Everyone in Teaneck is talking education. Educational reform, budget cuts and rising taxes are the latest watercooler/Kiddush talk. Here at macdmusings, the discussion is not about the scope and range of the problem, but practical creative solutions to help fix the educational system.
Teaneck's HS students need to increase the level of their working vocabulary. Macdmusings has compiled a list of vital SAT words geared to improve their scores on their SATs.
1. grifter - Master of the sleight of hand. Taking checks written out to and intended for one organization and depositing it into another. Etz Chaim's Elliot Frome is the epitome of a grifter. It helps to have a gambling pedigree and a gambler's genetics.
2. deserter - Running away like a little coward when the road gets tough. Gary Miller is a shining example of what someone knee deep in Etz Chaim's shadiness does when the doodoo is hitting the fan.
3. destabilization - After April 15, she will have been actively involved with 3 different synagogues in the span of 5 years. Elliot Frome's partner in signing false documents, Ms. Rochelle Mandelbaum is a destabilizing presence causing major problems for the synagogue and then leaving. Etz Chaim, Arzei Darom and now Beth Aaron, will your synagogue be next?
4. humble - Not blushing every time one of your followers lets anyone who will listen know that you should already be a Rosh Yeshiva at YU, is a true sign of humility.
5. marionette - Robert Erlich, as abrasive as he is, is merely a puppet of Etz Chaim's true leadership. He is a true member of Bnei Yekusiel.
6. visionary - The jackass who came up with genius idea to call the shtibshul a family room. Another example of a visionary is Allan Cohen, creator and originator of Torat Chesed, Toras Chesed and 554 Queen Anne Road, Inc. He must have learned strategy from the "Godfather" of Video Poker Lenny Frome's books.
7. protexia - Being bbfs with Rabbi Rothwachs, Rabbi Yuden's son in law, being a card carrying member of YU's semikha club and being the golden child of the RCBC.
8. congenial - From their dealings with Arzei Darom and the Jewish Center to Betty Gable's letters and today's frosty war with their neighbors, Etz Chaim and it's members are synonymous with congeniality towards others.
9. quiescent - The inaction of the local Rabbis towards Etz Chaim and their claims of discrimination.
10. discrimination - Etz Chaim's portrayal of Teaneck and all local non-Jews.
I hope you learned a lot from this lesson. Score high SAT Takers. Score high.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Paradise Lost
Once upon a time, Rabbi Daniel Feldman and his minyan were victims of slavery in the bondage of the Jewish Center of Teaneck. Rabbi Feldman couldn't handle the edicts of the spiritual ruler of the JCT, Pharoh Zierler. His 3Cs were mightier than 10 plagues and so Rabbi Feldman wrote a letter severing the relationship of the Jewish Center and the Orthodox members of his minyan. The letter was read at a Board Meeting and in doing so, he sacrificed the goodwill that was left between the Board of the Jewish Center and the Mechitza Minyan members of Merkaz L'Torah that would have stayed behind. He led his congregants out of the bondage of slavery in the Jewish Center of Teaneck and to the promised land of self determination. Pharoh Zierler did not chase after the Center members that left. Que Sera Sera. Pharoh Zierler had his own plans for the future of Orthodoxy at the Jewish Center of Teaneck.
Rabbi Feldman, and his group of Orthodox that left the Center with him, wandered from house to house in the wilderness until they set up temporary camp in CareOne. There were a few weeks of calm and stability. Rabbi Feldman set up a Board that he was to lean on for guidance and advice, but they were not taken seriously. His advisors, who guided Rabbi Daniel Feldman to remove his minyan from the Jewish Center, were still in charge and a rift began to form. The Original Mechitza Minyan members who trailblazed the way for the Orthodox community to feel comfortable at the Jewish Center of Teaneck were quickly relegated to the background and the amazing group of people that came together in such a short period of time moved to the forefront.
The group was named Torat Chesed, Torah of Kindness, and were incorporated, in May 2007, using the names of Original Mechitza Minyan members who did not approve the usage of their names on the documents of incorporation. There was talk of the group merging with The Teaneck Shul, a prayer group located near Arzei Darom, a prayer group that was allegedly begun to help their friend with his courtcase. There was talk of getting Rabbi Feldman paid, buying a house on Chadwick, being a satellite for the Teaneck Mikvah and other issues to distract the Original Mechitza Minyan members. Very soon there were activities attempting to get the two groups, the Teaneck Shul and Torat Chesed, to get to know each other, to possibly merge.
Finally, everything came to a head when Rabbi Daniel Feldman took a job with the Teaneck Shul, complete with salary and 554 Queen Anne Rd, and left the Original Mechitzah Minyan members in the wilderness of CareOne. All of his new friends left with him. To add insult to injury, he designated CareOne as a sattelite minyan for his Congregants to pray there on Sundays and Legal Holidays. His new Congregation incorporated in September 2007 as 554 Queen Anne, Inc. DBA: Etz Chaim of Teaneck.
While all of this was going on, from May to September 2007, Torat Chesed collected donations and dues for membership. Checks were being made to Torat Chesed and being cashed in the Torat Chesed bank account. In or about July, there was a change of address where donations and dues were to be sent and there was a request for checks to be made out to ToraS Chesed instead of ToraT Chesed. Monies that were earmarked checks written out for ToraT Chesed, were being deposited in a ToraS Chesed bank account. What was the need for a second bank account? Inquiries were made as to why there was a change and they were greated with a flippant attitude. Some people were told that some people say Tora"t" and some say Tora"s". Its just a matter of what pronunciation you were brought up with. Some inquiries were met with extreme venom.
There was to be no land of Milk and Honey, no giant grapes or land for the hapless Orthodox people that didn't follow Rabbi Feldman to the Promised Land, to the land of strong Cedar trees in the South, on the Path of Peace near the House of Aaron. Rabbi Feldman did what was best for himself and his family, in the short term, while harming his reputation and shirking his duties as the leader of all of his people. He tried to keep the peace by silencing the voices opposed to the merger and abandoning them in CareOne.
Those that were left behind were also defrauded by Rabbi Feldman's Minyan, 554 Queen Anne Rd, Inc DBA: Etz Chaim of Teaneck. It is unclear if Rabbi Feldman was personally involved with any of the shady dealings of his minyan's and now synagogue's leadership and Management Team.
ToraS Chesed is a corporation created in early July 2007 by the same person who incorporated ToraT Chesed. The names listed on the Documents of Incorporation of ToraS Chesed are same as 554 Queen Anne, Inc. From early July 2007-September ToraT Chesed, Inc. and ToraS Chesed, Inc. existed to service the same exact minyan.
The existence of ToraS Chesed, Inc. was kept secret from the Original Mechitza Minyan members. The ToraT Chesed checks were being deposited in the ToraS Chesed corporate bank account. ToraT Chesed's bank account's passbook began to collect dust from non-use.
Donors and members who wrote checks to ToraT were asked to sign a release absolving ToraS Chesed of any liability. Liability? What was/is 554 Queen Anne,Inc. DBA: Etz Chaim of Teaneck afraid of? ToraT Chesed and ToraS Chesed monies were one and the same! Right? ToraT Chesed already existed to represent Rabbi Daniel Feldman and all of his Congregants praying in CareOne. What was/is ToraS Chesed, Inc. and who did/does it represent? What is it's purpose?
ToraS Chesed, Inc. was created to collect money for Etz Chaim's future at 554 Queen Anne Rd. They knew that the ToraT Chesed members not following Rabbi Feldman to Etz Chaim would stop paying dues and donating money once they closed on 554 Queen Anne Rd. Its been alleged that they closed on 554 as ToraS Chesed, Inc. They tried to cover themselves by trying to get the ToraT Chesed donors and dues payers to sign a waiver absolving ToraS Chesed, Inc.of any liability and that they will not take any legal action against ToraS Chesed, Inc. After a ton of pressure, ToraS Chesed, Inc. became the Etz Chaim of Teaneck that we know and love.
Etz Chaim wants the Board of Adjustments to forget their history and their shady past. But as the BOA and the neighbors found out very quickly The Song Remains The Same.
It is upon us, this time of year, to remember and retell all that has befallen our old dear friends of the, now defunct, Mechitza Minyan. Please come home to the Jewish Center of Teaneck, your home until Moshiach comes.
Rabbi Feldman, and his group of Orthodox that left the Center with him, wandered from house to house in the wilderness until they set up temporary camp in CareOne. There were a few weeks of calm and stability. Rabbi Feldman set up a Board that he was to lean on for guidance and advice, but they were not taken seriously. His advisors, who guided Rabbi Daniel Feldman to remove his minyan from the Jewish Center, were still in charge and a rift began to form. The Original Mechitza Minyan members who trailblazed the way for the Orthodox community to feel comfortable at the Jewish Center of Teaneck were quickly relegated to the background and the amazing group of people that came together in such a short period of time moved to the forefront.
The group was named Torat Chesed, Torah of Kindness, and were incorporated, in May 2007, using the names of Original Mechitza Minyan members who did not approve the usage of their names on the documents of incorporation. There was talk of the group merging with The Teaneck Shul, a prayer group located near Arzei Darom, a prayer group that was allegedly begun to help their friend with his courtcase. There was talk of getting Rabbi Feldman paid, buying a house on Chadwick, being a satellite for the Teaneck Mikvah and other issues to distract the Original Mechitza Minyan members. Very soon there were activities attempting to get the two groups, the Teaneck Shul and Torat Chesed, to get to know each other, to possibly merge.
Finally, everything came to a head when Rabbi Daniel Feldman took a job with the Teaneck Shul, complete with salary and 554 Queen Anne Rd, and left the Original Mechitzah Minyan members in the wilderness of CareOne. All of his new friends left with him. To add insult to injury, he designated CareOne as a sattelite minyan for his Congregants to pray there on Sundays and Legal Holidays. His new Congregation incorporated in September 2007 as 554 Queen Anne, Inc. DBA: Etz Chaim of Teaneck.
While all of this was going on, from May to September 2007, Torat Chesed collected donations and dues for membership. Checks were being made to Torat Chesed and being cashed in the Torat Chesed bank account. In or about July, there was a change of address where donations and dues were to be sent and there was a request for checks to be made out to ToraS Chesed instead of ToraT Chesed. Monies that were earmarked checks written out for ToraT Chesed, were being deposited in a ToraS Chesed bank account. What was the need for a second bank account? Inquiries were made as to why there was a change and they were greated with a flippant attitude. Some people were told that some people say Tora"t" and some say Tora"s". Its just a matter of what pronunciation you were brought up with. Some inquiries were met with extreme venom.
There was to be no land of Milk and Honey, no giant grapes or land for the hapless Orthodox people that didn't follow Rabbi Feldman to the Promised Land, to the land of strong Cedar trees in the South, on the Path of Peace near the House of Aaron. Rabbi Feldman did what was best for himself and his family, in the short term, while harming his reputation and shirking his duties as the leader of all of his people. He tried to keep the peace by silencing the voices opposed to the merger and abandoning them in CareOne.
Those that were left behind were also defrauded by Rabbi Feldman's Minyan, 554 Queen Anne Rd, Inc DBA: Etz Chaim of Teaneck. It is unclear if Rabbi Feldman was personally involved with any of the shady dealings of his minyan's and now synagogue's leadership and Management Team.
ToraS Chesed is a corporation created in early July 2007 by the same person who incorporated ToraT Chesed. The names listed on the Documents of Incorporation of ToraS Chesed are same as 554 Queen Anne, Inc. From early July 2007-September ToraT Chesed, Inc. and ToraS Chesed, Inc. existed to service the same exact minyan.
The existence of ToraS Chesed, Inc. was kept secret from the Original Mechitza Minyan members. The ToraT Chesed checks were being deposited in the ToraS Chesed corporate bank account. ToraT Chesed's bank account's passbook began to collect dust from non-use.
Donors and members who wrote checks to ToraT were asked to sign a release absolving ToraS Chesed of any liability. Liability? What was/is 554 Queen Anne,Inc. DBA: Etz Chaim of Teaneck afraid of? ToraT Chesed and ToraS Chesed monies were one and the same! Right? ToraT Chesed already existed to represent Rabbi Daniel Feldman and all of his Congregants praying in CareOne. What was/is ToraS Chesed, Inc. and who did/does it represent? What is it's purpose?
ToraS Chesed, Inc. was created to collect money for Etz Chaim's future at 554 Queen Anne Rd. They knew that the ToraT Chesed members not following Rabbi Feldman to Etz Chaim would stop paying dues and donating money once they closed on 554 Queen Anne Rd. Its been alleged that they closed on 554 as ToraS Chesed, Inc. They tried to cover themselves by trying to get the ToraT Chesed donors and dues payers to sign a waiver absolving ToraS Chesed, Inc.of any liability and that they will not take any legal action against ToraS Chesed, Inc. After a ton of pressure, ToraS Chesed, Inc. became the Etz Chaim of Teaneck that we know and love.
Etz Chaim wants the Board of Adjustments to forget their history and their shady past. But as the BOA and the neighbors found out very quickly The Song Remains The Same.
It is upon us, this time of year, to remember and retell all that has befallen our old dear friends of the, now defunct, Mechitza Minyan. Please come home to the Jewish Center of Teaneck, your home until Moshiach comes.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Top 10 Things Teaneckers Did/Are Doing During The Teaneck Storm's Aftermath
(Sorry I couldn't post earlier)
10. Use the State of Emergency designation to take a day off from work even though you have power, cable, heat and working hot water
9. The neighborhood kids use your basement for a block pool party. Everyone pools their defrosted meats for a grilling good time
8. Drink more tea or coffee than any normal human can handle. Why should you waste all that perfectly good boiling hot water?
7. Troll the local stores for water, ice and flashlights. Then sit and stew while your facebook friends discuss all the popular shows and you can't watch them
6. Wonder how PSEG decides who gets their power back first
5. Hang out with neighbors you usually avoid. Reminisce about past catastrophes like old friends. Make false promises to hang out in the near future
4. Earn your stripes as an amateur photographer taking pictures of the destruction of houses, fallen trees and crushed cars while the owners of the houses, trees and cars look on in defeat
3. Watch in amazement as tree after tree gets run through the wood chipper while listening to Rush - The Trees
2. Take up Teaneck Kosher Corner Grocery, located on the corner of Teaneck Rd. and Forest, up on their gracious offer for a free dinner because your house, apartment or coop is blacked out. Sweet deal!
1. Continuously check your Blackberry, iPhone, Palm, Android device or internet enabled phone for new postings or comments on macdmusings.blogspot.com. Whether you like me or hate me, thank you for your loyalty and readership.
10. Use the State of Emergency designation to take a day off from work even though you have power, cable, heat and working hot water
9. The neighborhood kids use your basement for a block pool party. Everyone pools their defrosted meats for a grilling good time
8. Drink more tea or coffee than any normal human can handle. Why should you waste all that perfectly good boiling hot water?
7. Troll the local stores for water, ice and flashlights. Then sit and stew while your facebook friends discuss all the popular shows and you can't watch them
6. Wonder how PSEG decides who gets their power back first
5. Hang out with neighbors you usually avoid. Reminisce about past catastrophes like old friends. Make false promises to hang out in the near future
4. Earn your stripes as an amateur photographer taking pictures of the destruction of houses, fallen trees and crushed cars while the owners of the houses, trees and cars look on in defeat
3. Watch in amazement as tree after tree gets run through the wood chipper while listening to Rush - The Trees
2. Take up Teaneck Kosher Corner Grocery, located on the corner of Teaneck Rd. and Forest, up on their gracious offer for a free dinner because your house, apartment or coop is blacked out. Sweet deal!
1. Continuously check your Blackberry, iPhone, Palm, Android device or internet enabled phone for new postings or comments on macdmusings.blogspot.com. Whether you like me or hate me, thank you for your loyalty and readership.
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
Friday, March 12, 2010
Etz Chaim Petition Update
This is the latest version of the Etz Chaim of Teaneck Petition. I can understand the feeling of achdus (a closeness) that a Jew feels when they see that a Jewish Institution needs their help, but nothing is as it seems on the surface.
As you read the petition please keep in mind that Etz Chaim's claims are intellectually dishonest and misleading:
1. A few (neighbors) have been going to great lengths to use media and the internet to garner publicity and political support in their opposition to us, in the process painting a false and unfair picture of the history.
The Township of Teaneck’s records have to be kept public and anyone can request to copies of them. Its called a OPRA request (Open Public Records Act). There is a website called 554queenanne.info that has postings of all of the documents and transcripts of the Board of Adjustment meetings. It also contains all the news articles regarding Etz Chaim and 554 Queen Anne Rd.
The website is purely informational and contains all primary sources. If you want the true history of Etz Chaim’s struggles with the Township of Teaneck, warts and all, 554queenanne.info is the first place to go.
2. Despite the misimpression they have tried to convey, our group has been working together with the township of Teaneck from day one, with full transparency and cooperation through every step of the process up to and including the current proceedings.
This statement is false. They have not been transparent with the Township. If Etz Chaim were truly transparent in their intention for usage of the room and creation of a Shul, there would be no need for this petition and the hearings would have little objection, if any, from the neighbors to granting the needed variances.
3. We would like to send a message of support that the community supports 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.
Etz Chaim’s religious freedoms have not been denied. They still meet at 554 Queen Anne Rd for services. No one is stopping them. The issues they are facing stem from their originally applying for a variance that called their sanctuary a family room and not a synagogue.
4. As such, we would appreciate it greatly if you would take this opportunity to show such support, and we would also appreciate your forwarding this email to any others in your communities who may be similarly inclined to show their support. Anyone residing in New Jersey can reply to this email with their name, as well as other residents of their home wishing to show support.
The Board of Beth Aaron (an Orthodox synagogue in Teaneck) had a request to send out the petition to all of it’s members, to show support for Etz Chaim. Beth Aaron’s board voted down the request. The Rabbi of Beth Aaron is a very close friend of Rabbi Daniel Feldman, the Rabbi of Etz Chaim, and the Beth Aaron board contains one of the founding members of, and still majorly affiliated with, Etz Chaim of Teaneck and it still didn’t pass. I am sure other Orthodox Synagogues in Teaneck are also voting it down.
There are tons and tons of stories about schools and Yeshivot operating illegally and ignoring the building codes and zoning laws of their local municipalities. The news stories have become so frequent that it’s becoming the norm, like the stories we read every few days about another Rubashkin or Dwek.
Why can't they follow the rules or are the rules only for goyim (non-Jews)??
From: Etz Chaim News
To:
Sent: Mon, Mar 8, 2010 12:21 pm
Subject: Board of Variance hearing is 1 week away. We need a few more votes. Please help out by just hitting reply.
Our board of variance hearing is just 1 week away.
We need a few more votes.
Please help out by just replying to this email with your name.
Nothing more is needed.
If you could, please check with any family, friends, co-workers to see if they would allow you to add their name in support of this variance.
Thank you.
**************************
We are currently applying for variances necessary to be zoned as a house of worship, a process every shul goes through at some point in its history. While many of our neighbors have been welcoming and supportive, a few have been going to great lengths to use media and the internet to garner publicity and political support in their opposition to us, in the process painting a false and unfair picture of the history. Despite the misimpression they have tried to convey, our group has been working together with the township of Teaneck from day one, with full transparency and cooperation through every step of the process up to and including the current proceedings.
We would like to send a message of support that the community supports 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.
As such, we would appreciate it greatly if you would take this opportunity to show such support, and we would also appreciate your forwarding this email to any others in your communities who may be similarly inclined to show their support. Anyone residing in New Jersey can reply to this email with their name, as well as other residents of their home wishing to show support.
Thank you.
Etz Chaim of Teaneck
As you read the petition please keep in mind that Etz Chaim's claims are intellectually dishonest and misleading:
1. A few (neighbors) have been going to great lengths to use media and the internet to garner publicity and political support in their opposition to us, in the process painting a false and unfair picture of the history.
The Township of Teaneck’s records have to be kept public and anyone can request to copies of them. Its called a OPRA request (Open Public Records Act). There is a website called 554queenanne.info that has postings of all of the documents and transcripts of the Board of Adjustment meetings. It also contains all the news articles regarding Etz Chaim and 554 Queen Anne Rd.
The website is purely informational and contains all primary sources. If you want the true history of Etz Chaim’s struggles with the Township of Teaneck, warts and all, 554queenanne.info is the first place to go.
2. Despite the misimpression they have tried to convey, our group has been working together with the township of Teaneck from day one, with full transparency and cooperation through every step of the process up to and including the current proceedings.
This statement is false. They have not been transparent with the Township. If Etz Chaim were truly transparent in their intention for usage of the room and creation of a Shul, there would be no need for this petition and the hearings would have little objection, if any, from the neighbors to granting the needed variances.
3. We would like to send a message of support that the community supports 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.
Etz Chaim’s religious freedoms have not been denied. They still meet at 554 Queen Anne Rd for services. No one is stopping them. The issues they are facing stem from their originally applying for a variance that called their sanctuary a family room and not a synagogue.
4. As such, we would appreciate it greatly if you would take this opportunity to show such support, and we would also appreciate your forwarding this email to any others in your communities who may be similarly inclined to show their support. Anyone residing in New Jersey can reply to this email with their name, as well as other residents of their home wishing to show support.
The Board of Beth Aaron (an Orthodox synagogue in Teaneck) had a request to send out the petition to all of it’s members, to show support for Etz Chaim. Beth Aaron’s board voted down the request. The Rabbi of Beth Aaron is a very close friend of Rabbi Daniel Feldman, the Rabbi of Etz Chaim, and the Beth Aaron board contains one of the founding members of, and still majorly affiliated with, Etz Chaim of Teaneck and it still didn’t pass. I am sure other Orthodox Synagogues in Teaneck are also voting it down.
There are tons and tons of stories about schools and Yeshivot operating illegally and ignoring the building codes and zoning laws of their local municipalities. The news stories have become so frequent that it’s becoming the norm, like the stories we read every few days about another Rubashkin or Dwek.
Why can't they follow the rules or are the rules only for goyim (non-Jews)??
From: Etz Chaim News
To:
Sent: Mon, Mar 8, 2010 12:21 pm
Subject: Board of Variance hearing is 1 week away. We need a few more votes. Please help out by just hitting reply.
Our board of variance hearing is just 1 week away.
We need a few more votes.
Please help out by just replying to this email with your name.
Nothing more is needed.
If you could, please check with any family, friends, co-workers to see if they would allow you to add their name in support of this variance.
Thank you.
**************************
We are currently applying for variances necessary to be zoned as a house of worship, a process every shul goes through at some point in its history. While many of our neighbors have been welcoming and supportive, a few have been going to great lengths to use media and the internet to garner publicity and political support in their opposition to us, in the process painting a false and unfair picture of the history. Despite the misimpression they have tried to convey, our group has been working together with the township of Teaneck from day one, with full transparency and cooperation through every step of the process up to and including the current proceedings.
We would like to send a message of support that the community supports 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.
As such, we would appreciate it greatly if you would take this opportunity to show such support, and we would also appreciate your forwarding this email to any others in your communities who may be similarly inclined to show their support. Anyone residing in New Jersey can reply to this email with their name, as well as other residents of their home wishing to show support.
Thank you.
Etz Chaim of Teaneck
