Courtesy of the Jewish Standard: Etz Chaim Lawsuit Alleges Teaneck Violated Shul's Constitutional Rights
I commented on the latest Jewish Standard gem of hard hitting unbiased journalism.
The comment is currently "up".
Mr. Lipowsky, you have written and researched a few news articles on Etz Chaim for the Jewish Standard. This is a well spun and a well sanitized piece. Etz Chaim wasn't pressured into the BOA's stipulations. Robert Erlich and Rabbi Daniel Feldman told Daniel Santacruz as reported by the Jewish Sandard as early as 8/28/2008 that all they want is exactly what the BOA granted Etz Chaim.
This isn't a case of restricted Religious Freedoms. Its all about strong arming Teaneck under the guise of discrimination to bypass the appeals process and opposition from the neighbors.
Its just another instance of Etz Chaim of Teaneck attempting to circumvent the rules. Magically Shaarei Orah, Beth Aaron and Rinat Yisrael had no issues following Township rules and waiting to get approval through proper channels.
Showing posts with label Blogging. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blogging. Show all posts
Friday, January 14, 2011
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Under Pressure?????
Mazal tov to Etz Chaim of Teaneck for giving into macdmusings' pressure and for finally making the correct decision and cosponsoring the Yom HaZikaron/Yom HaAtzmaut program at Keter Torah along with the rest of Teaneck's Orthodox Community.
Mazal tov on acknowledging that you are a Shul and a Synagogue.
You should take more of Uncle Shluffy's sensible advice and make things right with your neighbors. Its still Nissan, our New Year as a Jewish Nation, start out the New Year the right way with a big Kiddush Hashem.
Mazal tov on acknowledging that you are a Shul and a Synagogue.
You should take more of Uncle Shluffy's sensible advice and make things right with your neighbors. Its still Nissan, our New Year as a Jewish Nation, start out the New Year the right way with a big Kiddush Hashem.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Guest Posting: Goodbye Letter
by TiredOfTruthiness
For those of you still on the fence about whether or not Rabbi Feldman and his Etz Chaim congregants premeditated their leave from the Center to create a minyan without the members of the Mechitzah Minyan, here are some excerpts from Rabbi Feldman’s goodbye letter to the Board of the Jewish Center of Teaneck.
April 18, 2007
Rabbi Feldman explains his credentials to people who still look at him as little Daniel while taking a jab at the Board that would have loved to pay him for his services:
It must be understood that accepting this position was in no way in my professional interest, nor did I have reason to believe it would be. I was not seeking employment, nor was I in any way bored. While many in the Center remember me as a child growing up within its walls, it appears to be necessary to point out that I am no longer a child. I have what amounts to three rabbinic degrees, I have written four books, co-edited another six, and sit on the panel that sets halachic policy for the Rabbinical Council of America. I have been a faculty member at Yeshiva University since before I completed my studies there, and I serve there as well in the capacity of resource director and consultant for rabbis across the US and beyond. While the Jewish Center may not feel it is worth paying to have me speak, more than sixty synagogues and organizations in five countries have felt differently. I work three jobs to support my family, and those three together require less time, effort, and emotion than has my unpaid position with the Jewish Center.
Rabbi Feldman refused to be hired as an employee of the Center. He could have been paid as a Assistant or Associate Rabbi to Rabbi Zierler:
In accepting this position, I knowingly sacrificed the status, stability, respect, and financial compensation that would come from any normal position I could have taken elsewhere. (Even had the committed stipends been paid, it would have been a fraction of what I would have earned in any other role). I accepted this position because I believed that I could provide a service to the shul that my parents lovingly served for decades, and continue to serve with selfless devotion, and I believed I could honor them as well with such service. I accepted because I had so much love, affection, and respect for the members of the Center I grew up knowing. I accepted because I believed in the potential for the Center to go from past strength to future strength, as a truly unique model of the best the Jewish people can bring together.
The Mechitzah Minyan had been in existence for 2-3 years, years!, before Rabbi Feldman sat in front of the multipurpose room in the Schechter Space:
And for a while, that potential was on its way to being realized. A truly remarkable group of people assembled over a relatively short period of time, and formed a minyan with whom it has been a profound honor to associate. The minyan quickly earned a glowing reputation throughout the Teaneck community and way beyond.
This truly remarkable group of people assembled over a relatively short period of time couldn’t possibly be talking about the members that were there when Rabbi Feldman arrived. The only group that assembled in a short period of time were the Arzei Refugees.
For all of you who were unhappy with the merger with the Teaneck Shul/Shtibul because of their want and need to destroy Arzei Darom, it is important to reread the first sentence of this paragraph. Etz Chaim’s structure was created to undermine and to hurt Arzei Darom and Rabbi Ciment:
It is important to emphasize that I would never participate in any structure that would undermine the hired rabbi of any shul.The complicated situation in the Center could only have worked in one of two ways. One way is a prearranged dual rabbi structure, which is what I was being told was the plan during the earlier phases of the rabbinic search. If that was no longer to be the plan, as indeed it was not when Rabbi Zierler was hired, the only other way it could work is through the rabbi himself agreeing to and allowing such a structure. To that end, I tried extremely hard to meet with Rabbi Zierler before his arrival to discuss it with him, and was at one point prepared to go to Israel to do so. I was under the impression that the RCBC letter was written with Rabbi Zierler’s participation and consent. Were that not to be the case, I would not have stayed. Now that it is clear that Rabbi Zierler is not comfortable with that arrangement, I would not want to cooperate in any plan that will undermine his authority.
I am putting my eye on Rabbi Feldman calling the Arzei people phenomenal again:
It is sadly ironic that one year ago this week, Rabbi Zierler visited the Center for his second shabbos, and spoke about the linguistic connection between the Hebrew words “nega”, affliction, and “oneg”, pleasure. The two words are spelled the same, but for the placement of the letter “ayin”, which is also the Hebrew word for “eye”. Thus, the difference between suffering and celebrating is where one places the eye, with what perspective one chooses to assess the situation. The fact that a group of people so phenomenal can be subjected to such undeserved negativity is evidence that we have missed the message of Rabbi Zierler’s words.
However, I pray that my place will always be with those whose fault lies in that their dreams are too big and too noble, and not with those who stumble for meanness of spirit and limitation of vision.
Reading the Jerusalem Post, Bergen Record, Suburbanite, Blogs, Vos Is Neias, court transcripts, BOA transcripts and other PUBLIC news sources, I have to say Rabbi Feldman’s prayers have not been answered.
Finally, I extend my profound apologies to Rabbi Zierler for all he has gone through with this matter. There is no denying he has been put into a very difficult position. He is a man of great talent, vision, and commitment, and I wish him only success as he works to bring the Center to the next level. He has done much, in a short time, to enhance the shul and I look forward to hearing about his progress.
Rabbi Zierler is bringing the Center to the next level.
The first thing I said to Rabbi Zierler, during our first meeting, was that our minyan supports him fully and can be his best friend. I continue to believe this could have been the case, and I regret that circumstances went in the direction that they did. Nonetheless, we recognize, as we always have, Rabbi Zierler’s right and responsibility to take the congregation in the direction he sees to be the best.
What congregation did you leave behind for Rabbi Zierler? Rabbi Feldman took everyone with him. The mantra at the time was that everyone has freewill and they left on their own, but Rabbi Feldman's letter shut everyone out of the Center.
Mechitzah Minyan members, this is the paragraph that foreshadowed your abandonment and cold shoulder from Rabbi Feldman and the Arzei Refugees:
I have turned down a number of extremely tempting job offers over the past few years. Among other reasons, I was unwilling to part ways with the extraordinary group that had been formed here. Now, I am gratified to see that a number of different opportunities have materialized both for myself and the minayn, that will allow both a more normal professional structure and my continued association with this remarkable chevra.
CareOne? Chadwick? Nope – Van Buren and a merger with The Teaneck Shul/Shtibul led by Elliot Frome, Zalman Levine and Allan Cohen (a.k.a. – The Remarkable Chevra). They are all part of the group Rabbi Feldman leads today.
You read the comments on the blogs and you read Etz Chaim’s supporters write that everyone who is not part of their Shul should just move on. Its easy for them to say. I am embarrassed when people ask me if I still go to Rabbi Feldman’s minyan. They move from controversy to controversy. Their actions do not represent any of the people they left behind. Etz Chaim should do their share to make it easier for all of us to move on, by making peace with their neighbors and the township. Only then we will all truly know shalom.
by TiredOfTruthiness
For those of you still on the fence about whether or not Rabbi Feldman and his Etz Chaim congregants premeditated their leave from the Center to create a minyan without the members of the Mechitzah Minyan, here are some excerpts from Rabbi Feldman’s goodbye letter to the Board of the Jewish Center of Teaneck.
April 18, 2007
Rabbi Feldman explains his credentials to people who still look at him as little Daniel while taking a jab at the Board that would have loved to pay him for his services:
It must be understood that accepting this position was in no way in my professional interest, nor did I have reason to believe it would be. I was not seeking employment, nor was I in any way bored. While many in the Center remember me as a child growing up within its walls, it appears to be necessary to point out that I am no longer a child. I have what amounts to three rabbinic degrees, I have written four books, co-edited another six, and sit on the panel that sets halachic policy for the Rabbinical Council of America. I have been a faculty member at Yeshiva University since before I completed my studies there, and I serve there as well in the capacity of resource director and consultant for rabbis across the US and beyond. While the Jewish Center may not feel it is worth paying to have me speak, more than sixty synagogues and organizations in five countries have felt differently. I work three jobs to support my family, and those three together require less time, effort, and emotion than has my unpaid position with the Jewish Center.
Rabbi Feldman refused to be hired as an employee of the Center. He could have been paid as a Assistant or Associate Rabbi to Rabbi Zierler:
In accepting this position, I knowingly sacrificed the status, stability, respect, and financial compensation that would come from any normal position I could have taken elsewhere. (Even had the committed stipends been paid, it would have been a fraction of what I would have earned in any other role). I accepted this position because I believed that I could provide a service to the shul that my parents lovingly served for decades, and continue to serve with selfless devotion, and I believed I could honor them as well with such service. I accepted because I had so much love, affection, and respect for the members of the Center I grew up knowing. I accepted because I believed in the potential for the Center to go from past strength to future strength, as a truly unique model of the best the Jewish people can bring together.
The Mechitzah Minyan had been in existence for 2-3 years, years!, before Rabbi Feldman sat in front of the multipurpose room in the Schechter Space:
And for a while, that potential was on its way to being realized. A truly remarkable group of people assembled over a relatively short period of time, and formed a minyan with whom it has been a profound honor to associate. The minyan quickly earned a glowing reputation throughout the Teaneck community and way beyond.
This truly remarkable group of people assembled over a relatively short period of time couldn’t possibly be talking about the members that were there when Rabbi Feldman arrived. The only group that assembled in a short period of time were the Arzei Refugees.
For all of you who were unhappy with the merger with the Teaneck Shul/Shtibul because of their want and need to destroy Arzei Darom, it is important to reread the first sentence of this paragraph. Etz Chaim’s structure was created to undermine and to hurt Arzei Darom and Rabbi Ciment:
It is important to emphasize that I would never participate in any structure that would undermine the hired rabbi of any shul.The complicated situation in the Center could only have worked in one of two ways. One way is a prearranged dual rabbi structure, which is what I was being told was the plan during the earlier phases of the rabbinic search. If that was no longer to be the plan, as indeed it was not when Rabbi Zierler was hired, the only other way it could work is through the rabbi himself agreeing to and allowing such a structure. To that end, I tried extremely hard to meet with Rabbi Zierler before his arrival to discuss it with him, and was at one point prepared to go to Israel to do so. I was under the impression that the RCBC letter was written with Rabbi Zierler’s participation and consent. Were that not to be the case, I would not have stayed. Now that it is clear that Rabbi Zierler is not comfortable with that arrangement, I would not want to cooperate in any plan that will undermine his authority.
I am putting my eye on Rabbi Feldman calling the Arzei people phenomenal again:
It is sadly ironic that one year ago this week, Rabbi Zierler visited the Center for his second shabbos, and spoke about the linguistic connection between the Hebrew words “nega”, affliction, and “oneg”, pleasure. The two words are spelled the same, but for the placement of the letter “ayin”, which is also the Hebrew word for “eye”. Thus, the difference between suffering and celebrating is where one places the eye, with what perspective one chooses to assess the situation. The fact that a group of people so phenomenal can be subjected to such undeserved negativity is evidence that we have missed the message of Rabbi Zierler’s words.
However, I pray that my place will always be with those whose fault lies in that their dreams are too big and too noble, and not with those who stumble for meanness of spirit and limitation of vision.
Reading the Jerusalem Post, Bergen Record, Suburbanite, Blogs, Vos Is Neias, court transcripts, BOA transcripts and other PUBLIC news sources, I have to say Rabbi Feldman’s prayers have not been answered.
Finally, I extend my profound apologies to Rabbi Zierler for all he has gone through with this matter. There is no denying he has been put into a very difficult position. He is a man of great talent, vision, and commitment, and I wish him only success as he works to bring the Center to the next level. He has done much, in a short time, to enhance the shul and I look forward to hearing about his progress.
Rabbi Zierler is bringing the Center to the next level.
The first thing I said to Rabbi Zierler, during our first meeting, was that our minyan supports him fully and can be his best friend. I continue to believe this could have been the case, and I regret that circumstances went in the direction that they did. Nonetheless, we recognize, as we always have, Rabbi Zierler’s right and responsibility to take the congregation in the direction he sees to be the best.
What congregation did you leave behind for Rabbi Zierler? Rabbi Feldman took everyone with him. The mantra at the time was that everyone has freewill and they left on their own, but Rabbi Feldman's letter shut everyone out of the Center.
Mechitzah Minyan members, this is the paragraph that foreshadowed your abandonment and cold shoulder from Rabbi Feldman and the Arzei Refugees:
I have turned down a number of extremely tempting job offers over the past few years. Among other reasons, I was unwilling to part ways with the extraordinary group that had been formed here. Now, I am gratified to see that a number of different opportunities have materialized both for myself and the minayn, that will allow both a more normal professional structure and my continued association with this remarkable chevra.
CareOne? Chadwick? Nope – Van Buren and a merger with The Teaneck Shul/Shtibul led by Elliot Frome, Zalman Levine and Allan Cohen (a.k.a. – The Remarkable Chevra). They are all part of the group Rabbi Feldman leads today.
You read the comments on the blogs and you read Etz Chaim’s supporters write that everyone who is not part of their Shul should just move on. Its easy for them to say. I am embarrassed when people ask me if I still go to Rabbi Feldman’s minyan. They move from controversy to controversy. Their actions do not represent any of the people they left behind. Etz Chaim should do their share to make it easier for all of us to move on, by making peace with their neighbors and the township. Only then we will all truly know shalom.
by TiredOfTruthiness
Monday, March 15, 2010
Power Out(r)age
I hope everyone in Bergen County is well, families are safe and everyone gets their power, clean water and cable back very soon. I want my MTV!
I am blessed that I have been given the opportunity to author this blog. There are elements in Teaneck that act and operate as if they are beyond reproach. Etz Chaim of Teaneck and Rabbi Daniel Feldman are two of those elements. Etz Chaim because they are a religious Jewish Institution being repressed and discrminated against by the evil Board of Adjustments. Rabbi Feldman because he is a public figure, a local and internationally known celebrity (one website even called him a Rosh Yeshiva at YU), a learned scholarly Rabbi with Yadin Yadin Yoreh Yoreh semikha from REITS and he writes books about ethics.
That is why this blog is so important. The pedigree should not matter. They are acting unethically and outside of the boundaries of decency and the law. This blog, macdmusings, is the only venue that is critiquing them for their actions. This is where their opponents and victims have a voice.
During the storm I checked the comments that needed moderation. There was a single comment and it was by the same negative commenter as usual. Instead of trying to guess who I am or lauding my efforts or inviting me to a Kiddush in my honor or calling me McDick or commenting on my genitalia, this time I was issued an ultimatum.
Dear Schluff: please take this as a warning, I know who you are and I am asking you nicely to stop your musings and tweeting and all of your other garbage for good. I am not really concerned sbout EC but your defaming Rabbi Feldman is going on for too long. Grow up amd move on. stop brooding about what you had at the Center. Shut it down in 48 hours or I will expose you and you will be fair game for legal action. (The sentence that was here was removed to protect the innocent person that the commenter believes is Shluffenheimer MacDougal) Again shut it down or I will tell them who you are, please stop already. grow up and move on in life. shalom
Rabbi Daniel Feldman has taken a public position in the Teaneck community. He is well known around the world and commands a nice salary to visit communities and speak. He is a public figure and public figures are held to a higher standard than you and me. He has not been defamed, he has been critiqued and criticized using pure fact or opinions based on the truth as reported by newspapers. Sometimes the critiques are based on Rabbi Feldman's own words, books or newspaper articles quoting him.
Under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, as set forth by the U.S. Supreme Court in the 1964 Case, New York Times v Sullivan, where a public figure attempts to bring an action for defamation, the public figure must prove an additional element: That the statement was made with "actual malice". In translation, that means that the person making the statement knew that they were making the statement with reckless disregard as to its truth.
The concept of the "public figure" is broader than celebrities and politicians. A person can become an "involuntary public figure" as the result of publicity even though that person did not want or invite the public attention. For example, people accused of high profile crimes may be unable to pursue actions for defamation even after their innocence is established, on the basis that the notoriety associated with the case and the accusations against them turned them into involuntary public figures.
A person can also become a "limited public figure" by engaging in actions which generate publicity within a narrow area of interest. Jokes can be made at their expense based on their actions. Like I have made here about Mr. President Robert Erlich's newspaper quotes and transcript and reported actions from the BOA hearing.
For more about defamation click here.
So here is what is going to happen.
You will tell Etz Chaim, President Erlich, Rabbi Feldman or whomever, who you think I am. They will serve the poor guy/gal and attempt to take him/her to court. Rabbi Feldman and/or Robert Erlich lose their case because they blamed an innocent person and they will point the finger at you as their informant and if they don't, I will. You will lose house and home when your victim sues you for everything you have and more. YOUR good name will be destroyed and I get the feeling your professional standing will be harmed, too.
All of this because you want to protect someone who doesn't care about you, leaves you scrambling for a minyan every Sunday because his Congregants don't show up to CareOne and his cronies who continue to badger your friends that don't toe the Etz Chaim party line or buy into the propoganda. Please stop fooling yourself. This is not your battle.
If you feel the need to be in touch with me, email me directly at macdmusings@hush.com
Please feel free to continue to comment and participate in the blog. I look forward to real arguments based on facts to prove me wrong.
Shluffenheimer MacDougal
I am blessed that I have been given the opportunity to author this blog. There are elements in Teaneck that act and operate as if they are beyond reproach. Etz Chaim of Teaneck and Rabbi Daniel Feldman are two of those elements. Etz Chaim because they are a religious Jewish Institution being repressed and discrminated against by the evil Board of Adjustments. Rabbi Feldman because he is a public figure, a local and internationally known celebrity (one website even called him a Rosh Yeshiva at YU), a learned scholarly Rabbi with Yadin Yadin Yoreh Yoreh semikha from REITS and he writes books about ethics.
That is why this blog is so important. The pedigree should not matter. They are acting unethically and outside of the boundaries of decency and the law. This blog, macdmusings, is the only venue that is critiquing them for their actions. This is where their opponents and victims have a voice.
During the storm I checked the comments that needed moderation. There was a single comment and it was by the same negative commenter as usual. Instead of trying to guess who I am or lauding my efforts or inviting me to a Kiddush in my honor or calling me McDick or commenting on my genitalia, this time I was issued an ultimatum.
Dear Schluff: please take this as a warning, I know who you are and I am asking you nicely to stop your musings and tweeting and all of your other garbage for good. I am not really concerned sbout EC but your defaming Rabbi Feldman is going on for too long. Grow up amd move on. stop brooding about what you had at the Center. Shut it down in 48 hours or I will expose you and you will be fair game for legal action. (The sentence that was here was removed to protect the innocent person that the commenter believes is Shluffenheimer MacDougal) Again shut it down or I will tell them who you are, please stop already. grow up and move on in life. shalom
Rabbi Daniel Feldman has taken a public position in the Teaneck community. He is well known around the world and commands a nice salary to visit communities and speak. He is a public figure and public figures are held to a higher standard than you and me. He has not been defamed, he has been critiqued and criticized using pure fact or opinions based on the truth as reported by newspapers. Sometimes the critiques are based on Rabbi Feldman's own words, books or newspaper articles quoting him.
Under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, as set forth by the U.S. Supreme Court in the 1964 Case, New York Times v Sullivan, where a public figure attempts to bring an action for defamation, the public figure must prove an additional element: That the statement was made with "actual malice". In translation, that means that the person making the statement knew that they were making the statement with reckless disregard as to its truth.
The concept of the "public figure" is broader than celebrities and politicians. A person can become an "involuntary public figure" as the result of publicity even though that person did not want or invite the public attention. For example, people accused of high profile crimes may be unable to pursue actions for defamation even after their innocence is established, on the basis that the notoriety associated with the case and the accusations against them turned them into involuntary public figures.
A person can also become a "limited public figure" by engaging in actions which generate publicity within a narrow area of interest. Jokes can be made at their expense based on their actions. Like I have made here about Mr. President Robert Erlich's newspaper quotes and transcript and reported actions from the BOA hearing.
For more about defamation click here.
So here is what is going to happen.
You will tell Etz Chaim, President Erlich, Rabbi Feldman or whomever, who you think I am. They will serve the poor guy/gal and attempt to take him/her to court. Rabbi Feldman and/or Robert Erlich lose their case because they blamed an innocent person and they will point the finger at you as their informant and if they don't, I will. You will lose house and home when your victim sues you for everything you have and more. YOUR good name will be destroyed and I get the feeling your professional standing will be harmed, too.
All of this because you want to protect someone who doesn't care about you, leaves you scrambling for a minyan every Sunday because his Congregants don't show up to CareOne and his cronies who continue to badger your friends that don't toe the Etz Chaim party line or buy into the propoganda. Please stop fooling yourself. This is not your battle.
If you feel the need to be in touch with me, email me directly at macdmusings@hush.com
Please feel free to continue to comment and participate in the blog. I look forward to real arguments based on facts to prove me wrong.
Shluffenheimer MacDougal
Saturday, March 13, 2010
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
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
Thursday, March 4, 2010
The Grapevine: 2010 Edition
The Jewish community is not immune to its share of controversies. There are different types of scandals and breaches of ethics that Rabbis have tried to keep quiet. They all have the same thing in common, dina d’malchusa dina (the laws of the land are the laws), and if you don’t follow them you will pay the consequences.
Historically, Rabbis have tried to keep potential Hillul Hashem out of the news and public conscience. Instead of immediately taking the opportunity to rectify the situation, whether dealing with accusations of sexual abuse, fraud, money laundering, zoning violations, etc., Rabbis waited for the proverbial “doodoo” to hit the fan before reacting. In today’s world, that means that instead of Aunt Sadie calling all of her friends to tell them the gossip on her rotary phone activating the grapevine, the news gets blasted all over the Internet, Newspapers, TV, Radio and Blogosphere and damage control becomes near impossible. Instead of taking the initial opportunity to rectify the problems ourselves and create a Kiddush Hashem by showing the world that we are an or lagoyim, a beacon of righteousness for all the nations of the world, the situation becomes a huge Hillul Hashem.
Rabbi Feldman wrote in a July 28, 2009 article in Cross Currentsthat 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. Is Rabbi Feldman really saying that its better for controversies to stay within the boundaries of the Jewish Community and they shouldn’t be known to the “outside world”?
What about his situation at Etz Chaim Vs. The Township of Teaneck? Once Etz Chaim filed that the Shul addition was really a family room, it forced the Township and neighbors to get involved, more so than if Etz Chaim would have filed for the appropriate zoning. Based on the history of the house next door to Etz Chaim and 554 Queen Anne Road, they kicked over the hornets nest as soon as they started praying there. Now Etz Chaim, Rabbi Feldman and Robert Erlich are all over the Internet, Newspapers and Blogosphere and portrayed in a negative way.
Etz Chaim is in prelitigation with the Rutherford Institute preparing for a case against the Township of Teaneck, and is collecting signatures for a petition and claiming that it is being discriminated against because it is a Jewish Synagogue. Etz Chaim is trying to turn a small containable situation into a huge one that has immediate ramifications for all the Jews of Teaneck. Rabbi Feldman, Robert Erlich or any of the Etz Chaim leadership could have rectified the situation with the Township and neighbors by admitting that Etz Chaim made a mistake by not originally filing for the proper zoning. Maybe other Community Rabbis in Teaneck can get involved to help Etz Chaim see how its actions are affecting all the Jews of Teaneck.
There is still a great chance to turn this Hillul Hashem into a great Kiddush Hashem. Rabbi Feldman the ball is in your court!
Historically, Rabbis have tried to keep potential Hillul Hashem out of the news and public conscience. Instead of immediately taking the opportunity to rectify the situation, whether dealing with accusations of sexual abuse, fraud, money laundering, zoning violations, etc., Rabbis waited for the proverbial “doodoo” to hit the fan before reacting. In today’s world, that means that instead of Aunt Sadie calling all of her friends to tell them the gossip on her rotary phone activating the grapevine, the news gets blasted all over the Internet, Newspapers, TV, Radio and Blogosphere and damage control becomes near impossible. Instead of taking the initial opportunity to rectify the problems ourselves and create a Kiddush Hashem by showing the world that we are an or lagoyim, a beacon of righteousness for all the nations of the world, the situation becomes a huge Hillul Hashem.
Rabbi Feldman wrote in a July 28, 2009 article in Cross Currentsthat 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. Is Rabbi Feldman really saying that its better for controversies to stay within the boundaries of the Jewish Community and they shouldn’t be known to the “outside world”?
What about his situation at Etz Chaim Vs. The Township of Teaneck? Once Etz Chaim filed that the Shul addition was really a family room, it forced the Township and neighbors to get involved, more so than if Etz Chaim would have filed for the appropriate zoning. Based on the history of the house next door to Etz Chaim and 554 Queen Anne Road, they kicked over the hornets nest as soon as they started praying there. Now Etz Chaim, Rabbi Feldman and Robert Erlich are all over the Internet, Newspapers and Blogosphere and portrayed in a negative way.
Etz Chaim is in prelitigation with the Rutherford Institute preparing for a case against the Township of Teaneck, and is collecting signatures for a petition and claiming that it is being discriminated against because it is a Jewish Synagogue. Etz Chaim is trying to turn a small containable situation into a huge one that has immediate ramifications for all the Jews of Teaneck. Rabbi Feldman, Robert Erlich or any of the Etz Chaim leadership could have rectified the situation with the Township and neighbors by admitting that Etz Chaim made a mistake by not originally filing for the proper zoning. Maybe other Community Rabbis in Teaneck can get involved to help Etz Chaim see how its actions are affecting all the Jews of Teaneck.
There is still a great chance to turn this Hillul Hashem into a great Kiddush Hashem. Rabbi Feldman the ball is in your court!
Monday, March 1, 2010
A Guide to MacDMusings the Blog
You can find all of these postings in the archives on the right side of the blog. Enjoy!
Shluffenheimer MacDougal
Welcome
Thank You!
Rockin' Robin
Blog Disclaimer
Everything You Wanted To Know About MacDougal But ...
Best of MacDMusings on Twitter
Agunah Crisis
Agunah Crisis
Special Message from Dr. Levine
Etz Chaim of Teaneck:
Humor
Hiddur Minyan?
Parking Solutions
How I Met Your Method
Famous Typos
Parking Solutions (Part 2)
FeldBlind
Word Association Game
Satire
What About Bob?
Praise and Sing No More?
Serious
Etz Chaim of Teaneck: Modern Day Robin Hoods?
A Selfish Mitzvah
Where's The Beef?
Charity Begins at Home
The Real Etz Chaim of Teaneck Petition
Anti-Semitic Backlash to Etz Chaim Petition?
Jewish Center of Teaneck
You CAN go home again
Teaneck/Bergen County
Tonight's Gonna Be A Good Night!
Blue Law Blues
Shluffenheimer MacDougal
Welcome
Thank You!
Rockin' Robin
Blog Disclaimer
Everything You Wanted To Know About MacDougal But ...
Best of MacDMusings on Twitter
Agunah Crisis
Agunah Crisis
Special Message from Dr. Levine
Etz Chaim of Teaneck:
Humor
Hiddur Minyan?
Parking Solutions
How I Met Your Method
Famous Typos
Parking Solutions (Part 2)
FeldBlind
Word Association Game
Satire
What About Bob?
Praise and Sing No More?
Serious
Etz Chaim of Teaneck: Modern Day Robin Hoods?
A Selfish Mitzvah
Where's The Beef?
Charity Begins at Home
The Real Etz Chaim of Teaneck Petition
Anti-Semitic Backlash to Etz Chaim Petition?
Jewish Center of Teaneck
You CAN go home again
Teaneck/Bergen County
Tonight's Gonna Be A Good Night!
Blue Law Blues
Friday, February 19, 2010
Blog Disclaimer
The information in this weblog is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.
This weblog does not represent the thoughts intentions, plans or strategies of anyone but me. It is solely my opinion. Feel free to challenge me or disagree with me. This weblog is intended to provide a semi- permanent point in time snapshot and manifestation of the various memes running around my brain.
I reserve the right to delete any comment for any reason whatsoever (abusive, profane, rude, or anonymous comments) - so keep it polite and stay on topic please. Be aware that all comments will be subject to moderation.
Enjoy and happy blogging.
- Adapted fromScottD Musings and Alex Barnett's Blog
This weblog does not represent the thoughts intentions, plans or strategies of anyone but me. It is solely my opinion. Feel free to challenge me or disagree with me. This weblog is intended to provide a semi- permanent point in time snapshot and manifestation of the various memes running around my brain.I reserve the right to delete any comment for any reason whatsoever (abusive, profane, rude, or anonymous comments) - so keep it polite and stay on topic please. Be aware that all comments will be subject to moderation.
Enjoy and happy blogging.
- Adapted fromScottD Musings and Alex Barnett's Blog
Friday, February 12, 2010
Rockin' Robin
Can't get enough Shluffenheimer MacDougal?
Too long of a wait between musings?
Good News!
Macdmusings is now on Twitter!
You can follow him tweet tweet tweet at
http://twitter.com/macdmusings
Let's Rock and Roll all day long.
Too long of a wait between musings?
Good News!
Macdmusings is now on Twitter!
You can follow him tweet tweet tweet at
http://twitter.com/macdmusings
Let's Rock and Roll all day long.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Thank You!
This blog has been open for a little over a month and these are the site stats -
VISITS
Total 1,161
Average Per Day 57
Average Visit Length 3:42
Last Hour 3
Today 47
This Week 402
PAGE VIEWS
Total 2,557
Average Per Day 107
Average Per Visit 1.9
Last Hour 4
Today 94
This Week 747
I couldn't have done it without you, the readers. So thank you for your support!
I have set up a special email account so we can be in touch. The mail service fiters the emails so you can't see my email address or IP address and if you send an anonymous email, I will not be able to see your IP address. Feel free to contact me anytime.
If you have an article you would like me to post about everything and anything regarding issues in Bergen County, feel free to email that too. Don't forget to give yourself a snappy nickname.
All the best,
Shluffenheimer MacDougal
VISITS
Total 1,161
Average Per Day 57
Average Visit Length 3:42
Last Hour 3
Today 47
This Week 402
PAGE VIEWS
Total 2,557
Average Per Day 107
Average Per Visit 1.9
Last Hour 4
Today 94
This Week 747
I couldn't have done it without you, the readers. So thank you for your support!
I have set up a special email account so we can be in touch. The mail service fiters the emails so you can't see my email address or IP address and if you send an anonymous email, I will not be able to see your IP address. Feel free to contact me anytime.
If you have an article you would like me to post about everything and anything regarding issues in Bergen County, feel free to email that too. Don't forget to give yourself a snappy nickname.
All the best,
Shluffenheimer MacDougal
Monday, February 1, 2010
Charity Begins at Home
This email was forwarded to me today:
[TeaneckShuls] Rabbi Daniel Feldman Shiur TONIGHT
From: drlustiger
To: TeaneckShuls@yahoogroups.com
Date: Mon Feb 01 08:21:43 2010
Rabbi Daniel Feldman will deliver a shiur TONIGHT at Cong. Beth Aaron at 8:45 PM on the topic "Lashon Hara on Matters of Public Knowledge". All are invited.
Why isn't this shiur in Etz Chaim of Teaneck at 554 Queen Anne Rd?
If Rabbi Feldman's own congregants don't listen to him as evidenced on other blogs within the blogosphere, why should anyone else?
In short - If your synagogue goers don't follow your opinions or advice and you can't take care of these issues internally with your supporters, why even bother bringing your Torah and lessons to Beth Aaron.
If you can't preach to your choir, then Rabbi Feldman, you have a huge problem on your hands.
[TeaneckShuls] Rabbi Daniel Feldman Shiur TONIGHT
From: drlustiger
To: TeaneckShuls@yahoogroups.com
Date: Mon Feb 01 08:21:43 2010
Rabbi Daniel Feldman will deliver a shiur TONIGHT at Cong. Beth Aaron at 8:45 PM on the topic "Lashon Hara on Matters of Public Knowledge". All are invited.
Why isn't this shiur in Etz Chaim of Teaneck at 554 Queen Anne Rd?
If Rabbi Feldman's own congregants don't listen to him as evidenced on other blogs within the blogosphere, why should anyone else?
In short - If your synagogue goers don't follow your opinions or advice and you can't take care of these issues internally with your supporters, why even bother bringing your Torah and lessons to Beth Aaron.
If you can't preach to your choir, then Rabbi Feldman, you have a huge problem on your hands.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Where's The Beef?
I was asked the following on another blog:
macdmusings whoever you are you seem to angry at Etz Chaim but not about the neighborhood stuff. What's your beef?
My response was:
My "beef" is that Etz Chaim, instead of showing remorse for their actions and trying to build bridges, are dragging orthodoxy through the dirt in Teaneck.
Be genuinely humble, reach out to the neighbors in a real open way, drop Robert Erlich as president and lose the connection to Mr. Guralnik on all levels (the alleged non-denier of writing the Betty Gable letters). If Etz Chaim does that, for real, I can realistically see things calm down. They need to change Teaneck's perception of them
And the response to this posting will be, "You obviously don't know anyone within EC, and I can't imagine you have actually tried to talk to any of them one on one."
That's why I blame the leadership. They control the strategies, plans and tone of the of Etz Chaim's actions, not the average minyan goer.
Where is Rabbi Feldman and what is his role in leading Etz Chaim? I am sure if he was truly in charge this wouldn't be happening.
What do you, the reader, think or feel about my answer? Do you agree?
Be blunt!
macdmusings whoever you are you seem to angry at Etz Chaim but not about the neighborhood stuff. What's your beef?
My response was:
My "beef" is that Etz Chaim, instead of showing remorse for their actions and trying to build bridges, are dragging orthodoxy through the dirt in Teaneck.
Be genuinely humble, reach out to the neighbors in a real open way, drop Robert Erlich as president and lose the connection to Mr. Guralnik on all levels (the alleged non-denier of writing the Betty Gable letters). If Etz Chaim does that, for real, I can realistically see things calm down. They need to change Teaneck's perception of them
And the response to this posting will be, "You obviously don't know anyone within EC, and I can't imagine you have actually tried to talk to any of them one on one."
That's why I blame the leadership. They control the strategies, plans and tone of the of Etz Chaim's actions, not the average minyan goer.
Where is Rabbi Feldman and what is his role in leading Etz Chaim? I am sure if he was truly in charge this wouldn't be happening.
What do you, the reader, think or feel about my answer? Do you agree?
Be blunt!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Welcome
I have to start somewhere, so I guess an introduction is the best way to begin.
My name is Shluffenheimer MacDougal. I grew up in the Highlands just outside of a distillery.
I was born a month overdue and my mummy wouldn't stop screaming at night from the pain I had caused her from my kicking and sitting on her bladder, all the way to my eventual naturally birth. There was no time to get my mum the proper anesthetic to ease her pain. They named me Shluffenheimer because everyone in the house was finally able to get sleep after my birth.
I have made my home in Bergen County, NJ and I read all of local papers. Teaneck in particular interests me, especially the Blogs. I look forward to your answers and comments. Please keep the conversation constructive. I appreciate candor and truth. Alternative opinions to my own are respectfully accepted.
I will moderate based on violating these basic parameters. If you can't abide by them, please move on.
Have fun,
Shluffenheimer MacDougal
Updated 2/19/2010
The information in this weblog is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.
This weblog does not represent the thoughts intentions, plans or strategies of anyone but me. It is solely my opinion. Feel free to challenge me or disagree with me. This weblog is intended to provide a semi- permanent point in time snapshot and manifestation of the various memes running around my brain.
I reserve the right to delete any comment for any reason whatsoever (abusive profane, rude, or anonymous comments) - so keep it polite and stay on topic please. Be aware that all comments on postings over 3 days old will be subject to moderation.
Enjoy and happy blogging.
- Adapted fromScottD Musings and Alex Barnett's Blog
My name is Shluffenheimer MacDougal. I grew up in the Highlands just outside of a distillery.
I was born a month overdue and my mummy wouldn't stop screaming at night from the pain I had caused her from my kicking and sitting on her bladder, all the way to my eventual naturally birth. There was no time to get my mum the proper anesthetic to ease her pain. They named me Shluffenheimer because everyone in the house was finally able to get sleep after my birth.
I have made my home in Bergen County, NJ and I read all of local papers. Teaneck in particular interests me, especially the Blogs. I look forward to your answers and comments. Please keep the conversation constructive. I appreciate candor and truth. Alternative opinions to my own are respectfully accepted.
I will moderate based on violating these basic parameters. If you can't abide by them, please move on.
Have fun,
Shluffenheimer MacDougal
Updated 2/19/2010
The information in this weblog is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.
This weblog does not represent the thoughts intentions, plans or strategies of anyone but me. It is solely my opinion. Feel free to challenge me or disagree with me. This weblog is intended to provide a semi- permanent point in time snapshot and manifestation of the various memes running around my brain.
I reserve the right to delete any comment for any reason whatsoever (abusive profane, rude, or anonymous comments) - so keep it polite and stay on topic please. Be aware that all comments on postings over 3 days old will be subject to moderation.
Enjoy and happy blogging.
- Adapted fromScottD Musings and Alex Barnett's Blog
