by Molly Resnick
What can two caring Chassidim accomplish in two hours? They can transform a Kingston Avenue bakery into a spot for spiritual sustenance and a source of nachas for the Rebbe.
Let me explain.
I am part of Bnos Melech B’Yachad (BMBY), an organization that has been working diligently to arouse interest and excitement in our Chabad community to that very special mitzva called tznius.
The idea arose to install a monitor, during the month of Tishrei, when Crown Heights is host to many guests, featuring the Rebbe underscoring the royal and modest bearing of the Jewish woman as a source of material and spiritual Brochos for her family.
But where to find the place, the store, the owner who would be willing to accommodate?
Up went our antennas, eager for any signal, any sign of interest.
Rabbi Braun suggested a name. Several phone calls later a meeting was set up. Motzei Shbbos, post -Slichos, at 2:30 AM, Mr. Zion Yakubov, owner of Kingston Bakery on the corner of Crown and Kingston announced: “I am ready to do it.”
But not only was he ready to accommodate with space, time and interest, he undertook to be in charge of having it installed.
Sunday morning Mr. Yakubov started investigating the technical possibilities, reaching out to family and friends for the best advice and equipment.
The first call was to Mr. Itzhak Batash, owner of IB Videography but Mr. Batash did not answer his cell phone. Suddenly out of the blue Mr. Yakubov spots Mr. Batash coming out of the Sofer where he was checking his Mezuzas. It takes Mr. Batash about 30 seconds to come on board. “How can I help?”
“What do we need to get?” asks Mr. Yakubov.
“You need a monitor, UBS input, a media card, metal bars, etc. etc.”…all Chinese to me, but they seem to know what they are talking about. Before I know it we are headed to Costsco.
“But the 55″ monitor will not fit into a Honda Accord,” says Mr. Batash.
“So we’ll take my SUV,” says Mr. Yakubov.
We arrive at the parking spot only to discover that his car has a flat tire.
The two Chassidim smile at each other.
“Whenever you’re out to do a Mitzva something will get in the way. That’s just the way it is. It’s Hashem trying to make sure you are really serious about doing the Mitzvah.” They agree with each other.
“No problem, we’ll take my van,” says Mr. Batash.
Two busy businessman, entrepreneurs, willing to drop everything on Erev Rosh Hashana to run to do what they understand to be the Rebbe’s bidding. Now we are finally on our way.
Oops, a traffic jam on the corner of Empire and Kingston. Is it an accident? No it’s a Hachnasat Sefer Torah. What a send-off for our mission. We’ve just gotten a stamp of approval from above!
At Costco we pick up the 55” monitor, then on to Lowe’s for brackets, screws and metal bars for the installation.
We are back in Crown Heights in less than two hours. Mission accomplished! Well, not quite yet. Now we have to get the content to display on the monitor.
An urgent call to JEM. We need to select the best clips, words, the right images that will have the desired effect and inspire the busy passers by.
Rabbis Elkana Shmotkin and Mendel Gourarie are there ready to help with suggestions and technology. One email later and the material is put onto the proper channel for transmission. A true miracle!
Dear Rebbe, sometimes it is so easy to work for you that we are all looking forward to our next assignment.
Dear readers, please don’t forget to stop by and pay homage to a modern-day miracle on Kingston Avenue and Crown Street.
BEUTIFUL
If people would only open their eyes and look at Tznius for what it really is!
That is what brings dignity, respect to a woman/girl in more ways that we can imagine while affecting the the atmosphere in their homes in more ways than I can describe, actually every facet of their lives. Once the ‘goyishkeit’ is lifted from our ‘outlook’ we are able to see the beauty of it all and have true pride of being a true Tzniusdike Bas Yisroel!
I like your point!!!
What’s so interesting about the mitzva of Tznius is …..that adding on materially, can help you spiritually.
Some issues are for women. This is one of them. Leave the men out of it. Do not blur the issues! Tznius is basic yiddishkeit. Not to be confused with chassidic garb and chassidic customs.
The Rebbe took the time to speak about this mitzvah in such an aidel way. It’s so beautiful to be able to see this.
Thank you for the wonderful video clips chosen!
The Rebbe’s perspective on Tznius.
Thank you!
Thank you to all those who are helping to turn the tide in the area of modesty in thought, speech and deed. When we hear that Moshiach is here we won’t feel like we have to run home and change our outfit. We will be ready to greet Moshiach!
Maybe you don’t realize, but you are also role models. We ask our young Bar Mitzvah bachurim to wear hats & jackets. You need to show them the way. Children learn best by example. Besides if there were a lot more Chassidishe looking men walking on the street, the women would have more respect & try harder. We all need to do our part to make our neighborhood look like the Chassidishe community it’s supposed to be. If BMBY will inspire the women, who is willing to take on the men? Does Jem have any videos that the men can… Read more »
Hope to see a Kingston Ave with more Kdusha… not having to do extra ‘shmiras einayim’… to be able to feel that I am actually in a Frum, Chasidishe neighborhood…
Thank you!
Focus on the MEN and the women will be just fine.
I see the irony of demanding of men to wear hats and jackets while seeing these 2 well-meaning chassidim running around without these covers, when trying to get women to wear cover ups.
Fashion trends come & go.
What’s in style today – may be out by tomorrow.
The Halachos of Tznius never change.
We know what they are.
If we follow them – we’ll always be in style.
Since Brachos come from Hashem – not fashion designers
It’s a “No Brainer”
The Rebbe told us of the need to address the issue of tznius and its urgency in Adar of 5730 (Igros K’ v26) and demanded that it should be addressed by all those who have authority – N’shei U’bnos Chabad, Principals & Teachers, Mothers etc. -so that the message should come across strongly. What would he have said and demanded today???
Thank you for all the work that went into doing something like this!!!
Thumbs up to you and to all those who helped accomplish this vital mission!
What an idea and to bring it to actuality! Kol Hakovod!
That’s using technology for what it was meant! Thanks for bringing such an important message in such a beautiful way!!
So nice to see such a positive approach to helping encourage the Rebbe’s Chassidim in the area of Tznius. Maybe the next store to do it can be a women’s clothing store.
To # 103 and #107
chabad.org/1248286 and chabad.org/1547901
http://m.chabad.org/therebbe/livingtorah/default.asp?
BMB”Y
Obviously it would be a good idea to work in the men’s department too, however I assume BMBY is an organization focused on women/girls. Aderaba, let someone take the initiative with the man too!!!
What a wonderful initiative! May this be a change in a positive direction for the tznius in ch.
Such creative thinking to do such a project. Yasher Koach BMBY, Molly & Crew. Please keep working on such great things.
You have any ideas for the men on this.
Be sure to take a few minutes on a trip to Kingston Ave. to watch the Rebbe speaking so beautifully about Tznius. It will make an impression on everyone, young & old alike. You can easily show your family …. look what the Rebbe says about it.
Please keep it up!
I wish we could see the full-length video posted online…
More than overdue!!!
Let’s see the positive results!
Alu Vehatzlichu!
Positive moves being made on a topic that is so important. Yasher Koach. Let’s keep moving forward !
If the MEN wear clothes that portray chassidim, such as hat and jackets, full beards, white shirts etc, then the women would follow in chassic clothes too. In Williamsburg or other chassidic communities, the men wear chassidic clothes, and the women join by wearing tznius. In Modern Orthodox communities where men wear jeans and t-shirts, are without full beards, walk around without hats, jackets or even full size yarmulkas – the women often also dress in clothes that match them. Much focus and finger pointing at the women, but the men are equal partners. Let the MEN wear full beards,… Read more »
It is wonderful to walk down Kingston Ave. and see young ladies stop and watch the video on tznius. They are our future. Is there a way this video clip can be aired on line? I would benefit if I can watch it when I’m at home also
Yasher koach, what a great idea! Beautiful! 🙂
With so many guests coming in for Tishrei they’ll get to see it too. A beautiful addition to our Shchuna that we can be proud of.
Thanks so much for the encouraging & inspiring videos. It’s such a pleasure to see.
Is the actual video in a format that can be used by teachers, educators, shluchim, camps etc.? This can be a wonderful way to teach and encourage the beauty of this mitzvah in classrooms & Chabad Houses all over the world.
Tizku L’mitzvos
Hope to see it next time I’m in Crown Heights.
Thank you #94 for pointing that out. It’s yesterday’s, Thursday, Ches Tishrei. Perfectly timed here. A must read! It was prepared specially for us now. What Hashgocha Protis!
Thank you BMBY, Molly, & everyone involved for not only caring…….but doing something to make a difference. It is very much appreciated.
Can you give me some examples?
THANK YOU and yasher koach to Molly and her crew. I love that this is being done, I love to know all the details and seeing the pix..iyh may there be the intended results!
this weeks Hayom Yom talks about tznius for men and women. Be discreet in your holyness… don’t show off in you piety, but try to conceal the good that you do.
Thank you Mr. Yakubov and Mr. Batash for dropping eeverything and getting and installing this moniter.
Seeing what the Reebe says about tznius is very powerful!
Molly and bnos Melech keep up the good work of bringing awareness of tznius in a positive way
Waiting to hear the next great idea!
Leave it to the Rebbe to always know what’s appropriate to say in every situation. What a brilliant idea to have the Rebbe’s message here. To the Rebbe, every Yid is a precious gem.
Special beyond words! A beautiful addition to Kingston Ave. to inspire us all. Thank you so much BMBY!
Wake up and smell the coffee! There IS tznius for men. I suggest you get a mashpia and ask them about it…
first of all i was not saying that the reason that we dress bitznius is so that we’re ugly… this is not true, in fact tznius enhances the beauty of a woman. But being that the body of a woman is naturally beautiful, we cover it up to keep it holy and save it for the right times and places and to insure that we are not causing anyone to have improper thoughts/ temptations. But saying that it is ugly, is simply not true. The question is between right or wrong. it is wrong and therefore repulsive to walk around… Read more »
Clearly that is not an abomination.
A girl who went thru Bais Rivka and when walking on Kingston ave. cant cover her knees and her tichel only covers HALF her hair is nothing less than an abomination to us our values and community
I agree with the above written that not dressing tzniusdik, is nothing less than offensive…. to our community & values… almost like the ones standing with the signs protesting kaporos…
What will I wear today? Think before you decide.
Don’t worry what’s out there, on the other side.
Be careful not to let your standards slide.
With Tznius be strong and dress with pride!
Kol Hakavod Molly, Cherna, Raskin’s Fruit & Vegetable Store. BH thank you for being involved in such an important inyan. Thanks for the great news. Let’s continue to go from strength to strength.
We appreciate all the hard work you put in to bring the message to Kingston Ave. in such a dignified way. Molly you’re amazing at getting a job done right . Kol Hakavod.
I am pleased to announce that Cherna Light of N’shei u’BnosChabad has informed BMBY that Raskin’s vegetable store has undertaken to take on the monitor after Tishrei.
Baruch Hashem
Gmar Chatima Tova to all
Molly Resnick
BH it’s a pleasure to see so many caring & concerned people in CH.
It’s an amazing beginning.
Let’s keep it going.
TY.
Wishing a GCT to all.
Went to get a coffee and had an extra special treat of the beautiful messages of our Rebbe. It’s really inspiring. Thank you so much.
Shame on you for thinking that.
Tznius
Is
Special
Honorable
Respectful
Extremely
Important
I am very touched by the way the shopkeepers are so willing to fulfill the Rebbes’ razton!
Molly! You’re talent and vivacity is admirable! What a beautiful idea to spreading the Rebbe’s message in such an ingenious way! the Rebbe’s words are timeless. Alu Vehatzlichu to the organizers!!
To have the Zchus to have such a beautiful message of the Rebbe playing in your store, for all of Crown Heights to see. A big yasher Koach to the owners and to all the organizers.
what extra special brochos we get from Hashem when we are dessed tznius’dig
Kan Tziva Hashem Es Habracha. Let’s keep the awareness alive!
soooo inspiring!!thanks so much for your efforts!
BH its been a pleasure walking down CH streets this days. so many women are dressing properly n beautifully. continue to get inspired. learn about the mitzvah. hashems ways are only best!
Tznius is physically more beautiful. Our bodies is a palace to our neshoma. i always see girls dress so beautifully and tznius! They actually look like a mentch. very royal. keep it up with the chizuk!
tznius DEFINITELY applies to men
and yes, it is embarassing and repulsive to see others showing more than we want to see! please- for YOUR OWN privacy and dignity…cover-up and dont cheapen yourself!
Thank you so much for sharing. May Hashem Yisborach give you the courage and the wisdom to always be strong in your avodas Hashem – no matter what is going on around you. Be proud of doing what’s right and you’ll be inspiring to others.
nice idea, and especially refreshing to see so many positive comments! gmar chassima tova to everyone, may this be the start of a great new year!
So every store should have this in their window? Do you knowing how tiring that will be. Is this to attract customers?
we need more people like you to solve this problem we are proud of you
Yashar koach for all your efforts!!
As a 20 year old, walking down the streets in ch is very hard. Its very tempting to dress like everyone else, and to “fit in”! But, seeing these steps to strengthen our Tznius, and hearing what the Rebbe says makes me stronger! I want to do the right thing but sometimes its very hard to. We need that encouragement!! So for me Molly, this is ENCOURAGEMENT! and I THANK YOU for bringing it!!!! This is exactly what is needed now!
Which store is going to be the next to turn the tide in our community? Who is going to sponsor the next screen? Way to go!!
When I see a young lady dressed tastfully and modestly, I think to myself ‘that is the kind of girl I would be proud to have as my future daughter-in-law’ Ladies who dress modestly are beautiful because they are fulfilling the razon of HaKadosh BaruchHu; and vice versa, objectively attractive ladies become unappealing if they do not follow the halacha and dressed immodestly. Thank you everybody involved in the project, asher koach for your time, care and efforts.
I am very touched by the care and deep concern of the project organizers and sponsors for the well being of our community and Klal Yisroel. I, Be Ezras HaHeshem am taking upon myself to become more careful in mu observance of the laws of tznius, dressing in style and according to the halacha!
“truth does not change with the tide”
there are so many tznius pretty outfits out there, not only midcalf but not too many ppl look at them any more
Thank you for taking action in a very beautiful and kovodik way. You are giving chizuk to so many people who wanted to convey a strong positive message. Thanks for leading the way and showing us what can be done! May Hashem bless everyone involved with a G’mar Chasima Tova and only Mazel, Bracha V’hatzlacha. And especially Moshiach Now!
#56 Is it not the men who are putting the most emphasis on this topic, as usual.
#57 That is not repulsive at all to me. I hope you didn’t get upset about it.
Dress is an easy (though not necessarily accurate) way to measure someone’s commitment to the community’s standards and allegiance to G-d. It is an easier issue to tackle.
YOU ARE WONDERING HOW TZNIUS RELATES TO MEN? I’LL TELL YOU, I FIND IT REPULSIVE TO SEE A MAN WITH A YARMULKE AND SOMETIMES EVEN A BEARD WALKING AROUND WITH SHORTS!
To #20 the husbands must take notice & tell their wives about tznius……..
To #45 were in the year 5774……
to #48 Chas vesholom you should not be writing bad about yidden
Such a positive uplifting way to strengthen and inspire!
This video should run throughout the entire month of Tishrei – chutz mi’Shabbos and Yom Tov. After Tishrei, the video should continue to run with inspiring footage updated on a monthly basis. Kol hakavod, and keep up the great work!
What an amazing idea! SO inspiring – the messge which is given over so beautifully, and also the dedication to strengthen and to inspire our community. The Rebbe is surely shepping much nachos. May words that come from the heart go to the heart, and may we all give the Rebbe and Hashem much nachos with the inyon of tznius in particular, and in fulfilling the all the Torah and the Rebbe’s requests with a chayas and dedication. Together, may we usher in the Geulah Shleima teikif u’miyad mamash! A Gemar Chasimah tovah!
Very well said !!!
Agree totally !
It’s SO beautiful how the Rebbe makes a heartfelt request for tznius. Hopefully ‘words from the heart will enter the heart’ and make a big difference in Crown Heights…
Awesome
Simply Awesome!
This is so incredibly inspiring!!
What a way to bring Moshiach, and really hit the message home in an eidel, supportive way.
Keep it up!
It is well known that Jews of all stripes and colors from all over Brooklyn come to Crown Heights/Kingston Ave to feast their eyes and yetzer Horas on our wives and daughters.
This is certainly a step in the right direction.
#20
Than you are not a regular guy!
What you wrote is trash.
Its a problem but then we live in problem times.
This is a beautiful project. your making a nice change!
On a side note: it’s very nice that R. Broin is endorsing JEM video’s….. I will now hope, those that always listen to his opinions will as well respect this part as well. Thank you JEM for everything you do
Kol hakavod! May the effort bring about the necessary sensitivities and awareness of the beauty of kedusha and modesty. Who doesn’t want nachas from kids, good health and parnasa? It may be hard for some to be modest because they “see” immodesty as pretty rather than ugly and they perceive as attractive that which any sensitive and refined person sees as gross, repulsive and animal like. Every woman and girl want to look good, May the new light that descended into theword on Rosh Hashana57746 help all of us “see”,things the way they really are. May our eyes be opened… Read more »
Kol hakavod to Mr. Zion for his good heart, modesty & determination in undertaking this HIMSELF!
An innovative way of advocating a most precious mitzvah.
I agree with #26
this great and I hope it helps
Tznius is on its way up
Thx bnos Menachem!
A young lady who was voted Miss Israel had everything b’gashmiyus. Yet she felt she needed a blessing from a Tzaddik to improve her life. She recognized there was something missing and knew that the blessings
come from Above. No, being the most beautiful, with the most fashionable clothing didn’t make her happy. She knew there was much more to life than that. We can learn a lot from this message.
Are you saying that tznius is in order to not be ‘too beautiful’? Oh my.
I’m glad to see positive work for promoting the value of Jewish women’s dignity and respect
Ty!!
I believe there is an Inyan of Tznius for men also.
No, not “too beautiful”. Morally ugly and offensive.
You should believe the person who says he finds it repulsive. The fact that the dominant culture finds this beautiful does not make it so. As a woman I also find it offensive. But the point is not to point a finger at what is offensive but rather to underscore the good, and the good is most undeniably tznius.
A big Yasher Koach Molly and to everyone involved. The REBBE’s message is clear. The brachos are there. We have the power to do what it takes to invite them in.
We are at the finish line and we women have to keep it together and greet moshiach with Jewish pride and dignity.
It is so important that is why the temptation is so so powerful. –but can be overcome.
Thanks Molly, mr Batash and Yakubov for bringing the message of the rebbe about our role in this critical time in history. We as Lubavitchers women should stand proudly in line to greet moshiach and not hide in the background tugging at our skirts.
What a beautiful way of reminding us of all the special brachos that the mitzva of Tznius brings. With Yom Kippur on its way it’s the perfect time to think about it and make some positive moves in the right direction.
You think big and you make big things happen. KOL hakavod for working tirelessly on behalf of all of us. YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE, you make the Rebbe proud.
the issue is actually that its too beautiful
not tznuis- yes but “ugly” is missing the boat
It’s wonderful! Yasher Koach to all those involved in organizing this beautiful mivtza.
Oops I meant that to go to #24
I understand that it is hard for woman and girls to dress modestly today, however we must recognize that it is a really really big issue, and something we must be working on. Even if its a little step, that still counts, because as long as one is working or taking small baby steps that they can handle, that’s good. But when one is not making any effert at all, then their tznius will drop lower and lower. It is a concept in yiddishkiet that if one is not moving, they will automatically fall.
It’s a great idea. Gives a wonderful message
Its very easy for you to say… these days its very hard to dress modestly, yes believe it or not the outside world deeply influences and affects women and girls and its hard to change. Not saying there isnt nice tznuis clothing out there, because there is. Those that dont dress so modestly and according to halacha – know what there doing, and wether the’re happy about it or not- immature, mature or pregnant.. its not for anyone to judge.
I happened to work with Miri, from the movie,
years ago, in Israel.
I wonder what she will think about becoming
a tzniuos queen leader in Crown Height 2013 !!!!!??
What a great idea !!
What exactly do you want it to say for men, finding a sicha that speaks that men should dress tznius. Tznius is only by woman. For men going with brown shoe, colored shirt or with an extra shirt button open is not a matter of tznius at all. Tznius is a woman issue, when a woman doesn’t dress appropriate, it affects the woman who dresses so and all men that she comes in their eyesight
we need more like them
AS A NORMAL REGULAR GUY I FIND THE WOMEN AND GIRLS WHO DRESS LIKE THEY HVEN’T GROWN UP YET UGLY AND THE PREGNANT WOMEN WITH THE VERY TIGHT TOPS REPULSIVE. WHY DON’T THEIR HUSBANDS TELL THEM ALL HOW TERRIBLE THEY LOOK?
you should be proud top have that in your store
Molly …. Kol Hakavod for caring about
others to inspire them in an area that is so
crucial for Am Yisroel !!!
May all our efforts lead the way to the geulah !!
1) Israeli Beauty Queen w/Rebbe
2) Sicha of Rebbe to women (portion)
3) US Beauty Queen with her daughter w/Rebbe
4) Sicha of Rebbe to women (portion)
Is that all that’s playing the Miss Israel clip???
Molly you hit it right where it was needed. G-d bless you Molly
Thats it only 1 video???
what a fabulous idea! ubizchus Nashim tzidkonios nigalu avoisenu!
keep up your wonderful work and may we walk proudly to gree tMoshiach Tzidkeinu NOW!!!
This is a great start —
It would be even better to see messages in public that are directed for both Men and Women.
This can be balanced!
Here is the link to the video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3zlbxSQrx0
Can JEM release this video so Chabad news sites can post it for us?
Yaasher Koach, Community Rov Rabbi Braun.
May ALL the Raabonim, Rabbi Ozdoba, Rabbi Schwei and Rabbi Braun, have a KSIVA VACHASIMA TOVE.
Lubavitchers DO care about tznius! There are LOTS of us who are proud and happy to dress al pi halacha! Thanks for this lovely way of encouraging tznius in our neighborhood!
The Rebbe said it took 3 woman who dressed Tznius to cause Frankfort Germany to become a great spiritual city, keep it up!
I am sure this makes the Rebbe proud!
To all who made this possible. It’s an edel, respectful, suitable and classy way to spread the message of tznius. The people have done their part to make the keli — the rest is up to Hashem, to direct the neshamos who can benefit from it (me inclused) to absorb the message. Gmar Chasima Tova to everyone.
very nice I am sure all this achdus and good acts brought moshiach closer let him come all ready !!!!!!!!!
Beautifully crazy. Just loved it.
Yosher koach.
very impressive. I hope it will have an effect on all of us to rethink our ways of thought, speech and deed.
Beautiful!!!! keep tzniut at the forefront!!
Let freedom ring, let tzniut ring!!!!