By Dovid Cohen
As a resident of Shchuna I, like everybody else has so much to say about Crown Heights. We all have our own views and opinions on just about everything that goes on here; however, let me share with you some of my thoughts and feelings.
Unfortunately we find ourselves in very difficult times where can’t see or hear the Rebbe which leads us with a very big void and need for leadership. Without proper leadership and respect for authority just about anything can go wrong which is why we as a community find ourselves where we are today.
I feel that after so much negative talk and articles concerning our neighborhood, I would like to share with you the other side of the picture, the beautiful side of Crown Heights.
Let me preface, a person chooses what he or she wants to see. It’s all about the lens that you look through.
There’s a lot going on: new shuls, programs, and learning centers, as well as scandals, gossiping etc.
Each one of us has the ability to choose what to focus on and talk about.
“You see what you want to see” and “You choose where you want to be”.
Allow me to please share with you some of my experiences.
After living in this community for so many years, It’s remarkable how much recent growth we’ve seen in so many areas. There are, of course, many ambitious people with great visions, who want to make a difference, who are responsible for this great feat. To name all the amazing people and organizations is beyond the scope of this article
I want to focus on one area that greatly affected my life and the life of many others. You see for years for whatever reason Torah learning to a great extant was neglected and wasn’t given the importance it deserved, which is actually startling because Yidishkeit is all about learning, Chabad is all about learning and the Rebbe wanted all his Chassidim to be Lamdanim, and for years I’ve been searching for Shiurim and a place where you could learn without all the distractions.
Thanks to Rabbi Levi Browd Yagdil Torah was founded, an amazing organization offering a large variety of Shiurim and most importantly the Heichel Halimud a place where it’s so pleasant to learn without all the distractions.
Then came another visionary Rabbi Motti Lipskier who founded The Beis Medrash. I must say that this truly changed my life.
For years I came home from work did my things and didn’t pay much attention to learning Torah. It wasn’t that I didn’t care, it’s just that I didn’t feel that I belonged. I just didn’t feel motivated and even when I wanted to learn I couldn’t find a consistent Shiur. The Beis Medrash changed it all they started something that as far as I know hasn’t existed. Every night they have an amazing Shiur. The Shiurim range from Gemara, on a beginner, intermediate, and advanced level as well as Shiurim in Ein Yaakov, Chassidus, and the Chassidishe Parsha as well as farbrengens etc.
To sum it up Kvius Itim in Torah has become a reality for me. Ever since I joined I haven’t missed a Shiur!!!
I urge the community to take part in Shiurim and to make an effort to make it a Kvius. I guarantee that if you make Torah part of your life, Torah will take care of you and you’ll see how much richer your life will become!
I want to sincerely thank Yagdil Torah and The Beis Medrash for their wonderful work that they do!
A revolution is taking place are you taking part of it?
http://www.thebeismedrash.com/
The Beis Medrash is located at 580 Crown Street between Albany and Troy – ground floor. Rabbi Motty Lipskier may be reached at 347 413 4013. let me check if I can find a website…
#5 wasn’t trying to be negative.
He’s just mentioning another great organisation.
Maybe you should look at his comment with the right eye.
Can someone please post where all these places are located preferably with websites
Thank you for posting.
Thank you for all the work you are doing for our community!
Truly amazing!
And there are many more you can add to the list, young people stepping up and making a difference: Bikur Cholim, Project Chai, Friendship Circle, Darchai Menachem, not to mention they many new shuls! Say what you want about “this generation” I’m awfully proud to be a part of it.
That was a very positive and powerful message! I really hope
that the C.H. locals will take your initiative and follow suit as you have.
A breath of fresh air!
From a Toronto COL fan!
Thanks for posting we should see many more articles like this.
This article isn’t trying to undermine any other amazing organization. It looks like the author is trying to bring to our attention the positive energy he sees in the community,
and to express his thanks to the two organization that made a difference in his life! To mention all the amazing organizations in this community is an article for itself!! Let’s be positive!!!
I heard there is also the Besht bais medrash which is open all day for learning. I believe it is the work of Rabbi Wordy.
i’m really impressed – he reminds of his father Fitzy
We b”h have young blood in C”H with the right ideals. May Hashem give them hatzlacha!
thank you for sharing some of the positive!
if i had the time i would love to add oh soo much more than was touched upon in the above article
but they dont make for juicy gossip!
as the saying goes “if it bleeds it leads”
so thanks for re-focusing us all on the positive that goes under reported
I’m so glad to see the good guys with a Positive outlook “waking up” and expressing their / our opinion, yes Crown heights The Rebbe’s city is a fantastic place to live in or visit. all you have to do is LOOK with your Right Eyes for the Right things happening, try it and you’ll e surprised how much you’ll like it.