Showing posts with label Township. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Township. Show all posts
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Thursday, August 19, 2010
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
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
Monday, May 10, 2010
Stroller Parking Validation
Things just got a bit more difficult for Etz Chaim members. Due to new township initiatives to raise money and to help balance the budget, Etz Chaim must now supply stroller parking spots, in addition to car parking spots. On a property where space is a premium, this may pose an additional difficulty to the synagogue and to new parents. Luckily, permits are not difficult to get.
Running errands and going to synagogue with a baby is never a task most mothers look forward to. It gets a little easier when you get to park in those neat stroller spots! Here's how you can get one for yourself and your baby.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 10 minutes
Here's How:
1.You must have a baby. The back of the permit states that it can only be used "when traveling with a baby and a stroller."
2.The permits can be obtained at the Teaneck Health and Human Services office. The mother, father or legal guardian must present a photo ID.
3.Proof of the child's age is required in the form of a birth certificate. The permit is good until the child's third birthday.
4.The permit is very reasonably priced. There is a $1.50 service fee, and the permit is $0.50 per month.
5.You should know that cars with handicapped permits are also allowed to park in the baby stroller parking spots if there are no handicapped spots available.
Running errands and going to synagogue with a baby is never a task most mothers look forward to. It gets a little easier when you get to park in those neat stroller spots! Here's how you can get one for yourself and your baby.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 10 minutes
Here's How:
1.You must have a baby. The back of the permit states that it can only be used "when traveling with a baby and a stroller."
2.The permits can be obtained at the Teaneck Health and Human Services office. The mother, father or legal guardian must present a photo ID.
3.Proof of the child's age is required in the form of a birth certificate. The permit is good until the child's third birthday.
4.The permit is very reasonably priced. There is a $1.50 service fee, and the permit is $0.50 per month.
5.You should know that cars with handicapped permits are also allowed to park in the baby stroller parking spots if there are no handicapped spots available.
What You Need:
•Parent/legal guardian photo I.D.
•Baby's proof of age
•Cash or check for the processing fee
There is a 2 week wait for the permit to arrive by mail.
Be aware that all violators will be fined $500 per illegal parking offense, so get your permit today!
Friday, April 16, 2010
whois-"etzchaimteaneck.org"?!?!?
Who is EtzChaimTeaneck.org?
The website suddenly mysteriously appeared.
When was it created and who is behind it?
According to a whois search, etzchaimteaneck.org has been around since May 26, 2008
and was Registered by
Domain Discreet ATTN: etzchaimteaneck.com
Rua Dr. Brito Camara, n 20, 1 Funchal, Madeira 9000-039
PT Phone: 1-902-7495331
Email: f83ac49f0a141151008701c8fba3cd53@domaindiscreet.com
Dr. Brito Camara must be a very prominent member of Etz Chaim.
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under no circumstances will you use this data to: (1) allow, enable, or otherwise support the transmission of mass unsolicited, commercial
advertising or solicitations via direct mail, electronic mail, or by telephone; or (2) enable high volume, automated, electronic processes
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Registrant:
Domain Discreet ATTN: etzchaimteaneck.com
Rua Dr. Brito Camara, n 20, 1 Funchal, Madeira 9000-039
PT Phone: 1-902-7495331
Email: f83ac49f0a141151008701c8fba3cd53@domaindiscreet.com
Registrar Name....: Register.com
Registrar Whois...: whois.register.com
Registrar Homepage: www.register.com
Domain Name: etzchaimteaneck.com
Created on..............: 2008-05-26 Expires on..............: 2011-05-26
Administrative Contact:
Domain Discreet ATTN: etzchaimteaneck.com
Rua Dr. Brito Camara, n 20, 1 Funchal, Madeira 9000-039
PT Phone: 1-902-7495331
Email: f83ac49c0a1411510088cced763677d6@domaindiscreet.com
Technical Contact: Domain Discreet
ATTN: etzchaimteaneck.com
Rua Dr. Brito Camara, n 20, 1 Funchal, Madeira 9000-039
PT Phone: 1-902-7495331
Email: f83ac4a50a141151002fac5279f7de00@domaindiscreet.com
DNS Servers: dns151.a.register.com
dns186.b.register.com
dns039.c.register.com
dns010.d.register.com
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This was registered while Etz Chaim claimed they were just a private prayer group. It must have been part of their discrete transparency with the township. This small group of incredible people are just upright pillars of the community.
The website suddenly mysteriously appeared.
When was it created and who is behind it?
According to a whois search, etzchaimteaneck.org has been around since May 26, 2008
and was Registered by
Domain Discreet ATTN: etzchaimteaneck.com
Rua Dr. Brito Camara, n 20, 1 Funchal, Madeira 9000-039
PT Phone: 1-902-7495331
Email: f83ac49f0a141151008701c8fba3cd53@domaindiscreet.com
Dr. Brito Camara must be a very prominent member of Etz Chaim.
The data in Register.com's WHOIS database is provided to you by
Register.com for information purposes only, that is, to assist you in
obtaining information about or related to a domain name registration record. Register.com makes this information available "as is," and
does not guarantee its accuracy. By submitting a WHOIS query, you agree that you will use this data only for lawful purposes and that,
under no circumstances will you use this data to: (1) allow, enable, or otherwise support the transmission of mass unsolicited, commercial
advertising or solicitations via direct mail, electronic mail, or by telephone; or (2) enable high volume, automated, electronic processes
that apply to Register.com (or its systems).
Register.com reserves the right to modify these terms at any time.
By submitting this query, you agree to abide by these terms.
Registrant:
Domain Discreet ATTN: etzchaimteaneck.com
Rua Dr. Brito Camara, n 20, 1 Funchal, Madeira 9000-039
PT Phone: 1-902-7495331
Email: f83ac49f0a141151008701c8fba3cd53@domaindiscreet.com
Registrar Name....: Register.com
Registrar Whois...: whois.register.com
Registrar Homepage: www.register.com
Domain Name: etzchaimteaneck.com
Created on..............: 2008-05-26 Expires on..............: 2011-05-26
Administrative Contact:
Domain Discreet ATTN: etzchaimteaneck.com
Rua Dr. Brito Camara, n 20, 1 Funchal, Madeira 9000-039
PT Phone: 1-902-7495331
Email: f83ac49c0a1411510088cced763677d6@domaindiscreet.com
Technical Contact: Domain Discreet
ATTN: etzchaimteaneck.com
Rua Dr. Brito Camara, n 20, 1 Funchal, Madeira 9000-039
PT Phone: 1-902-7495331
Email: f83ac4a50a141151002fac5279f7de00@domaindiscreet.com
DNS Servers: dns151.a.register.com
dns186.b.register.com
dns039.c.register.com
dns010.d.register.com
The Registry database contains ONLY .COM, .NET, .EDU domains and Registrars.
Print-friendly version
Do another WHOIS lookup
This was registered while Etz Chaim claimed they were just a private prayer group. It must have been part of their discrete transparency with the township. This small group of incredible people are just upright pillars of the community.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Parking Solutions (Part 3)
Mr. President, Robert Erlich, I have thought about your parking issues and I have yet another solution for Etz Chaim of Teaneck.
Jews love to drive to Synagogue for Friday night services. Orthodox Jews can't move their cars all Sabbathlong. When it comes to the Sabbath morning services, stacked parking and baby strollers are a rough mix if they have to share the same space. Where are congregants going to congregate after services if 554 Queen Anne Rd's lot is all parked up? The Orthodox can't walk on the grass, you might tear it up. The entire situation is not conducive to building a community.
Its Saturday morning after services and the weather is beautiful. The parking lot is full and there are a ton of strollers. Where can you hang out and shmooze before you walk home from a scrumptious Saturday afternoon luncheon?
Jews love to drive to Synagogue for Friday night services. Orthodox Jews can't move their cars all Sabbathlong. When it comes to the Sabbath morning services, stacked parking and baby strollers are a rough mix if they have to share the same space. Where are congregants going to congregate after services if 554 Queen Anne Rd's lot is all parked up? The Orthodox can't walk on the grass, you might tear it up. The entire situation is not conducive to building a community.
Its Saturday morning after services and the weather is beautiful. The parking lot is full and there are a ton of strollers. Where can you hang out and shmooze before you walk home from a scrumptious Saturday afternoon luncheon?
You can clear the parking lot of cars, but hiring a valet service to move the cars until the crowd dissipates can be very expensive and Etz Chaim can not afford to hemorrhage any more money or to rely on Betty Grable to allegedly foot the bill. So what can you do that is cost effective and practical?
Your pal, Shluffenheimer MacDougal, has some great concepts to bring up at your next board meeting, assuming you have a board of course. If not, you can just bring it up to Rabbi Feldman after services.
You can train animals to drive a car. Animals are not bound by sabbath rules, so they can't violate the Sabbath. Case in point, Toonces the Driving Cat.
Cats aren't loyal like a dog, but Dogs are more reliable. Better to train a dog to drive the cars.
Be careful not to hire a cat and a dog together. Cats can be very malicious and vengeful.
Its been clinically proven that Elephants are more powerful than cats and dogs, but they aren't better drivers. Elephants are a bad idea.
Stuart Little is already trained but he is too short and won't reach the steering wheel.
Training animals is a risky proposition. After all, it is hard to get animals to follow what you ask of them on demand. An animal can never be fully domesticated. It is better to train the children to drive. They are our future and in a young synagogue there will never be a shortage of children under 3. Etz Chaim will finally have a youth program.
Let's stop talking about problems and let's start talking about solutions!
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!
Friday, February 26, 2010
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.
Monday, February 22, 2010
The Real Etz Chaim of Teaneck Petition
In fairness to Etz Chaim of Teaneck I decided to post their petition.
From: spurt_etz _chaim_teaneck
To: Shluffenheimer MacDougal (9uuacz2993@sneakemail.com) Sent: MTWTHFSS, Feb 31, 2010 12:31 pm
Subject: Please help ETZ CHAIM send a message to Township Officials, in SUPPORT of RELIGOUS FREEDOMS
Etz Chaim of Teaneck has submitted an application to the Teaneck Board of Adjustment to be zoned as a house of worship.
We would like to send a message of support to the Teaneck Township governing body as well as to the politicians in
Bergen County that their constituents support the freedoms of religion that this country has afforded us,
and that you support the approval of the zoning application of Etz Chaim of Teaneck.
Please take a moment to simply reply to this email, including your NAME, your spouse’s name,
as well as other family members, and a note stating I SUPPORT THIS INITIATIVE.
Please also forward this email to anyone else you know who may support a House of Worship variance be granted.
Thank you.
Etz Chaim of Teaneck
NAME:
ADDRESS:
I SUPPORT THIS INITIATIVE.
From: spurt_etz _chaim_teaneck
To: Shluffenheimer MacDougal (9uuacz2993@sneakemail.com) Sent: MTWTHFSS, Feb 31, 2010 12:31 pm
Subject: Please help ETZ CHAIM send a message to Township Officials, in SUPPORT of RELIGOUS FREEDOMS
Etz Chaim of Teaneck has submitted an application to the Teaneck Board of Adjustment to be zoned as a house of worship.
We would like to send a message of support to the Teaneck Township governing body as well as to the politicians in
Bergen County that their constituents support the freedoms of religion that this country has afforded us,
and that you support the approval of the zoning application of Etz Chaim of Teaneck.
Please take a moment to simply reply to this email, including your NAME, your spouse’s name,
as well as other family members, and a note stating I SUPPORT THIS INITIATIVE.
Please also forward this email to anyone else you know who may support a House of Worship variance be granted.
Thank you.
Etz Chaim of Teaneck
NAME:
ADDRESS:
I SUPPORT THIS INITIATIVE.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Blue Law Blues
I hate traveling to Totowa, North Bergen or any locations in the surrounding Counties to shop on Sundays. Teaneck residents complain about lost taxes but they don't moan about the blue laws. We lose tax revenue from local businesses on the weekends. Its hard enough for me to wrestle with my inner demons not to shop on Saturdays, at least offline.
Some history on Blue Laws from wikipedia .
An article about abolishing the blue laws from USA Today .
We are one of the last places to have blue laws and ours are harsher than everyplace else. What are your thoughts on this?
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Etz Chaim of Teaneck: Modern Day Robin Hoods?
One of the most romanticized figures on TV, Radio, Movies and in modern culture in general is Robin Hood.
Robin Hood is a hero in English folklore, a highly skilled archer, marksman, swordsman, and outlaw. In particular, he is known for "robbing from the rich and giving to the poor," assisted by a group of fellow outlaws known as his "Merry Men". - Wikipedia
And who could forget the Disney Motion Picture
featuring Robin Hood as a cartoon fox and it's catchy theme song:
Robin Hood and Little JohnRobin Hood is a hero in English folklore, a highly skilled archer, marksman, swordsman, and outlaw. In particular, he is known for "robbing from the rich and giving to the poor," assisted by a group of fellow outlaws known as his "Merry Men". - Wikipedia
And who could forget the Disney Motion Picture
featuring Robin Hood as a cartoon fox and it's catchy theme song:
Walkin' through the forest
Laughin' back and forth
At what the other'ne has to say
Reminiscin', This-'n'-thattin'
Havin' such a good time
Oo-de-lally, Oo-de-lally
Golly, what a day
Never ever thinkin' there was danger in the water
They were drinkin', they just guzzled it down
Never dreamin' that a schemin' sherrif and his posse
Was a-watchin' them an' gatherin' around
Robin Hood and Little John
Runnin' through the forest
Jumpin' fences, dodgin' trees
An' tryin' to get away
Contemplatin' nothin'
But escape an' fin'lly makin' it
Oo-de-lally, Oo-de-lally
Golly, what a day
Oo-de-lally, Oo-de-lally
Golly, what a day
Lyrics and Music by Roger Miller
But Robin Hood is only a myth, right? Is it morally acceptable to be a thief no matter how lofty your goals?
King John and the Sherrif of Nottingham unjustly ruled the land in King Richard's absence and their laws were harsh and unfair. Robin Hood and his Merry Men took it upon themselves to help the poor people that were being taxed to poverty. Makes sense to me. The poor folk needed a hero. Stealing in this case is a necessity and the moral implications far outweigh the illegality.
Robin was lauded as a hero when King Richard, the rightful ruler of England, came back from the crusades. Why? His actions were against the laws of the country!
Robin Hood's motivation was greater than stealing from the rich. He revolted against the false monarchy in control of England. The rightful leader was back in charge and the laws were changed back to the original status quo. Robin ceased his unlawful ways.
The current minyan of Rabbi Daniel Feldman's is Etz Chaim of Teaneck. It consists of some people that left Arzei Darom to pray at the Teaneck Jewish Center, Beth Aaron and mostly of people that prayed at The Teaneck Shul. They needed a place for all of the groups to come together. So they bought the house at 554 Queen Anne Rd. as a parsonage for Rabbi Feldman and place for him to lead services. There was not enough room for Rabbi Feldman's children to play, so they expanded the den. They also pray in the den because it is part of the Rabbi's house and he can lead services on his own property. It is laudable that Etz Chaim is taking very good care of the Feldmans. A Rabbi of his stature in the community and Yeshiva University with his high level abilities deserves the best for himself and his family. Rabbi Feldman deserves Etz Chaim and the congregants who vigilantly protect him. Building a den and running a private prayer group is expensive. Mortgage, utilities, construction bills and Rabbi Feldman's salary need to be paid. It was only logical for Etz Chaim to charge dues and a building fund. In order to make this all possible, Etz Chaim filed papers with the Township that stated the den was built as a family room and not as a Sanctuary for prayer. This was against Teaneck's laws, statutes, zoning code and illegal. Etz Chaim contends that they have done nothing wrong.
The Jewish Standard reported that: On Nov. 9, 2007, Feldman met with the township’s Gluck to tell him that a private prayer group would meet at the residence.
On May 28, the Rabbi and Joel Glucksman, his lawyer, met with Gluck to inform him that the plans for the prayer group had not changed since the first meeting.
At the request of Stanley Turitz, the township’s lawyer, Glucksman forwarded Gluck a letter dated June 20 “memorializing the activities that take place at the above-referenced address.”
According to the letter, “[W]hen Rabbi Feldman first decided to have a private prayer group in his home, it was of the utmost importance to him that everything be done above-board and in accordance with local ordinances.”
The letter also explains that services are held on the “Jewish Sabbath and on Yamim Tovim/holidays.”
“We told the town from the beginning what we were doing, and they confirmed that it was acceptable,” Feldman said. “We were not trying to hide anything.”
OR WERE THEY?!?!?
In the Aug. 8 letter to Feldman, Gluck acknowledges that “a packet of information” dated July 22 was submitted to the Building Department by residents in the vicinity of 554 Queen Anne Road and says that after reviewing Glucksman’s letter of May 28, “it is my opinion that the facts demonstrate that the above premises are now being used for a second principal use as a house of worship/place of public assembly without first obtaining a zoning permit in violation” of the township’s code.
If the services continue and the decision is not appealed to the zoning board within 20 days of the date of the letter, “summonses will be issued for each day the violation continues.”
On Dec. 15 there was a Board of Adjustment meeting at which the BOA considered Etz Chaim's application to turn the two-story house at Queen Anne Road and Van Buren Avenue into an orthodox synagogue. The entirety of the Dec. 15 hearing was given over to testimony by Robert Erlich, President of Etz Chaim if Teaneck. The hearing is scheduled to continue on Jan. 20 at a location still undetermined.
The Teaneck Suburbanite further substantiated that Etz Chaim believes that they have done nothing wrong.
(Robert) Erlich testified that Etz Chaim of Teaneck is a not-for-profit Jewish organization providing services such as religious and pastoral counseling to its members. The organization purchased the property in November 2007 and subsequently added a 1,230-square foot family room and adjacent 230 square foot kitchen. Etz Chaim leases the house to Rabbi Daniel Feldman, an employee of the organization, who conducts services on Friday evenings, Saturdays and Jewish High Holidays in the family room.
In 2006, prior to Etz Chaim's acquisition of the property, residents on Queen Anne Road, Griggs Avenue and Van Buren Avenue received letters sent on behalf of the owner of 544 Queen Anne and the adjacent house at 576 Queen Anne Road announcing plans to join the two houses to create a new synagogue-center, possibly with a Mikvah on location. The house at 576 Queen Anne is owned by Mario Guralink, an Etz Chaim member. In 2006 Guralnik was fined in Teaneck Municipal Court for illegally conducting a business from the house.
Throughout his testimony, Erlich asserted that, although Etz Chaim owns the house, Rabbi Daniel Feldman conducts the services independently as, what Erlich described, a "private prayer group."
Modern day Robin Hoods. Doing what they feel is correct in the face of the law. But in this case there is no Sherrif of Nottingham and no King John. The Township felt that what they were doing was wrong and Etz Chaim needed to apply to turn 554 Queen Anne Rd. into a synagogue. So what altruistic reason could there be to have an Etz Chaim of Teaneck? Why did they start the Synagogue?
The members of Etz Chaim of Teaneck believe that what they are doing is morally correct. It came to be from an amalgam of different groups for a single purpose. They created a Synagogue (or is it a Prayer Group?) for the lofty goal of not praying with Arzei Darom (the Shul down the block).
As reported by The Jerusalem Post:
The board also noted that it recently had approved the construction of a synagogue about four blocks away. The question was, why can't Etz Chaim's members walk down the street to pray at the existing synagogue?
This is where the issue becomes most uncomfortable. The synagogue down the street is modern Orthodox, with young families that are indistinguishable from those at Etz Chaim. Many were friendly with each other until roiled by personal disputes and factions. "Each different denomination has different ways of practice," Erlich said at the board hearing. "Some people are "not necessarily comfortable" at the other synagogue".
Wow. Lofty goal. Not to daven at Arzei Darom. Totally worth giving a black eye to Orthodox Jews in Teaneck.
The Jerusalem Post article continued:
The zoning board, which reconvenes next month to continue its hearings on Etz Chaim, is not hostile to the Orthodox. New synagogue buildings have been approved, while existing ones have expanded to serve Teaneck's growing Orthodox community.
Two things make Etz Chaim special, however. First is the unorthodox manner in which it remodeled the rabbi's residence to create worship space that technically may or may not have been what is commonly considered a synagogue, generating ill will in the process. The second is the implied threat of a lawsuit against the town if permission is denied. Etz Chaim is represented by the Rutherford Institute, a prominent legal organization that takes cases to protect religious rights. Its 2008 annual report lists Etz Chaim as a "pre-litigation." 
Etz Chaim doesn't follow Township rules and will claim that their "religious rights" were violated if their permission is denied. Well, lets see what happens on the 20th.
Just because a group of people feel they are justified in their actions doesn't make what they are doing morally just, does it?
What do you think? Modern day robin Hoods? Open discussion below. Please be respectful of each other. Thank you.
