When was the last time you got to ask your Rabbi any question you wanted? What about questions you are too embarrassed to ask in person?
Over 175 people attended the Crossfire! event held in Los Angeles on September 7th, moderated by the high energy and always entertaining, Rabbi Abba Perelmuter.
The panel consisted of Rabbi Yosef Shusterman, a renowned Chabad rabbi and halachic authority from Beverly Hills in California; Rabbi Mendel Lipskier, a Mashpia and Shliach at Chabad of Sherman Oaks in California; and Rabbi Shlomo Bistritzky, Director of Outreach for Chabad of the Conejo.
The event was the last one for this year that was put on by the Anash Lecture Series in Los Angeles. The lecture series, run by several local Anash community members, strives to provide high-quality lecture events, but with free admission and open to all.
For the Crossfire! event, community members submitted their questions anonymously in advance via email. The questions that had the most relevance and broadest appeal, were asked of the panel.
“The event was amazing for several reasons,” said Sruli Schochet, one of the event coordinators. “The sheer volume of questions that came in, highlights how many people have pressing questions, but are too scared to ask, out of fear of being stigmatized or the like.
“Furthermore, it was an opportunity to interact with the Rabbis and leadership of our community, as well as see them in a different setting than regular life normally affords. I think such an event should be mandatory of every Chabad community out there.”
The spirited evening covered over 20 questions with such topics as: Halacha and cosmetic surgery; Chabad and Zionism; eating in someone’s house who doesn’t cover their hair; Chabad and Eruv; handling allegations of child abuse; having more children versus rising tuition costs; and more.
VIDEO:
A real problem Being honest helps I don’t do it for religious reasons. This has been a great program please do more of it.
I have a college degree and still struggle to pay tuition. The answer has to be more than just saying that the next generation needs to be taught a trade. While that is true, that alone will not solve the problem.
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Extremely insightful from three very well versed and knowledgeable Rabbonim/Chassidim. I only take umbrage to one comment Rabbi B made concerning the message of shlichus as a vocation growing up. He mentioned becoming shluchim wasn’t the main message. I disagree. As bochurim/shluchim in yeshiva, we were constantly reminded the ultimate goal was to be “shluchim in the Rebbe’s army”. Every simcha from bris, bar/bas mitzvah through sheva brochos, brochos to be a shliach are constantly espoused. Peer pressure then was huge and it is exactly this message that has left so many questioning there place in Chabad annals if they… Read more »
This was great. Just amazing.
How do i explain to my 10 year old why he shouldn’t use the Internet?
I would like to point out 2 things.
1. The Alter Rebbe had mesiras nefesh for Lubavitch shchita, and today – when it is easily accessible, it usually reflects on the general kashrus in the home.
2. The Rebbe is the one who told chassisim to carry a picture of the Frierdiker Rebbe, and to look at it when needing a boost. A picture of the Rebbe is very important in addition to learning and doing the Rebbe’s inyanim.
Thank you to the organizers of the event. This was truly inspiring. I couldn’t make it to the event and I’m grateful for the posting of the video. Looking forward to the next event.
Very appreciative of this. Please more often!!! Very much needed. Was def right choice of rabbis who complement one another. Very impressive. The large vs small family issues still trouble me greatly. It’s complicated:(
The erva and txnius exp helped me … finally clarity in 90 seconds.
The tuition crisis is severe. The parents who are not blessed with a large income face shame and the feeling of being alone. I believe the Rabbonim need to serve their communities and resonate the Rebbe’s words and possibly help find ways with the school so they can brainstorm to find solutions. The Rebbe wanted his institutions to be accepting of all sincere students and parents who are willing to follow the rules. There is a sicha from the Rebbe that lavish spending in a school should not take place over rejecting students who cannot afford the prices of school.… Read more »
The tuition crises get worse by each year and needs to be dealt with. yes we must have Emunah etc. by the schools must have Rabbanim etc who they are accountable to … they must look into the size of teh family, the cost of living etc.
if not its run like a private business… yes parents need to pay tuition but not on teh expense of their kids food and cloths etc.
THANKS FOR SHARING REALLY ENJOYED WATCHING
The Moderator, The Rabbonim. You were all right on target!
Each one coming with their own unique talents and strengths facing real contemporary issues and in my opinion dealt with them superbly.
This is also a great tribute to the LA community for facing up to the realities of the challenges we face and the respect of their Rabbanim to want to have some clarity.
I unfortunately can not see this happening in my community which is a large Anash community but I a have definitely gained much from what you have done in yours.
Kol HaKavod!!!
Because it’s so hard to make a fake email address?
Was very informative and fun to watch. Thank you for posting!
Who can put this together for crown heights?
The article says:
“community members submitted their questions anonymously in advance via email”
If the questions were sent in via email then they weren’t anonymous since the email I’d identifies the sender.
Dovid
Couldn’t agree more… wish he lived by us!
Is there a transcript – or even more preferable, the 20 questions and answers, in written form?
Rabbi Lipskier is the best!
Please do more of these sessions!! Very, very enjoyable and informative.