the phone this man has no business speaking about the dangers of slander. What hypocrisy from Chofetz Chaim!

chilll!!
July 29, 2009 7:01 am

shoin. even tho we know what havoc he did, lets not push away moshiach any further

ENOUGH!!!
July 29, 2009 7:01 am

Michael Rothschild isa first class mentch and a friend of Lubavitch and an Ohev Yisroel.I have known him growing up in Toronto.If he was able to convince R. Orlofsky to have a written retraction and request for mechila then Michael has accomplished a lot and Hashem will reward him for it. As a member of the Lubavitch community I thank Michael and accept R. Orlofskys mechila whether lshma or not , mitoch shilo l’shma ba l’shma. The Rebbe told us Ahavas Chinam will bring the geula. Let’s put it to practice now. Moshiach Now!!!

ah,
July 29, 2009 6:59 am

now he sees how it affected him, these hundreds of comments and fone calls, he “apologizes”

to number 16
July 29, 2009 6:59 am

gotta feel sorry for him. good idea. and on that note lets get ready to greet moshiach.

this is not an apology
July 29, 2009 6:58 am

he never says that he regrets saying this stuff, only that he regrets the “pain” that it caused those that heard what he said.

he cowardly apologizes quietly to collive. How about apologizing on vosizneis?!?

He should still be boycotted and so should the chofetz chaim foundation for not canceling his speech!

THIS DOES NOT HELP A BIT
July 29, 2009 6:58 am

how does take away from the horrible, awful lies he spewed?????

At least he should’ve said that now he sees what a gadol hador the Rebbe was. You can tell he doesnt mean it, he is just upset that he was exposed to the world as a total and utter HYPOCRITE.

And noone should be more aware of he consequences of words being spoken than the organization that promotes SHMIRAS HALASHON!

I mean, COME ON!

thanks for the apology
July 29, 2009 6:56 am

Take his apology and let’s have ahavas chinam.

Let him pay
July 29, 2009 6:55 am

You don’t spew garbage and then expect not to have to suffer the consequences. This man must, and will, pay for his words.

uf rabbi orlofsky
July 29, 2009 6:54 am

the beis hamikdosh was destroyed on tisha beav because of sinas chinom!! have ahavas chinom, and the third beis hamikdosh will be built!

i stand by my rebbe!

to number 6
July 29, 2009 6:52 am

very good point.

Kol Hakavod
July 29, 2009 6:51 am

To Rabbi Orlofsky, It takes a man to get up there and say he is sorry for what he has done, and vows not to speak like that in the future.

A concerned Toronto Jew
July 29, 2009 6:49 am

With all due respect to R” orlofsky, he promises never to repeat his words again, but doesn’t negate what he feels and that the “sinat chinam” towards our Rebbe is still part and parcel of who is he is. Such a person cannot address a lecture promoting Ahavas Yisroel. He first must practice what he preaches! The Chofetz Chaim Foundation must delete his segment from their film, BEFORE Tisha B’av. May we finally experience a generation of yidden that are truly free from Sinas Chinam. Oy, do we need the Rebbe now.

Thank you.
July 29, 2009 6:48 am

now we can take back what we said.

still shocked
July 29, 2009 6:47 am

Some say a word is dead when it is said-
others say it begins to live that day.

Saying something once – is all it takes

still angry
July 29, 2009 6:47 am

he did not come there to answer a talmids question he starts off the speach by saying hes going to talk about two different types of chasidim. he mocked chabad for 20 minutes with laughing intervels inbetween. u can see from his short apology that he doesnt mean it. he should be kicked off the panel now!!!!!!!!

Love Lubavitch...
July 29, 2009 6:44 am

His words are disgusting and disgustful – full of Sinas Chimon… this is but a minuscule piece of evidence of the blatant baseless hatred that permitted some of the misnagdishe world and almost died out 50-60 years ago but was rekindled in bney brak by the Rosh Yeshiva….. Please understand, that the intolerance and slandering of Chabad by this kinds of people is going on for HUNDREDS of years R”L. they always find new “excuses” and “reasons”. So when you see hear someone degrading Chabad, don’t jump on the bandwagon and say: you see what “Yechi…” causes…. the same EXACT… Read more »

hes anguished?
July 29, 2009 6:44 am

the only thing that bothers him is that his words were recorded and are now public….

Huh
July 29, 2009 6:43 am

His excuse is that he only said it to 8 people???????
He doesn’t retract any of the horrible things he said about the Rebbe or his chassidim –
he apologizes ionly if it caused pain???????

This is a sad example for klal yisrael if this is the best he can do. Especially erev tisha B’Av

i dont understand
July 29, 2009 6:42 am

“I never said these words before, nor have I ever repeated these words, nor will I ever repeat these words again.”
but he said them

convert to chabad and see the light.
July 29, 2009 6:39 am

Next time think b4 u open ur mouth. (im not saying a am not offended or i accept ur apology)

THIS IS WHAT HE REALLY SAID
July 29, 2009 6:39 am

Did you listen to the tape? He quotes the Brisker Rav saying “This meshigine thinks he’s Moshiach”. , and claims that it is now quoted by Lubavitchers to prove the Brisker Rav thought Rebbe was Moshiach. (Btw R’ Orlofsky made a mistake- the Rebbe was not in the Sorbonne w/ R’ Hutner and R’ Soloveitchik.) The next thing he says about the Rebbe is his description of a “historic meeting between Rebbe and R’ Noach Weinberg”, who he claims is “the Litvishe version of the Lubavitcher Rebbe”. The Rebbe was trying to make R’ Noach Weinberg a chassid, saying he… Read more »

convert to chabad and see the light.
July 29, 2009 6:39 am

Next time think b4 u open ur mouth. (im not saying a am not offended or i accept ur apology)

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