But No Cigar

So much happens when you spend time away from the news and current events. Some news stories fall through the cracks and I like to catch them and bring them to your attention.

In my blog posting Why You Rabbi? I covered the theory why Rabbi Daniel Feldman was distancing himself from being associated with Congregation Etz Chaim when he wore his "YU" hat. A lot has changed since then. Rabbi Daniel Feldman has embraced his connection to Etz Chaim, stating on his Linkedin profile that he is a maggid shiur at YU and the Rabbi of Etz Chaim since September 2007.

The contract on the house wasn't signed until October 30, 2007 and while they were still in CareOne the group was still called ToraT/S Chesed. Seems Rabbi Daniel Feldman started working for Etz Chaim before the big move and all the Mechitza Minyan oldtimers were told that the move to the new house was a done deal. They didn't know that 554 Queen Anne Rd, Inc. was incorporated on September 19, 2007. Rabbi Feldman was hired in September for a shul that wasn't available to be moved into until November. I'm not shocked. It makes perfect sense. In September 2007, Rabbi Daniel Feldman was the Rabbi of Torat Chesed, Toras Chesed and Etz Chaim. That's a killer resume right there and if you add in Yeshiva University its super mighty impressive.

But is it impressive enough to be a Rosh Yeshiva at YU?
Anyone and I mean ANYONE who has talked to one of Rabbi Daniel Z. Feldman's congregants over the years has heard "He's the next Rosh Yeshiva at YU." Really? Is he?!?!

Leave it to the Commentator, YU's newspaper, to dig deep and find out why is Rabbi Feldman NOT a Rosh Yeshiva.
 

New (Old) Rebbeim and the Missing Rosh Yeshiva

By SHMUEL LAMM • Published: NOVEMBER 17, 2011 • 

Rabbi Daniel Feldman, in his first year with the Mazer Yeshiva Program (MYP), has opted to teach Masechet Shabbat (Tractate Sabbath). Rabbi Feldman brings extensive experience to the MYP lineup, with nine years in SBMP and three in Isaac Breuer College (IBC). Like Rabbi Schwartz, Rabbi Feldman cites Rabbi Shachter as a formative influence in his life. Additionally, he benefited from relationships with Rabbis Sobolofsky, Willig, Rosensweig, Simon, and Goldwicht. In his shiur, Rabbi Feldman attempts to explore the intellectual and historical underpinnings of the Talmud and accompanying mefarshim (commentators). He believes in engaging students in conversation, exploring the reasons for every statement, question, and answer they come across in the texts. The subject matter in this shiur has important real-life applications. In recognition of this, Rabbi Feldman devotes a day every week to analyzing the practical uses of their previous shiurim. The shiur aims not only improve students’ learning skills, but to influence their halakhik conduct outside of the beis, as well.

Rabbi Feldman’s position in MYP, however, has been a cause for confusion. Unlike the many other rebbeim in the program, and despite his many years of experience in Yeshiva, YU has not conferred upon him the title of Rosh Yeshiva.

YU is already well known for its high number of roshei yeshiva, a situation that some in the YU circle fear dilutes the title’s esteem. Has YU decided to bar additions to the ranks?

Rabbi Reiss, The Max and Marion Grill Dean of RIETS and undergraduate Jewish studies, spoke to The Commentator to explain the meaning of “Rosh Yeshiva.” Ironically, he explained, despite the great significance currently attached to the Roshei Yeshiva, the title itself originated as something routine. Its application, rather than reflecting a specific level of expertise or institutional power, was largely a matter of tradition. Any rabbi in the MYP program was referred to as a Rosh Yeshiva. Over the years, however, the honor and respect associated with the title grew and, as a result, YU developed a more official method of conferral. In the current system, around three years into a rabbi’s MYP career, University President Richard M. Joel and Rosh Hayeshiva and Chancellor Rabbi Norman Lamm decide whether to grant him the title. Though they consult no established criteria in order to make the decision, the rabbi is evaluated based on his scholarship and work with students. Rabbi Feldman, as a brand-new addition to the MYP program, has not yet been considered for the title. 

Impressive article and equally impressive resume. Even Ohr Saadya's bio is extremely impressive (except for the Ohr Saadya part). Ohr Saadya's bio for Rabbi Daniel Z. Feldman:

Our Rabbi

Rabbi Daniel Z. Feldman is the spiritual leader and founder of Ohr Saadya of Teaneck.

Rabbi Feldman is also an instructor of Talmud and Jewish Studies at the Stone Beit Midrash Program of Yeshiva University, and serves as the Director of Rabbinic Research at YU’s Center for the Jewish Future. He is an alumnus of Yeshivat Kerem B’Yavneh and received his ordination (Yoreh Yoreh and Yadin Yadin) from the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, where he was a fellow of the Bella and Harry Wexner Kollel Elyon.

Rabbi Feldman is the author of “The Right and The Good: Halakhah and Human Relations” (Jason Aronson, 1999; expanded edition, Yashar Books, 2005), as well as three volumes of Talmudic essays entitled Binah BaSefarim, wich have been published with the approbations of R. Avraham Schapira, R. Ovadiah Yosef, R. Natan Gestetner, R. Zalman Nechemiah Goldberg, and others.

Rabbi Feldman is the co-editor of six volumes of Talmudic essays and serves on the Va’ad HaHalakhah of the Rabbinical Council of America. He is a frequent lecturer in locations across America and abroad and has written for publications such as Tradition and Jewish Action.

Boys and Girls, lets say that loud and clear for everyone to hear: 

According to the OFFICIAL website of Ohr Saadya, Rabbi Daniel Z. Feldman is the spiritual leader and founder of Ohr Saadya of Teaneck.

As the Spiritual Leader and Founder of Torat Chesed/Toras Chesed/Etz Chaim/Ohr Saadya he is personally responsible for everything his congregation has done to the Teaneck community at large. 

• Etz Chaim of Teaneck, an Orthodox Jewish congregation at 554 Queen Anne Road, is suingthe board of adjustment.
• Griggs Avenue resident, Janet Abbot a neighbor of the congregation, said that one of the restrictions imposed by the BOA was that Etz Chaim appoint a member of its congregation to serve as liaison with the neighbors. Abbot said that to the best of her knowledge, this has not occurred. "Nobody has contacted us," she said. She noted that except for a noise complaint, "Nothing untoward has happened," since the variances were granted.
• "The board's decision was fair because it recognized that Etz Chaim has a right to have a congregation and also recognized that they created a synagogue without going through the normal processes. The board institutionalized what they said they were already doing," she (Abbot) said.
• But Rif Campeas, another neighbor, was more outspoken. Campeas said that on at least one occasion since the variances were granted, a neighbor called the police because of excessive noise emanating from the congregation. "They said they would abide by the board of adjustment decision. The town has invested time and money, but Etz Chaim is never satisfied,"Campeas said.
• In an interview, Etz Chaim President Robert Erlich and Akiva Shapiro of the law firm of Gibson Dunn in New York City, co-council in the case, emphasized that the suit is against the board of adjustment and not the neighbors. "Our relationship with the neighbors has been good and we hope that this suit doesn't affect that relationship," Erlich said.
• He (Erlich) noted that the dispute over noise involved a single incident that was resolved immediately and that the neighbor could have approached the congregation directly rather than calling the police. Erlich said that the congregation has not appointed a community liaison because it is taking the BOA's requirements as a whole and is working through them.

(From the Posting Neighborly Love)

• Trying to masquerade a family room as a shul as chronicled on 554queenanne.info 
• Torat/Toras Chesed fraud posted on Paradise Lost
• In bed with Mario Guralnik posted on Guralnik Connection
• Rabbi Feldman cultivating positive relationships with the neighbors as posted in Some Famous Bypasses

and sooooo much more. Read my blog!

As the Spiritual Leader and founder of a congregation that can do all of that, is there any question why Rabbi Daniel Z. Feldman isn't a Rosh Yeshiva at Yeshiva University and YU doesn't want him representing them? 

Well Excuuuuuuuuuuse Me!

It has been a hard uphill battle for Etz Chaim to be able earn the right from Teaneck Township to exercise their Religious Freedoms at 544 Queen Anne Rd and wresling Rabbi Daniel Feldman from the grip of those Jewish Center conservative people.

Rabbi Daniel Feldman is the Mara D'Atra of Etz Chaim of Teaneck and as they enter this important awe inspiring part of the Jewish Calendar, he will be there for them to lead and guide Etz Chaim through important services surrounding the High Holidays. The members of Etz Chaim will proudly be able to hear Rabbi Daniel Feldman speak and pontificate on the Laws and feelings surrounding Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. They will hear him address Etz Chaim about the meaning of true forgiveness and getting a true selikhah and kapparah from their fellow congregants and maybe even G-d himself. They will partake in a feast before Selichot on Motzei Shabbat to fill their stomachs while Rabbi Daniel Feldman fills their ears with Torah. Selichot night promises to be the best and most awesomest 1st night of Selichot EVER for Etz Chaim of Teaneck in their short existence as a religious group recognized by the BOA of Teaneck.

This 1st night of Selichot event promises to be the pinnacle of Rabbi Daniel Feldman's leadership of Etz Chaim of Teaneck to date! True Religious Freedom will shine on him and Etz Chaim in

PLAINVIEW, NY?!?!?!?!

Now appearing at the Young Israel of Plainview:

YIP Selichos Night Program Motzei Shabbos September 4 Sponsored in memory of Cantor Kalman Chaitovsky

YIP Welcomes Yeshiva University's Rabbi Daniel Feldman, noted scholar and author.

10:00PM - Dinner and Discussion of Sources; 11:00PM - Shiur by Rabbi Feldman (TBA)12:00AM - Selichos

Rabbi Daniel Z. Feldman is an instructor of Talmud and Jewish Studies at the Stone Beit Midrash Program of Yeshiva University,

and serves as the Director of Rabbinic Research at YU's Center for the Jewish Future. He is an alumnus of Yeshivat Kerem B'Yavneh

and received his ordination (Yoreh Yoreh and Yadin Yadin) from the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, where

he was a fellow of the Bella and Harry Wexner Kollel Elyon. Rabbi Feldman is the spiritual leader of Etz Chaim

of Teaneck, NJ, where he resides with his wife, Leah, and their children

At least they advertised that he is the Rabbi of Etz Chaim of Teaneck.

Why are you paying Rabbi Daniel Feldman a salary if he ditches you on an important night of religious spirituality and need for Rabbinic leadership to inspire you to attain forgiveness from Hashem? Mortgage, Anti-Semitism and public chastising from BOA members is a steep price to pay for an Absentee Rabbi.

It Must Be Real It's in Newspapers.

This posting will be updated as more articles are printed.

I will be excerpting part of each article to highlight important parts

and inconsistencies between the writers. You can click on the links for complete articles.

1. BOA approves Etz Chaim variances; restrictions apply - Teaneck Suburbanite

Thursday, August 19, 2010

BY HOWARD PROSNITZ

TEANECK - After months of contentious hearings, the Board of Adjustment on Aug. 11 approved variances sought by Etz Chaim, an Orthodox Jewish organization, giving it the status of a house of worship and permitting it to hold religious services on its premises at 554 Queen Anne Road. However, the BOA imposed several restrictions on the organization’s use of the one family residentially-zoned home.

A super majority of five votes was required to approve the application, which included variances for parking and the use of a kitchen. With three members recusing themselves, including BOA chair Anne Senter, and two absent, only five voting members were left on the dais. A single negative vote would have blocked the application.

On at least one occasion during the hearings, Edward Trawinski, attorney for Etz Chaim, threatened to sue the township for discrimination.

Some of the restrictions imposed by the BOA limits religious services to the Sabbath and Jewish holidays and prohibits weekday morning and evening services; restricts life events (weddings, bar mitzvahs, funerals) to members of the congregation, prohibits cooking or catering, limits classes and workshops to one a month and prohibits signs without further application to the board. The BOA also required that Etz Chaim designate one of its members as liaison to the community and that the congregation’s leaders remind members at least twice a year to respect neighbors’ privacy.

But Ritvo said that the board could not restrict the congregation from applying for expansion in the future.

"The board cannot deny them the right to come back," he said.

Etz Chaim President Robert Erlich wrote in an e-mail that the community liaison position is not unique to this application, but that the BOA has required such a position for similar applications.

"We are pleased with the approval and we will comply with all conditions imposed," Erlich wrote.

Neighbors of 554 Queen Anne Road, a house that Etz Chaim acquired from Mario Guralink, a member of the congregation, have contended that the group has dealt duplicitously with them and with the township, conducting full scale, regularly scheduled religious services since 2007 while claiming that the house was the residence of Rabbi Daniel Feldman who, according to the neighbors, conducted private prayer meetings in his family room.

Guralink retains ownership of an adjacent house at 576 Queen Anne Road and neighbors are concerned that the two houses will eventually be combined, or both demolished, to construct a large synagogue at the site.

In 2007, a family room was added to the house and other substantial renovations were made. The family room, which contains an Ark and Torah scrolls, is used for services. In August 2008, Township building official Steven Gluck ordered the organization to cease from conducting public worship in the house. Following Gluck’s order, Etz Chaim filed the application for a BOA hearing. The congregation had been permitted to continue to hold services pending the outcome of the hearings.

As far back as 2007 a petition signed by 78 neighbors alleging that the house was being used illegally for religious services was presented to township officials.

Months prior to Etz Chaim’s application to the BOA, the organization had produced a brochure requiring members and new members to contribute $5,000 toward a building fund.

BOA member Harvey Rosen, who voted "reluctantly" in favor of the application, chastised the congregation’s leaders from the dais.

"From the first meeting it has been evident that the applicant has exhibited reprehensible behavior. As a member of their religion I am ashamed at some of their behavior," he said at the hearing.

He noted that in his seven years on the BOA he has dealt other contentious and emotional cases involving houses of worship. But in every other case, he said, the community and the applicant have resolved their differences.

"From day one when they began operating as a quasi-not for profit their behavior has been surreptitious and anything but forthcoming," he said.

He urged the township officials to be vigilant in enforcement of the restrictions: "Perhaps more vigilant than in other cases because of the behavior that the applicant has exhibited."

In an interview, Griggs Avenue resident Janet Abbott, one of the protesting neighbors, said that the BOA’s decision was fair.

"The fact that they had a number of stipulations reflected some of the concerns we raised. We are pleased that we were heard and we are glad for the congregation that they can have their services and that everything is above board," Abbott said.

E-mail: suburbanite@northjersey.com

Thank You Teaneck Thank You

I want to thank everyone for a wonderful Tisha B’Av. I enjoyed synagogue hopping and experiencing the mourning of the destruction of both Temples. The community in Teaneck really came together to show their achdut (togetherness) as a Jewish people. There are some elements in Teaneck that made it even more special and really put me in the right mood.

They say that you don’t really learn something until you experience it for yourself. Let me tell you friends, Teaneck is the destination to truly feel the meaning of Tisha B’Av. The fast day was extra meaningful in Teaneck.

Gilluy Arayot (prohibited sexual relations), a reason for the destruction of the 1st Temple, is very prominent here. Couples are getting divorced because of affairs and wife swapping is rampant. I must admit, Teaneck is not as bad as Monsey because they do not have a Key Club. What is a Key Club? Check the comments if someone asks.

Where else can one experience the true meaning of Sinat Chinam (hatred of others), a reason for the destruction of the 2nd Temple, on a daily basis. Just see how the members of Rabbi Daniel Feldman’s synagogue at 554 Queen Anne Road, Inc. DBA: Congregation Etz Chaim of Teaneck treat their neighbors, fellow Jews that are local to their location and the Jews of Teaneck at large. They inspire me to pray harder, to tear my clothing in 2 places and to eat extra eggs smothered in delicious ashes.

Teaneck is the place to be for the three weeks, nine days and especially Tisha B’Av. One day, when the Messiah comes, it will be a holiday and we will travel on the wings of eagles to the holy land of Israel. We will all rejoice together in Jerusalem at THE synagogue, the rebuilt 3rd Temple. A Temple not funded by illegitimately obtained monies and based on illegally filed building plans.

Amen!

This posting was brought to you by the letter A, the number 55 and
etzchaimteaneck.blogspot.com and
etzchaimteaneck.org

Embarrassed Much?

Yet another speaking engagement without mentioning Rabbi Feldman's greatest achievement yet! and no I am not talking about his Yadin Yadin Semikha.

The AD:

Yeshiva University invites you to join us at our next
Summer Breakfast Lecture at Morgan Stanley featuring Rabbi Daniel Feldman

"Understanding the Prohibition of Ribis"

Rabbi Daniel Z. Feldman is an instructor of Talmud and Jewish Studies at the Stone Beit Midrash Program of Yeshiva University, and serves as the Director of Rabbinic Research at YU's Center for the Jewish Future.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Listen -

If I paid good money to start a synagogue for my friend's lawsuit against a major Jewish Newspaper and others and in the process angered my synagogue's neighbors to the point where they complain to the township, try to destroy a few synagogues to insure my synagogue's success and caused the black eye of anti-semitism towards the Jews of Teaneck, falsify documents to speed through approvals from the building dept., I would be damn sure that Mara D'Atra of my Congregation, Etz Chaim of Teaneck, would be on every announcement, flyer or advertisement that features him. The honorable Rabbi Daniel Feldman.

I don't understand how Rabbi Feldman is going to act as a moral compass for others when he is the Rabbi of a synagogue that is unethical in their dealings with money and the township.

I guess he must have explained it at Beth Aaron earlier in the month when he spoke on the topic of: Lashon Hora L'Toeles-Permissible Lashon Hora. The description of the shiur is that it is a continuation of a shiur dealing with when lashon hora can be justified, i.e. for shidduchim, or business matters.

Just what the guys and gals at Morgan Stanley need. Thank you YU!

Educational Solutions

Everyone in Teaneck is talking education. Educational reform, budget cuts and rising taxes are the latest watercooler/Kiddush talk. Here at macdmusings, the discussion is not about the scope and range of the problem, but practical creative solutions to help fix the educational system.

Teaneck's HS students need to increase the level of their working vocabulary. Macdmusings has compiled a list of vital SAT words geared to improve their scores on their SATs.

1. grifter - Master of the sleight of hand. Taking checks written out to and intended for one organization and depositing it into another. Etz Chaim's Elliot Frome is the epitome of a grifter. It helps to have a gambling pedigree and a gambler's genetics.

2. deserter - Running away like a little coward when the road gets tough. Gary Miller is a shining example of what someone knee deep in Etz Chaim's shadiness does when the doodoo is hitting the fan.

3. destabilization - After April 15, she will have been actively involved with 3 different synagogues in the span of 5 years. Elliot Frome's partner in signing false documents, Ms. Rochelle Mandelbaum is a destabilizing presence causing major problems for the synagogue and then leaving. Etz Chaim, Arzei Darom and now Beth Aaron, will your synagogue be next?

4. humble - Not blushing every time one of your followers lets anyone who will listen know that you should already be a Rosh Yeshiva at YU, is a true sign of humility.

5. marionette - Robert Erlich, as abrasive as he is, is merely a puppet of Etz Chaim's true leadership. He is a true member of Bnei Yekusiel.

6. visionary - The jackass who came up with genius idea to call the shtibshul a family room. Another example of a visionary is Allan Cohen, creator and originator of Torat Chesed, Toras Chesed and 554 Queen Anne Road, Inc. He must have learned strategy from the "Godfather" of Video Poker Lenny Frome's books.

7. protexia - Being bbfs with Rabbi Rothwachs, Rabbi Yuden's son in law, being a card carrying member of YU's semikha club and being the golden child of the RCBC.

8. congenial - From their dealings with Arzei Darom and the Jewish Center to Betty Gable's letters and today's frosty war with their neighbors, Etz Chaim and it's members are synonymous with congeniality towards others.

9. quiescent - The inaction of the local Rabbis towards Etz Chaim and their claims of discrimination.

10. discrimination - Etz Chaim's portrayal of Teaneck and all local non-Jews.

I hope you learned a lot from this lesson. Score high SAT Takers. Score high.

Pet Peeves

My three biggest pet peeves based on current happenings in Teaneck are

1. Super Padded School Board Budgets:
The Schools need money to operate, but their priorities are in the wrong areas. A strong school system is needed to make Teaneck desirable for anyone to move in. Everyone gains when your town is known for having good schools. The School Board needs to be more frugal in certain areas of spending.


2. Politicians Playing the Anti-Semitism card:
Politicians should have opinions, stances and platforms. Hopefully they are strong and powerful enough to sway voters to choose to vote for them instead of the other candidates. There are Politicians who want Teaneck’s citizens to vote for them solely based on race or religion. Voters need to be better educated to who the candidates are and what their election to the Town Council really means.


3. The “False Entitlement” of Orthodox Jews:
In communities all around the world we are seeing a rise in Orthodox Jews, laymen, Rabbis and private citizens alike, being caught breaking the law, criminally or civilly to the point where they are causing a chillul Hashem, with no concern for others, Jew and non-Jew alike. You make a choice when you deliberately decide to break the law after carefully weighing all the options. The public must be educated to what those types of people are about. They do not represent Teaneck Jewry and must be called out.

Macdmusings.blogspot.com will be focusing on all three of these pet peeves. Thank you for reading and respectfully commenting on the issues!

Shluffenheimer MacDougal

Top Ten List: Teaneck Anti-Semitism

Top 10 Reasons for Teaneck’s Jews to Claim They Are Victims of Anti-Semitism


10. Your child can’t get a free swing at the Inclusive Playground at Votee Park because they are all being used


9. A Township Police Officer pulls you over for not stopping for a pedestrian in a crosswalk on Cedar Lane, who is walking to synagogue, 5 minutes before the Sabbath


8. The Kosher signs on the Cedar Lane 7-11 Slurpee machines make you believe that the Teaneck Road's machines are not Kosher


7. Blockbuster is going out of business and they do not have any copies of The Ten Commandments, Yentyl, Ushpizin, Fiddler on the Roof, Exodus or Shindler’s List for 60% off


6. Teaneck's Board of Education pads the budget with extra expenditures because the voters routinely blindly pass the budget and as a result your property taxes go up


5. Every year you need to buy new shoes after doing Tashlich because birds poop all over the grass near the Hackensack River and Overpeck Park


4. You get pulled over for drunk driving on Purim because of racial profiling


3. Mysteriously, the Eruv was down after THE Snow Storm of 2010 and everyone's naively blaming it on the snow


2. Teaneck voters vote for the candidates running for the Council based on their merits and not because they attend synagogue


1. The number 1 top reason to claim anti-Semitism is when you are caught lying in your selfish attempt to bring peace for the greater good of the community, your community.

Best of MacDMusings on Twitter

You have to listen to the words maaaaaan. You're FeldBlind. http://macdmusings.blogspot.com/2010/02/feldblind.html
1:29 PM Feb 12th

Anyone up to go clubbing tonight? I need to get my dance on.
3:53 PM Feb 12th

Stayed home instead of going out. Felt it wasn't in the spirit of Shabbat. Maybe I'll get to synagogue tomorrow.
10:28 PM Feb 12th

Ditched today. Much too cold to go outside. My orthodox brethren I salute you!
11:22 AM Feb 13th

@etzhayimteaneck - Since when is CareOne an auxiliary minyan? Funny, the teaneckshuls emails don't mention you guys.
9:46 PM Feb 13th

@EtzHayimTeaneck - Which community? You have given a black eye to the Jewish community in Teaneck, especially the Orthodox part.
8:22 AM Feb 14th in reply to EitzHayimTNeck

@EtzHayimTeaneck - Examples? BTW, What's up with the messed up spelling of etz chaim? Another ToraT/ToraS and pLayroom/pRayroom situation?
8:39 AM Feb 14th in reply to EitzHayimTNeck

@EtzHayimTeaneck - How can anyone get to know you or know what you do for the community if you are not on Teaneckshuls?
8:55 AM Feb 14th in reply to EitzHayimTNeck

Olympics are here and its time to set some records. Go USA my adopted country.
12:48 PM Feb 14th

@EtzHayimTeaneck No thanks. I only pray on the sabbath and do not want to be counted as one of the Etz Chaim members helping CareOne
1:23 PM Feb 14th in reply to EitzHayimTNeck

@EtzHayimTeaneck - Rabbi Daniel Feldman is half the Rabbi his father is. His father would never be involved in a situation like this!
1:40 PM Feb 14th in reply to EitzHayimTNeck

Get off your high horses. The Olympics are reality TV. Not as riveting as the Osbourne's or trainwrecky as Fantasia, but still must see TV.
8:06 AM Feb 15th

@etzhayimteaneck - Thank you for blocking me from following you. I can live without all the retweets. Typical EC- No originality.
1:44 PM Feb 15th

Too much snow. Should have been rain for Israel instead.
7:44 PM Feb 16th

When are the Jews of Teaneck going to learn? Ashkenaz or Sephard, we all belong to God. What God wants God gets God help us all.
7:46 AM Feb 17th

@EtzHayimTeaneck - Mazal Tov Rabbi Zierler!!! ROFLMAO YES!!!!!!!! http://macdmusings.blogspot.com/2010/02/you-can-go-home-again.html

When caught circumventing the law, arguing religious freedom or that we are all Jews, hinders your case for sympathy in the secular world.

RT @EitzHayimTNeck RT @Chabad: Tzadik vs. Tzadi. What is the proper name of the 18th letter in the Hebrew alphabet? http://chabad.org/1127525 #Jewish #Hebrew
7:57 PM Feb 18th

So many viewers and only one follower. I've got broad shoulders.
Bet its still the same letter
8:03 PM Feb 18th

Ooops civilly divorced at 25 and no get with rabbinical and communal intervention. 48 years later her husband died. Can you believe it?
9:30 PM Feb 18th

Read the article off the link. It's a real eye opener and a real tragedy.
9:35 PM Feb 18th

One that couldn't possibly happen in Teaneck. I'm sure our Rabbis would all support any poor woman. I know Rabbi Zierler would.
9:36 PM Feb 18th

So Tiger looks like he has been through a scandal. Aged a bit.
11:11 AM Feb 19th

Shoprite of Paramus' expansive kosher section is no longer Bergen's best kept secret. It's crowded. Should really open more registers.
2:26 PM Feb 19th

Its in a newspaper. Its gotta be true. Yay! ROFLMAO - http://jstandard.com/content/item/jewish_center_of_teaneck_embraces_orthodoxy/12142
3:08 PM Feb 19th

At Clapton/Beck. Amazing concert so far. I couldn't get tickets to last night's show, very lucky tonight!
8:09 PM Feb 19th via web

Good week everyone. Catching USA Vs. England in Olympic Curling. Must see TV.
6:15 PM Feb 20th

Read my kids a good night beddy bye story: The Little Shul That Cried Religious Discrimination. The moral of the story? BE HONEST!
11:33 PM Feb 20th

Is Rabbi Zierler is going to change the name of Hallel V'Zimrah Orthodox Minyan? There are so many choices.
8:40 AM Feb 21st

I'm thinking Darchei Noam because Teaneck already has Etz Chaim and Netivot Shalom in that area.
8:43 AM Feb 21st

In other breaking news, 2 more shuls are opening up on that side of town, Machazikim Bah and Tomcheha MeUshar.
8:45 AM Feb 21st

Sunday, March 7, the Union for Traditional Judaism (UTJ) will explore the rise – and fall – of independent prayer groups.
11:00 AM Feb 22nd

The program will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at UTJ Headquarters, 811 Palisade Avenue, Teaneck.
11:02 AM Feb 22nd

Reservations requested office@utj.org or 201-801-0707, ext. 201, or visit: www.utj.org Suggested donation $18 includes breakfast.
11:03 AM Feb 22nd

Some members of the private prayer group at corner Queen Anne & Van Buren should go. Learn a thing or 2 about life on the communal fringe.
11:06 AM Feb 22nd

You serious? RT @EtzHayimTeaneck: 2 members at C1 tonight! Come on guys, can't we do better than that?
3:55 PM Feb 22nd

Egocentric Tampering Zealous Callous Heinous Arrogant Ignorant Malicious Obtuse Failing Terrible Erring Awful Nebbish Evil Corrupt Kibitzers
6:24 PM Feb 22nd

I really hope Etz Chaim's illegally renovated Stop and desisted Kiddush basement room isn't flooded from all this rain.
4:49 PM Feb 23rd

Nothing says religious discrimination like keeping a Jew from his Kiddush!
4:49 PM Feb 23rd

ROFLMAO! This guy commenting on my blog took 7 hours to realize that my link connects to a petition AGAINST Etz Chaim of Teaneck.
11:23 PM Feb 23rd

Reward for information about who @eitzhayimtneck is. Confidentiality guaranteed. Two can play this game. My email address is on my blog.

I hate Target North Bergen. Would rather be in Bergen Town Center. Freakin' Blue Laws
Such a boring day. Anyone want to sign a petition?
12:27 PM Feb 24th

Feeling a bit homesick tonight. My country's colors are on the Empire State building.
10:23 PM Feb 23rd

RT EitzHayimTNeck Reward for information about who macdmusings.blogspot.com is. Confidentiality guaranteed.
1:13 PM Feb 24th

@EitzHayimTNeck Any luck with that?
1:13 PM Feb 24th

104.3 dedication to Etz Chaim of Teaneck - I Don't Wanna Go Down To The Basement by the Ramones. Don't sweat, Joey Ramone was a Yid.
5:08 PM Feb 24th

Hey Romeo There's somethin illegals been done down there I don't wanna go down to the basement. Who knew that song would be so relevant now.
5:08 PM Feb 24th

@EitzHayimTNeck My email address works fine. Stop discriminating against me because I'm Scottish. I have freedoms too you antiscottites!
6:07 PM Feb 24th in reply to EitzHayimTNeck

@NiceJewishGirl They have to rotate the stock because a good shovel can spoil if its not stored correctly or they don't like making money.
9:40 PM Feb 24th in reply to NiceJewishGirl

Extreme haredi group offers to import Nazi, Inquisition costumes - http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3854027,00.html
11:13 AM Feb 25th

Too busy to pick up a costume? Run out of fresh ideas? Here's one - Neturei Karta: IDF Purim costumes worse than Nazi uniforms:
11:14 AM Feb 25th

If you order now, it will get to you by Purim Eve. Free shipping with all orders over $200.
11:14 AM Feb 25th

@eitzhayimtneck Thank you for the invite to CareOne for Purim. Sorry, but I can't make it. Will you be able to make a minyan without me?
8:12 PM Feb 25th

@eitzhayimtneck Kol Hazeman HaNer Doleck Efshar LeTaken
11:19 PM Feb 25th

How does Rabbi Feldman feel about Etz Chaim's hillul Hashem towards their neighbors & Teaneck Township?
9:13 AM Feb 26th

Or antisemitic backlash regarding their petition? READ http://www.cross-currents.com/archives/2009/07/28/the-three-faces-of-eichah/
9:13 AM Feb 26th

ANTISEMITIC BACKLASH TO Etz Chaim of Teaneck PETITION? http://macdmusings.blogspot.com/2010/02/anti-semitic-backlash-to-etz-chaim.html
9:49 AM Feb 26th

Updated, revised and packed with more information and fortified with Rabbi Daniel Feldman's thoughts on the situation.
9:51 AM Feb 26th

To all the haters, stop being anti Scottites. Check out macdmusings.blogspot.com especially if you are from Teaneck.
2:13 PM Feb 26th

Dug out, drove to synagogue and enjoyed a nice lunch with friends. Megillah was nice tonight. Death to the Amalekites.
10:44 PM Feb 27th via mobile web

@EitzHayimTNeck Was it advertised on Teaneck shuls? Hope you didn't disturb the residents who were sleeping. Leshana habaa b'554
8:19 AM Feb 28th in reply to EitzHayimTNeck

@EitzHayimTNeck No activities today? You know when the residents are awake?
9:11 AM Feb 28th in reply to EitzHayimTNeck

Gowing ta sleap awf thia alcheehall hic hic
12:27 AM Feb 28th

Your tweeting is too loud. I can't hear the megillah. Shhhhhhhhhh
7:58 AM Feb 28th via mobile web

Some people just can not see the forest from the trees.
about 21 hours ago

Enjoy your meals everyone. Chew chew chew then swallow.
about 19 hours ago

The absence of drunk drivers & size of shalach manot proves that the RCBC influences the community. Don't support the Etz Chaim petition!
about 14 hours ago

Support the Jewish people, buy Iranian. By Jewish people I mean the Neturei Karta. Um, on second thought, don't buy Iranian at all.
about 5 minutes ago


It has been a lot of fun musing on Twitter. You keep reading and I'll keep musing!

Enjoy your Shushan Purim,
Shluffenheimer MacDougal

Anti-Semitic Backlash to Etz Chaim Petition?

A serious posting, expose and plea to the Jewish Community
by Shluffenheimer MacDougal (updated at 10:45am with Rabbi Daniel Feldman's thoughts)

I saw an interesting guest posting by Rabbi Yossi Ginzberg on Harry Maryles' blog Emes Ve-Emunah. It really stood out because he calls out the apologists, who defend the behaviors of Jewish organizations and leaders solely based on the fact that they are Jewish.

HonestlyFrum, a local blogger, adds to Rabbi Ginsberg’s thoughts and ties it all together very neatly in his posting Ad Masi. He writes:
Yeshiva Machane Israel computer smashing ceremony) tops off an embarrassing week for our people. Harry had a guest post up yesterday which summarized this past week, I was both fascinated and ashamed all at the same time:
"I have to ask, after this week of non-stop Frum scandalous news, where are they?
*Where's the response to the Tzaddik's funeral accorded Grossman?
*Where's the response to the Balkany blackmail tumult?
*Where's the response to an Aguna finally being freed, after 48 YEARS?!?
*Where's the response to the frum developer that was convicted of taking $18 million from other Frum Jews?
*Where's the response to the "kabbalist" that is under indictment for scamming desperate people of large amounts?

And all this IN ONE WEEK!!"
The week started out with a bang with all major Orthodox Organizations gathering together to plead for the life of a murderer, and it ended with a bang with the arrest (once again) of Milton Balkany (brother in law of Sholom Rubashkin). The guest poster also missed a few:
*Rav Motti Elon being called out, once again, for his inappropriate, abusive and criminal behavior.
*A Lubavitch "shaliach" being arrested for serving alcohol to minors after one of said minors ended up in the hospital.

I am sure I am missing a few, but the question must be asked from right to left to center, what has happened to our value system and moral compass if our community continues to be plagued by scandal after scandal, many emanating from supposed community leaders like in the cases of Balkany and Elon?

I agree with honestlyfrum. Since when did being Jewish take precedence over morality and common decency? Im ein derech eretz ein Torah. You are supposed to respect and follow the laws of the land you live in. We used to be known for that. G-d's chosen people. What kind of lesson is it for our children to see Jews guilty of breaking American Laws and instead of seeking true justice, our Rabbinical Leaders support the wrongdoers solely because they are Jewish. We are teaching them that it is ok to break the law because they will be protected by the Jewish Community at large. This is the perception of the general population of the USA and the root of the coming wave of Anti-Semitism in America.

How does this effect us in Teaneck?

554QueenAnne,Inc. DBA: Etz Chaim of Teaneck or known outside of the corner of Van Buren and Queen Anne Rd solely as Rabbi Feldman's Shul is sending an email around Teaneck containing a petition asking for support for their zoning approval. The subject of the email is: Please help ETZ CHAIM send a message to Township Officials, in SUPPORT of RELIGOUS FREEDOMS. Etz Chaim of Teaneck claims that the reason why it is having difficulty getting it's zoning approval is because it is a victim of religious discrimination.

Instead of applying for the proper zoning permits to create a synagogue, Etz Chaim applied to build a giant "family room" and got permission to build. As soon as construction was completed it was immediately placed in use for religious services. The surrounding neighbors (Jews and non-Jews) sent a statement to the Teaneck Construction Official and Zoning Officer, with copies to the Township Manager, the Township Council and the Board of Adjustment. It included much of the history of the events leading up to the building of the "family room" and provided evidence that the intention was to use it as a house of worship as well as pictures showing it used as a house of worship. This followed discovery of additional work performed without permits including the renovation of the basement. The town responded with an order to stop using the new "family room" as a house of worship and outlining an appeal process: Etz Chaim appealed.

Etz Chaim was given a cease and desist from using the fraudulently constructed "family room" and they were not stopped from holding services or using any other part of the house. In fact, services have not stopped in the newly constructed family room at all! Their religious freedoms were not taken away. It is easier for them to cry discrimination than to admit they made a mistake and are repentant. Etz Chaim of Teaneck tried to circumvent the laws and rules of the Township of Teaneck and are upset because they were caught.

Where is the moral compass, the Rabbi of Etz Chaim, through all this? Rabbi Daniel Feldman has the power to guide his constituents and help them do hayashar vehatov.

If they actually use this petition, will there be a backlash against the Jews of Teaneck?

The Jewish Week's Assistant Managing Editor Adam Dicker reports in this week's edition that :“No one knows when the tipping point will come — if it hasn’t already been reached — that people will simply conclude that Orthodox Jews are just generally more likely to have a general disrespect for government and to engage in shady practices,” Helmreich said. (a professor of sociology at City College and director of the Center for Jewish Studies at Queens College.) Helmreich said that given the emphasis on morality in Orthodox life, the standard should be higher. “If you claim the moral high ground, you must be better, not just not be worse.

"Mitchell Moss, director of the Center for Urban Policy at New York University, said the perception of corruption in the Orthodox establishment could make politicians “more alert as to whom they are dealing with. The problem is that what we are seeing may not be new, but it means they are being caught. We are discovering that spiritual values can mask criminal behavior.” Moss said that despite what should be the public presumption that the misdeeds of a few are not representative of an entire community, the Orthodox community has to demonstrate that it is policing itself.
“The Orthodox community has to be alert to the behavior of its rabbis, because the rabbis are now really undermining the community. A handful of crooked rabbis can undermine the legitimacy of the vast majority of observant and law-abiding, ethical rabbis.” "So it’s essential for the Orthodox rabbinical organizations to monitor their own members, but the problem is they don’t. It’s a highly decentralized, autonomous system.”

This blogger is scared that if Etz Chaim actually uses this petition it is going to cause a huge backlash of Anti-Semitism towards the Jews who live in Teaneck. Etz Chaim did not follow the proper procedures of the Township of Teaneck and the Township is enforcing the laws. Etz Chaim of Teaneck is not being discriminated against for being Jewish or for holding religious services. In fact, Etz Chaim still holds services at 554 Queen Anne Rd every single Sabbath and Jewish Holiday (except Purim). Etz Chaim finds itself in this predicament because it tried to circumvent the laws and got caught. Anyone of any religion, race or creed that follows Etz Chaim's path would be in the same situation. Using this petition will perpetuate the feeling of the non-Jewish residents of Teaneck that the Jews in Teaneck, especially the Orthodox ones, act as if they are above the law. It will further drive a wedge between the Jews and Non-Jews in Teaneck.

What does Rabbi Daniel Z. Feldman say about prominent community leaders who cause publicized hillul Hashems, criminal or civil, when they had a chance to make a grand kiddush Hashem?
On July 28, 2009, Rabbi Daniel Feldman wrote an article in Cross Currents in response to the Jewish scandals of this past summer.
It has been an awful week for the Jewish people an awfulness compounded and aggravated by the fact that what has happened is known to anyone on the planet with a newspaper, a radio or an internet connection. It is further exacerbated by the fact that the events of this past week, while extreme, are certainly not the only causes of embarrassment in the eyes of the world that the Jewish community has suffered recently.

While many facts are not yet known, and we can certainly hope and pray that the truth will prove to be less egregious than it seems, it is undeniable that, in the aggregate, we of the Jewish community have been given an overwhelming call to introspection and self-assessment, as in any case is called for with particular urgency as we approach Tishah B’Av.

The article is a very good read and well worth taking the time to click on the link and read the entire article. Rabbi Feldman makes a lot of great points.
He concludes: The experience of Tishah B’Av requires the knowledge and belief that redemption and rebirth remains not only a possibility, but a necessity. We are promised that there will be a geulah. At the same time, as the Semag reminds us (mitzvas aseh 73), the redemption can only happen when it is clear in the eyes of the world that the Jewish people are obvious symbols of morality and rectitude. As such, the two statements taken together can only mean that there continues to be a potential for the Jewis people to assert that theme. It means that every time there is an instance of chilul Hashem, there is the possibility for us, individually and collectively, to create a Kiddush Hashem of such proportions that it overwhelms and dominates the narrative. As challenging as that may be, it becomes the central mission, one of overwhelming urgency and moment. It has been an awful week, and an awful few months, and that places growing obligation on us to change the direction. To do so, we must combat complacency with both introspection and outrage; we must combat anxiety with faith in G- d; and we must combat despair with renewed belief in and commitment to our Divine mission. In doing so, may we come sooner rather that later to the time when we shall know no more crying.

It appears that Rabbi Feldman and I were in agreement in the summer of 2009. Well, at least in words. Since then, Rabbi Feldman has yet to assert himself as the mara d'atra and moral beacon of Etz Chaim of Teaneck or rein in Robert Erlich and to do everything in his power to take this situation and turn it into a massive and grand Kiddush Hashem.

The apologists, who defend the behaviors of Jewish organizations and leaders solely based on the fact that they are Jewish are going to sign this petition without any concern for the fallout in the community. It is time for the Rabbis of the RCBC to stand up and hold their moral ground and not blindly support one of their own.

This isn't a Jewish Issue, it is a Secular Issue. Don't let Etz Chaim of Teaneck hide their wrongdoing behind the guise of Religious Discrimination. Don't foster ill will towards Jews in the community. All of us will be caught in the backlash.

Please do not sign the Etz Chaim petition.
This is your chance to turn a hillul Hashem into a massive Kiddush Hashem.
The ramifications are far greater than you realize.