By COLlive reporter
Ballots of the Crown Heights Jewish community elections were being counted Tuesday in an effort to resolve a gridlock created by the puzzling June 13 results.
No changes have been noted. A recount of the ballot for the 770 Gabboim will be conducted Wednesday.
But Zaki Tamir, the sole elected official of the Vaad Hakohol – Jewish Community Council (CHJCC), is vying to press forward although it’s still unclear who his colleagues will be (an official run-off election has not been announced).
Tamir, an attorney who won the most votes in the election in the Chassidic neighborhood, says that ideological disagreements and historic disputes are not on his agenda.
“We can’t seek justice – justice is a loose word – what we need is resolution,” he told COLlive.com Tuesday. “We need to take a problem, resolve it and move on.”
MENDING FENCES
A first move was meeting with Rabbi Abba Paltiel, a former Vaad Chairman who criticized Tamir for suggesting in an interview with the Forward Jewish weekly to reconsider allowing women to vote.
Tamir asked to meet him and clarify his position. “I explained that the reporter is known for writing about women’s rights,” Tamir said, and noted that Debra Nussbaum Cohen is a family member of his through marriage.
“When she asked about voting, the only answer I could give was that we will look into it, and ultimately listen to the rabbonim.”
Tamir said Paltiel understood, and “we made a commitment to work together and recognize our common goals.”
THE BIG BUCKS
After clarifying that, Tamir turned to more substantive issues, such as securing crucial funds from local government and foundations, such as the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty.
A meeting with these officials had been already set months before the special election, by Chanina Sperlin, the now outgoing Vice Chairman of the Vaad.
“I was not going to cancel these important meetings just because I was not elected again,” Sperlin told COLlive.com. “So I invited Zaki to join, and I used the opportunity to introduce him.”
Joined by Eli Cohen, Executive Director of the CHJCC, they met with Council Members Letitia James, Dr. Mathieu Eugene and other officials.
The result: a $20,000 grant and another $100,000 in pledges for social services such as senior citizens assistance, school scholarships and more.
“We’re now in an interim period and I’m only chairman-elect,” Tamir emphasizes. “But I must say that the prior Vaad has been very respectful.”
Tamir asked to thank Sperlin. “No one can take away his ability to work – even Shea Hecht praises his connections. We need to forget about sides – it’s time to get things done.”
VIDEO: Zaki Tamir advances the Machatzit Hashekel project
COLlive: 2010 Election Coverage:
+ Expected Runoff – July 6
+ COLlive Interview with Zaki Tamir
+ Zaki Tamir Wins the Elections
+ Election Ends: 2,064 Votes Cast
+ Moshe Rubashkin Weighs In
+ New Ruling, Jingle & Yarmulkas
+ The Candidates Answer COLlive
+ Candidates at Heated Forum
+ COLlive on the Election Trail
+ 7 Election Facts to Know
+ Candidates Honor NY Senator
+ Hecht, Wilhelm Can Now Run
+ Candidates Agree: No Dirt
+ Candidates for 770 Gabboim
+ Candidates for Vaad Hakohol
+ Last-Minute Signing
+ No New Candidates Yet
+ Election Commitee Reps Chosen
+ Op-Ed: The Psak is Out, Now What?
+ The Ruling on Crown Heights
+ Community Din Torah Ends
I am very excited to hear about the assitance program
where does it actually say that women can’t vote? i just can’t believe it .
Where can i find a list of gmachs?
When will we be finally redeemed and not have all these worries>
WILL THERE BE RELIEF FOR THE FAMILIES WHO CANT SEND THEIR KIDS TO CAMP?
NOW WE ARE TZITERING ON WHAT TO DO WITH OUR YINGERLACH…
Just tell us women if there is a chance we can vote
We voted in the right man for the job!
when are we gonna know about the rest of the vaad why does everything in this process have to be so mystified why cant we be informed about the election for heaven’s sake.
Such hashgacha pratis! Machatzis hashekel IS the achdus formula!!!
This is great! Don’t stop get it get it!
I really hope they keep pur community first.
We need yeshua from all we have been thru
Yasher Koach to Chanina and Zaki.
May this be a good example for the rest to work together in helping ch and bring moshiach NOW!!!
Keep making us all proud
Ty chanina for showing him the ropes.
He said he could use all the help he can get and is willing to work with anyone.
That is what we need!
There is just no other way to put it, we are very good friends…
#91, you could not have said it better….
WAY TO GO! KEEP IT UP
it is a good idea, but there is the Jewish children’s museum, and the brooklyn children’s museum newly renovated with a state of the art toddler section, and the brooklyn museum of art, and the prospect park zoo that has indoor portions, and the aquarium on coney island ave that has indoor sections, and we also have the public library on eastern pky, and one on maple, we also have two pizza shops and two bagel shops, and two ice-cream shops that are all indoors, and the Y at ohalai torah is not that bad, we could invest into that… Read more »
Zaki is actually doing what he said he would do. I’m amazed, he is no politician, he wants to make a difference and include anyone else who will help attain that goal.
smart idea I am all for it!
Hashem should look down and get nachas from this and continue pouring blessings “ad bli dy”!
Wow I feel like his comment in #85 was talking directly to me, he is so with it and informative!
So sincere, and honest, where has this young man been raised?
Through out my life I haven’t seen such a strong minded young individual, plunge in straight to his goals without getting side tracked, at least as far as a politician is concerned.
I truly believe that Hashem is guiding you, and you should be successful and continue doing a good job, and IY’H with this we will bring Moshiach now.
but now i see that there is light at the end of the tunnel
Now we are seeing Shalom!
May this merit the redemption on R’ Sholom Mordechai and bring Moshiach NOW!!!
Ny is know for extreme weather and there is nothing to do with the kids during the harsh winter and hot summer. this place is blessed with kids b”h but ironically there r only 6 swings and 2 slide in a dark playground down albany. what about an indoor pool for women and children? something that looks and smells better than the ohley torah pool? what about a gymborie and an indoor playground together with a cafeteria so that mommies can drink coffee and chat while their kids r having fun?
i guess the only way is to get someone young and energized.
Way to go!!!! He just got elected and B”H already getting things done. I knew he was the right man for the job. May you go from strength to strength representing the Rebbe’s Shchuna, KAN TZIVAH HASHEM ES HABRACHA!!!!
Please allow me to thank all of you for the support and actual volunteer help that you have been generously pouring upon me. It is the collective efforts of our families and friends that allow for success to be achieved. There isn’t a step that I have taken without the foundation and encouragement provided by you. Please continue to work with me and let us build together, the best way to measure progress is by contributing time to the effort. Certainly, you will find that the volunteers know the progress of development and the careful considerations required to navigate through… Read more »
One of the blessings the Rebbe would tell people who keep themselves busy spreading goodness and kindness. “Hatzlacha Rabbah Bchol Hainyanim!”
Isn’t Zaki a lawyer? I hear he has connections to get financial help…he already is pulling out the money, I am so excited! I can’t wait to see what’s gonna be next!
But I have a great feeling about him…He seems to be very honest…
Obama had a disgusting history involving mentors that hate jews, and dealings with Arab Terrorists, and even being questionable whether he was even American!! Can you compare this Menuvul to ZAKI TAMIR? Let’s take a brief look at Zaki’s history, last year Zaki ran for Va’ad hakohol and the rabbonim had told the candidates not to run for Va’ad, who listened to the words of the rabbis?? Did anyone in fact listen to the rabbis? Ooooh! Right! ZAKI TAMIR was the only one!! Does that sound like someone who is in the Va’ad for his own self importance, or someone… Read more »
Best program yet keep up the good work Zaki!
There could be up to 7 members but each one has to get at least 50% of the vote and there is a minimum of 3 members. Only one person got over 50% (Zaki Tamir) therefor they need to elect 2 more to fill the minimum requirements.
Who took these pictures??? You can tell that the photographer knows how to take a pic, and capture whats going on. Great, article, great news, great pics!
This shows that Chanina obviously cares about the well being of Crown Heights, we need more people like him. God bless Crown Heights!
Good job!
I THOUGHT THERE COULD BE 4 PEOPLE IN THE VAAD JUST LIKE LAST TIME, SO WHY ARE YOU WRITING ONLY 3 PEOPLE NOW ??
zaki tamir- i do not live in your community, however, i am impressed with the amount you are accomplishing. you are a capable and carismatic person and you will get far in life. all the hatzlacha.
I AGREE 100 % WITH # 71- YOU ARE THE BEST!!!
This whole “bringing the cameras into the Vaad,” reeks of how the Obama admin was opening up the White House for everyone to see what was going on. Why are there cameras following his every move? In the years before the Vaad did their work quietly, getting a lot done, without all the fanfare! It seems like Zaki needs, or definitely has a photographer going with him every time he does something for the Vaad. Be it repairing relations with mashpi’im, or this new machatzis hashekel prog, or going to secure grants….I’ve learned from experience, the bigger the balloon the… Read more »
New York is going broke, but the politicians have no problem spending taxpayer’s money like it 1969.
ch will get more money in the help of hashem!
100% we have o show credit where credit is due. The accomplishments and achievments thus far and forthcoming for the betterment of our community is commendable and deserving of mention. Let’s thank all parties personally when we see them in the street or any other way we see fit, and congratulate them for the jobs well done.
Let’s focus on helping each other, and look forward to an EVEN better CH.
Hatzlacha to all
team work is great, but you are not working with him, he might want o help, thats fine & paltiel is not your boss, he & his destructive people are out, the people have spoken & apointed you leader, so go ahead & lead!
the job placement prgram was started before the election. A lot of good things happened in the last year, but people in the heat of pre-election campaign smeared the outgoing Vaad in the worst possible way. They deserve our gratitude. And good luck to new people. Crown heights needs all the help we can get.
KEEP THE PROGRAMS COMING WITH HASHEM’S HELP! THEY ARE REALLY NEEDED IN CROWN HEIGHTS. ZAKI TAMIR GOOD WORK. YES WE CAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GREAT PROGRAM! B”H WAY TO GO! WE NEED ALL THESE PROGRAMS IN CROWN HEIGHTS. KEEP THEM COMING BE”H.
no more fights – we are fed up and they are boring!
time for peace!
you are awesome!! keep doing everything that you are doing and you will be matzliach and make the rebbe proud. the crown heights community needs someone like you!
Seriously, I only got to know about him, like a week before the elections! Happy my friends all voted for him…:)
Things seem to be going well so far with everyone working together for the greater good of the community
Many need help for summer camps.
Zaki keep it up!!
as long as you continue to do what’s best for the Shchunah – without considering political agendas and others personal grudges, (i.e work with everyone that can help) you will be successful and see only blessings.
LOL! I bet you are a woman!!
Anyway, I’m a woman too, and I am fine with it. Learn some chassidus and you’ll come to appreciate this beauty.
And thank you Sperlin for being such a mentch! Please continue to help us!
judjing by the picture i would have said that the article was something about shluchim or mivtzoim
Did you read the rest of the article? The guy is doing things, obviously 20K is not a lot of money, but I don’t think that was the point of the article.
The most exciting thing to me is Machazis HaShekel – I think we should ride the wave and act like a unified community to help each other.
Stop with the skepticism and “mevatelzayn” anyone who actually does something.
that’s what it cost to have rabbi Rosenberg sit a whole day at the Voting
i would love to say why he had to sit there but COL will not publish it
Hundreds of families benefited from you and your friends last year from scholarships for camps.
Please see that the poorest of the poor are able to send their children to camp.
Chanina you have good character. You have always worked on behalf of the people never taking self benefit. I know Zaki and he will do the same. I this we should all be impressed with Chanina taking his time and working with Zaki to help our community. Chanina, your big problem was never screaming at the top of your lungs all the good things you did. You are humble and we are all thankful for all your past and continued work. Please continue working with Zaki to introduce all your good contacts.On that note, we need to ensure thatothers who… Read more »
I think it’s Zaki’s good looks alone, thet get’s him places.
Zaki,
you ar e doing an amazing job!! other people say childish things because they are jelious! You rock!! Keep up the good work. You are making us all proud!
I can’t believe it, Moshiach is finally really coming. Yes, Machazis Hashekel is the last sicha we heard (so far) from the Rebbe. It is a Mizva that brings real achdus – since every single Jew participates regardless of who they are. It is the answer to the sinas chinam of the golus, and the final mitzva that brings the geulah (as the Rambam writes in Hilchos Teshuva). MAybe bringing achuds to the copmmunity is much easier then worrying about the Rabanim and “Big people”. Maybe the mitzva of ahavas Yisroel and achdus that lead to the actual geulah and… Read more »
Way to go bringing the best out of everyone! I give you the bracha to continue and make us all proud!
“MACHTZIT HASHEKEL
Today is the Mitzva of Machtzit Hashekel in sefer hamitzvot! ”
That is amazing!!!!
They probably have been doing a lot before, most likely they (Zaki and Co.) will be doing even more, but we never saw or heard anything, and the entire Community Council and its services was like a “black box” for the uninitiated.
One thing is for sure, Zaki is bringing cameras and opening up the Vaad – that’s amazing and I hope it continues.
Chazak Veematz!
These guys have their head on their shoulders!
Besides I think Zaki would be perfect with Chanina…
br careful when taking a favor no matter how good the intention.
ZAKI TAMAR WILL BRING CHANGE TO OUR COMMUNITY AND HE IS ALREADY STARTING TO. I AM THRILLED I VOTED FOR HIM. GOOD LUCK ZAKI AND YOU SHOULD BE MATZLIACH.
totally irrelevent in today’s day and age
With these courses, we have a chance to actually become employed and earn a decent salary for both the men and women.
Our community is lacking professional skills – not everyone can go on full time shlichus!!!!!!
Both the men and women today need to work and we need these courses to help us get jobs…please let us make them happen – it will better our community as a whole!!!!
Devora Anava
I AGREE 100 % WITH # 35- YOU ARE THE BEST
What are you saying! Zaki Tamir is the best thing that ever happened to Crown Heights! A person can only say a statement like yours if they are biased for another candidate that didn’t get chosen… I have a feeling that oyu are like a 15 year old kid that is not in the know and just spits out stupidity… It’s like the flotilla story in Israel, the whole world was biased cause they hate jews so they condemned Israel! If the whole world looked at the situation “Objectively” there would be no question that Israel should have asked no… Read more »
#36 is so correct those 3, Zaki Tamir, Chanina Sperlin & Shea Hecht who all agreed to work together if elected or not, those 3 would make a excellent team, Zaki has the potential to accomplish more than any vaad member in the past mainly wih the young chevra, Chanina Sperlin is getting the new vaad connected with all the politicians, Sperlin will help this coming new vaad with all his connections with all the government officials, and Shea Hecht is outstanding with dealing with the youths family matters & can give Crown Heights because shea has a lot to… Read more »
I think I remember reading recently that this is how the Rebbe himself set up the elections, with only men voting. Am I correct? Can anyone provide a source for this?
THIS IS THE NEW VAAD
TAMIR CHANINA HECHT
i see that he is like obama preached change and alll you get is the same dirty polotics.
I agree, women should be able to vote. Did the Rebbe ever address this issue specifically with the Vaad?
In my opinion, this is simply a matter of presenation. Basicly, the essential idea is that it is a vote per household – which makes sense. Years ago the simplest way to do it was men voting.
Perhaps they should consider (with consultation with rabbonim) that the vote be phrased as “one per household.” This way it will be more fair and would eliminate this problem of it not sounding so good in today’s day and age.
Chanina did nothing for the younger naive guys,his not going to abandon us,because he has nothing else to do.and you know it.
it seems Zaki will do a excellent job, im so glad i voted for him, finally a real mensch. professional, candid, sincere. and lacks all the bull of previous members. breath of fresh air.
the dream team would be. Zaki,Chanina,Hecht, both have great connections.
http://womensissues.about.com/od/intheworkplace/a/WomenLeaders.htm?p=1
are not democartic
i like the sun glasses
Very nice article and photos.
Question: Who is it in the video on the right that spoke?
I also see him in the 3rd to last photo with a pen in his right hand.
Todah
[email protected]
when there’s shalom ,g-d gives
I didn’t and won’t vote on any election that will not allow women to vote.
It’s a disgrace and the rules should be changes immediately
we’re so proud of you bro!
It well known that the rebbe was very involved in setting up the vaad according to halacah
why doesnt COL or some else write the history about this which will explain many details like the voting qulificattions etc and make an interesting informative & historical article
Obviously not enough of the CH community (especially the younger naive guys) understand what you do for us on a day to day basis but 900 of us do and appreciate you very much. Please don’t abandon us because of the youngsters.
Thanks Chanina for being there for the community. Knowing him personally I can testify that he has the ears of ALL our politicians.
I wish he were part of the new Vaad. But I know he will not turn his back on our community and will always be there to help.
Chazak!!
I love it!!!!! Yelchu michayil el chuyil!
M.B, MA
a lot of the positive development were started by the previos vaad, and zaki just showed up. whatever, but it feels so wrong not to have hakoras hatov to peope who brough din torah, elections, all the connections and grants in a short year not getting anything in exchange. why not to thank them?
How low we have fallen…..
The day after Reb Sholom Rubashkins “G’zar Din”, you can not contain your sinah, to an individual who has given so much to so many.
Reb Chanina, I for one thank you , for the past and hope you continue your work of chesed.
Reb Chanina, your the best.
Reabbi Sperlin, I was one of the CLOSE TO 900 that voted for you, know I know I did the right thing, 110%.
Thank you for being a mench.
(CORRECTION SPELL CHECK, LOL.)
Zaki Tamir is amazing. hes only just been elected and is already doing amazing work.
kol hakavod, keep it up!!
Rabbi Shain is helping our kids!
Today is the Mitzva of Machtzit Hashekel in sefer hamitzvot!
So I guess you want to donate the 120 grand (or securing it) instead of him. Ingrate, you may give credit where it is due.
I dont know if Tamir is good or bad yet.. What i can tell you is that he is by far the best looking Vaad Hakohol Member we probably ever had!! Those glasses in picture 1 make him look like a movie star.. Keep up the good work Zaki!!
With all due respect to Rabbi Abba Paltiel (and I think this is why Mashpiam should stick with chassidius and stay out of politics) what is the reason for women not voting for Vaad Hakohol? I mean the issues effect women just as much as it does men. There is always a possibility that a wife may differ from her husband on the issues. As well, it doesn’t seem to make sense a 30 year old bachor (or divorcee) can vote, but yet a 30 year old unmarried (or divorcee) woman can not. Btw I am a man not a… Read more »
Reabbi sperlin, I was one of the CLOSE TO 900 that voted for you, know I knoe I did the right thing, 110%.
Thank you for being a mench.
He moves quickly!! He just got elected and he’s already bringing in the money for the community ,adn working on his projects!! Kol Hakavod! May Hashem give you the strength to go forward and make everyone Happy!! 🙂
check out that chasidishe suit he’s got-right over left like the rebbe wants!!! (CHESED over GVURAH) and that single breasted suit is closed the chasidishe way. (the only one who listend to rabbi osdobo by the last elections!!)
It’s great that everybody bought into the whole young/new faces/ thing and “we gotta have a clean start” but at the end of the day “old” pro’s like chaninah know their way around city hall and believe me – the politicians know (and fear) him. Having said that, it shows a certain sense of maturity and political-know-how on Mr. Tamir’s part that he’s keeping professionals like Sperlin and Cohen at his side and reaching out to all sides in the community. The rule of thumb should be clear: as long as you are looking to build – I will work… Read more »
It’s a Brilliant concept this Machatzit Hashekel project. Hope it will work for them for the best. Who knows where can we get some more info. about the Job courses?????
oh, you are so wise!
1. yes we voted him out and there is new fresh blood but until they take office the old vaad can do whatever they want [i hope no one takes advantage]
2. yes we voted him out, but do you want him to tell the people he knows ‘i’m out so dont give crown heights any money’ – is that what you want?
who need Chanina he lost so let him go home.
and if they don’t wont i understand but it should not be are problem.
we vote him out so it means OUT OUT OUT
very good of sperlin! shows a lot about him…
and once again, i’m very impressed by tamir. G-d is surely with him!
What is Rabbi Shain doing in the photo’s? did he become a politician? he’ll never make it in politics, he is way to honest and nice.