Challenge Rescinded

Posting Update 8/5/12 10:00pm:

The imposter's comment magically disappeared from Teaneck Patch, but the memory lives on. As does my comment with links to this blog :-) I should thank the imported for increasing the traffic to this blog, but I don't thank charlatans.

 -------------------------------------------------------

An Etz Chaim member, the same one with all the pro Etz Chaim comments on here has posted a comment on the Patch using MY NAME. This was his comment:

http://teaneck.patch.com//articles/congregation-s-lawsuit-against-teaneck-moves-toward-trial

shluffenheimer Macdougal

10:43 pm on Saturday, August 4, 2012

If you check my website Macdougal Musings, you will see that I have issued a challenge to Rabbi Feldman and his Congregation Ohr Saadya. Although I think the Lawsuit against the Teaneck Board of Adjustment is wrong, I have done some self reflection since posting that challenge. I have come to realize that by creating this blog I have continually defamed Rabbi Feldman along with Robert Erlich and the rest of his congregation. I have Actually acted like a complete Jerk. My actions have been dispicable, reprehensible and morally wrong. I own a deep apology to Rabbi Feldman for my absolutely childish and inexcusable conduct. I have also defamed people of Scottish decent for using the name Macdougal. Please consider dropping your lawsuit for it is wrong and bad for the town. However, two wrongs do not make a right and I have been an absolute jerk and am unworthy of being a part of this Community, please forgive my inexcusable actions and continuous infantile behavior. I hope that your congregation grows to be a great success.

I never posted this nor will I ever post a comment such as this one. I have nothing to apologize for rentlessly pursuing the truth about the fraudulent actions of the synagogue founded and spiritually lead by Rabbi Daniel Z. Feldman, Robert Erlich - President and defended by Akiva Shapiro.

My response:

This is the REAL Shluffenheimer MacDougal, registered member of Teaneck Patch. Not the imposter posting in my name.

A Comment from the REAL Shluffenheimer MacDougal:

Due to the comment above this one from Saturday night August 4th at 10:43pm, pretending to be me, I am rescinding my Challenge to Etz Chaim as seen on http://macdmusings.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-macdougal-challenge.html and the blog isn't going anywhere.

The commentor above this comment is a charlatan and a sham. A coward posting in my name. Typical Etz Chaim/Ohr Saadya Identity theft fraud. Anyone who has read my blog knows that my english, grammar, diction and style does not match the faker above.

I will never and have never ever apologized for anything in my blog, even within the confines of my challenge. What Etz Chaim/Ohr Saadya and Rabbi Daniel Z. Feldman is doing is wrong and harmful to the entire Jewish community of Teaneck.

It is time for the Jews of Teaneck to say something and speak out to the leadership of Etz Chaim/Ohr Saadya. 

http://macdmusings.blogspot.com/2012/07/see-something-say-something.html

Shluffenheimer

The Avenger

Some Famous Bypasses

Coronary Bypass

Highway Bypass

Gastric Bypass

AND..........................................

Neighbor Bypass

Teaneck congregation appeals conditions placed on house of worship permit

Monday, January 10, 2011
BY JOSEPH AX
THE RECORD
STAFF WRITER
TEANECK — A Queen Anne Road congregation that received a house of worship permit last fall after months of controversial hearings has appealed several of the permit’s conditions, calling them arbitrary and unduly burdensome.

Etz Chaim, which battled with several neighbors for years prior to getting approval from the town’s zoning board, asserted in a lawsuit filed in Bergen County Superior Court that the variances it had sought – including a request to have only six parking spaces, rather than the 21 required – were relatively minor in nature.

By contrast, the congregation claimed, the board’s conditions “are vague and ambiguous on their face, largely have no connection to any legitimate land use concern, and are far more onerous than the conditions imposed on other, comparable secular and religious institutions.”

The case has sometimes delved into the murky definition of a “house of worship,” as the congregation holds services in a private residence.

Etz Chaim owns 554 Queen Anne Road, and the group’s rabbi, Daniel Feldman, lives at the home. The congregation received permission from the town to add a family room and to hold private prayer meetings there.

A group of neighbors – some of whom had feuded with one of the members of Etz Chaim prior to the group’s establishment – complained to the town that the congregation should have applied for a house of worship permit.

The town’s zoning official issued a cease and desist order in August 2008, and the congregation decided to apply for the permit rather than filing a lawsuit then. After a series of contentious hearings, the zoning board issued the permit – along with two dozen conditions – last fall.

Among the restrictions flagged in the lawsuit are a ban on using the outdoor space for celebrations, a limit on the number of religious services permitted during the week, a ban on outdoor signage and a requirement that participants leave the home an hour after services are finished on Saturday mornings, as well as others.

“Shackled by the onerous conditions imposed by the board, Etz Chaim is not able to proceed as a fully operational Orthodox Jewish house of worship,” the lawsuit reads.

The suit claims the restrictions violate the group’s First and Fourteenth Amendment Rights, the federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act and state law. It seeks to have many of the conditions thrown out and to impose punitive and compensatory damages.

The group’s lawyer, Akiva Shapiro, of New York-based Gibson Dunn, said his clients would welcome an out-of-court settlement.

Harold Ritvo, the zoning board attorney, did not return a call seeking comment. Rif Campeas, one of the neighbors who led the fight against Etz Chaim, declined to comment on the suit.

E-mail: ax@northjersey.com

Best of MacDMusings on Twitter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Enjoy your Shushan Purim,
Shluffenheimer MacDougal

Praise and Sing No More?

And now for the WWMD Hollywood Minute.

Stormwatch 2010 continues but currently there is a lull in the precipitation. Mother Nature blew enough chunks of snow and ice all over Bergen County. While she enjoyed some lightly buttered toast and sipped some flat Coca Cola, the stars were seen out around Teaneck.

Miami Dolphins Chad Pennington and Joey Porter were spotted enjoying the offseason with a nice brisk swim in the Hackensack River.

Chad toweling off. What a hunk!

Things are heating up on the South Side of Town with a Double Homicide near Queen Anne Road. There are leads the police are following to find out who killed those young men from Queens, NY. One thing is for sure, they didn't spend enough time in Teaneck to check out all of our delicious Kosher restaurants. If this violence keeps up in areas near Jewish prayerhouses, mayor Kevie Feit might just have to call in the Rabbis' God Squad.

No one knows how this will effect Etz Chaim's walk to their cars at CVS. What we do know is that Etz Chaim will have to hire a valet to watch over their cars and their keys. Carrying keys to the synagogue on the Sabbath is an Orthodox Jewish no-no. They will have to welcome the Sabbath Queen much earlier than the rest of Teaneck to get to their rabbiresideprivaprayesynagouse in time for prayers.

Check for updates to this saga.

The WWMD Hollywood Minute has learned that Robert Erlich is a man of many faces and disguises. A google image search was done using the keywords: Robert Erlich Teaneck with very interesting results. Is he a woman, a newspaper article, a fox, a flying car? Who knows? It is no surprise to this reporter that President Robert Erlich has not been heard from in a while. Since the Board of Adjustments meeting he has seemingly fallen off of the map of Teaneck. With exception of the odd letter to the editors of the Suburbanite, it seems to be that his 15 minutes of fame is finally over. This lack of news and publicity is a concern for a precious few. That precious few being Robert Erlich himself.

Finally, there are exciting reports from the Jewish Center of Teaneck that Rabbi Zierler is contemplating changing the name of the Hallel V'Zimrah Orthodox Minyan? There are so many choices. This reporter believes that he will choose Darchei Noam because Teaneck already has an Etz Chaim and a Netivot Shalom in that area.

In other breaking news, 2 more shuls are opening up on that side of town, Machazikim Bah and Tomcheha MeUshar.

There is speculation that Rabbi Zierler will name the Jewish Center, Beth David, in honor of the legacy of the Rabbi Emeritus, Rabbi David Feldman. Stay tuned.

I'm Shluffenheimer MacDougal and this has been the WWMD Hollywood Minute.

Happy Purim Everyone! Hope you enjoyed the shpiel!