But No Cigar

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

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

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

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

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

New (Old) Rebbeim and the Missing Rosh Yeshiva

By SHMUEL LAMM • Published: NOVEMBER 17, 2011 • 

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

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

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

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

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

Our Rabbi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(From the Posting Neighborly Love)

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

and sooooo much more. Read my blog!

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

Keeping Up With The Joneses

It was only a matter of time.

Not to be outdone by Arzei Darom's Rabbi Aharon Ciment, Etz Chaim/Ohr Saadya's Rabbi Daniel Feldman, Beth Aaron's Rabbi Lawrence Rothwachs and Rachelle Mandelbaum (who was involved in all of their construction projects), Rabbi Lawrence Zierler got himself a new ride and into the construction game.

Since Rachelle doesn't have influence or involvement in the construction at the Jewish Center of Teaneck, one can assume there will be no conflicts and everything will be done for the betterment of the members of the now Orthodox Jewish Center.

The new Mikvah on Sterling, on the other hand,

Beth Aaron's Trojan Horse

After helping Beth Aaron with their extensive sawdust expansion and Etz Chaim Ohr Saadya to their new family room sanctuary, last year their heroine found her way onto Beth Aaron's board.
Wonder what other good things are in store for Beth Aaron and Teaneck. If her track record at Arzei Darom, Jewish Center of Teaneck and Etz Chaim Ohr Saadya is any indication of what she's capable of, get your lawyers on speed-dial. There is no hiding or skirting the issue when it comes to this lady.

I wonder if you can guess who she is??????????

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Members:

The Nominating Committee has completed its assigned task, and has submitted its slate of nominees for the officers and members of the Board of Directors for 5772-5772 (2012-2013). Their terms of office will begin on Rosh Chodesh Tamuz 5772, which this year is June 20th.

According to the Beth Aaron Constitution, if there is no opposition to this slate, these nominees will be deemed elected. However, any member of the Congregation may submit a petition to me with additional names for any position no later than June 19th. To be considered for nomination, the petition must contain the signatures of at least ten percent of the members of the Congregation in good standing as of June 10, 2011.

If you have any questions, please contact me at 201-743-8222 or president@bethaaron.org.

The members of the Nominating Committee are Aliza Fischman, Larry Kahn,

Ronnie Schwartz (Chair), Yacha Singer, and Moshe Teitelbaum. On behalf of the outgoing Board, I thank all of them for a job well-done.

Sincerely,


David Goldberg
President

Officers

President-- David Goldberg

First Vice President --- Hillel Hyman

Second Vice President -- Yair Mayerfeld

VP- Finance -- Jeff Neugroschl

VP -Programming -- Sandy Zlotnick

Treasurer -- Rob Sperber

Secretary - Moshe (mo-b) Singer

Financial Secretary -- Ben Alexander

Board of Directors

Two Year term (2011-2013)

Myron Chaitovsky

David Horowitz

Louis Karp

Rachelle Mandelbaum

Joel Richter

Ronnie Schwartz

Moshe Teitelbaum

One Year Term (2012-2013)

Marc Felsen

Larry Kahn

Micah Kaufman

Josh Klavan

Jordan Sterman

L'via Weisinger

Neal Yaros

Two Year Term (2012-2014)

Ben Cooper

Aliza Fischman

Isaac Hagler

Steve Hoenig

Abe Leidner

Steven Pudell

Pinny Wechter

Immediate Past President

Larry Shafier

Sisterhood Representative

TBA (Appointed by the Sisterhood President)

Men's Club Representative

TBA (Appointed by the Men's Club President)

The Shul Who May Not Be Named

Which is Rabbi Daniel Feldman's real PPG (private prayer group)?

How many names can one place have?

• The Teaneck Shul
• The Teaneck Shtibul
• Torat Chessed
• Toras Chessed
• Etz Chaim
• Ohr Saadya
• 544 Queen Anne, Inc.
• The Shteibshul
• Another name?

They have currently decided to follow the money and go with Ohr Saadya, which means light of the help of g-d. Sounds like a Mosque, which coincidentally is what I suggested they do in my posting Surefire Way To Get Approved On Wednesday.

It was named after Yaakov Abdelhak's grandfather, for a sizable donation of money of course. Who is Yaakov Abdelhak and why does he need a shul named after his grandfather? Better yet, why did the South of Cedar need ANOTHER private prayer group? What really happened to the Mechitza Minyan/Merkaz L'Torah at the Jewish Center of Teaneck? Why did Yaakov Abdelhak need a PPG of his own and why is the PPG suing Teaneck Township? 

Next time you visit Torat Chesed/Toras Chesed/Etz Chaim/Ohr Saadya ask these questions to Rabbi Daniel Feldman, Zalman Levine, Rochelle Mandelbaum, Allan (Chanan) Cohen, Levi Goldberg, Famous Urine Cake King, Robert Ehrlich or even Yaakov Abdelhak himself. I'm sure not only will you be fascinated by their "non" answers, but you will find them encouraging you to pray elsewhere.

The Avenger

Guest Posting: An Open Letter to the RCBC

To the Rabbis of the RCBC:

For decades the Jewish community has lived in peace and tranquility with its non-Jewish neighbors in Teaneck. Jews serve the residents of Teaneck on the Town Council and many of its committees. We benefit from over two dozen kosher restaurants under your capable supervision. We are able to walk to many shuls on Shabbat within not one but two eruvim. We have a magnificent new mikvah. We have access to the best halachic minds on this side of the George Washington Bridge.

We also live in a town that is witnessing a chilul hashem of epic proportions. For years, Congregation Etz Chaim has been working surreptitiously to build a shul without going through the proper channels that ALL other shuls in Teaneck have followed. Their leaders have been at the center of controversy since day one of their founding and even before through acts that bordered - and possibly crossed the line - on outright fraud.

After Etz Chaim finally went through the correct process under pressure from neighbors to “do the right thing” and publicly stated that they would abide by the ruling of the Board of Adjustment they got the variance they applied for and then turned on the very Board that granted exactly what Etz Chaim had requested by suing them.

Etz Chaim claims that their suit is against the Board of Adjustment and not the neighbors but their suit IS against every single resident of Teaneck. The ramifications of suing the Board of Adjustment may very well negatively affect the relationship the Jews of Teaneck have with our non-Jewish neighbors for many years.

If Etz Chaim’s lawsuit had any merit, which it does not, it still would not be advisable to sue the Township for what they want. Had Etz Chaim followed the procedures for getting permission to create a shul everyone’s lives would have been very different today. The restrictions placed on Etz Chaim could have been appealed through the regular procedures in place and perhaps the Board of Adjustment would have decided that maybe some of the restrictions could be altered. But instead, Etz Chaim, “guns a blazing”, go on the offensive and attack the Board of Adjustment. The next shul in town, a new one looking to open its doors or an old one looking to expand, is going to have to apply for variances and follow the prescribed procedures but run the risk of being denied just because of the precedent Etz Chaim has set of how shuls and Orthodox Jews behave. The Board of Adjustment may reject the application because they know that the shul will do whatever they want anyway, after all Etz Chaim did.

The ends really never justify the means. Etz Chaim has tarnished the relationship between the Jews and non-Jews of Teaneck and has caused irreparable damage through a heinous chillul hashem. It is now up to the Rabbis of the RCBC to stand up, from the pulpit or through their pens, and actively and forcefully demand that Etz Chaim stop this chillul hashem immediately. It is time for the Rabbis of the RCBC to call on their member, Rabbi Daniel Feldman, to stop the chillul hashem that will have a real impact on their shuls and the continued growth of the Orthodox community in Teaneck for many years in the future. It is time for our Rabbinic leaders to lead and bring an end to the hurtful actions of one of its member shuls.

Sincerely,

Concerned Orthodox Jews of Teaneck