The Battle of the Letters

By COLlive reporter

I pledge allegiance to…

2 letters being circulated among bochurim in Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim Lubavitch of 770 Eastern Parkway are settling the score for the happenings of Tishrei this year.

For the first time, the Vaad Hatmimim organization offered a full alternative learning and hospitality program for guests that come to New York for the Tishrei holidays.

The move has irked the heads of Eshel Hachnosas Orchim Inc., the messianic-affiliated group which controlled the month’s events since around the Rebbe’s passing in 5754.

This week, bochurim who applied to receive a hat, suit and coat for the winter from R’ Sholom Ber Drizin, a major donor to Eshel, were reportedly asked to sign a letter denouncing the Vaad Hatmimim.

In a copy of the letter which was sent to COLlive, each bochur is asked to sign a letter stating that he will not have any contact with, or participate in, the Vaad’s programs.

“I am aware that a bochur that participates in such programs will lose his right to receive hats and suits/coats etc.” the letter reads.

In response, Rabbi Yoel Kahn, who served as the Rebbe’s head choizer reviewer and is a Mashpia in 770, wrote a letter highlighting contradictions in Eshel’s policies.

“On one hand, all they are asking for is for students to sign that they have “no connection to matters of machlokes,” and together with that they demand of the students to sign as to which “side” they are on,” he wrote.

Rabbi Kahn, who often appears at Vaad events, writes that Eshel has been selective on who they accommodate (for example, blocking those who visit the Rebbe’s Ohel which they believe does not exist).

R’ Mendy Hendel, head of Eshel, denies the claim.

Either way, Rabbi Kahn suggested to bochurim who sought his advice to forgo the perks and not “sell your birthright” as a bochur of Tomchei Tmimim.