Erdos Had The Number First

So, I’m midway through The Rebbe’s Army.

So far, it’s a really good book. I wasn’t expecting such a positive look at the Chabadniks, but then again I’m not surprised it’s so positive. If that makes sense. Part of this is that I really didn’t know all that much about the Lubavitchers before reading this book.

Now, I know a little more, but I still wouldn’t consider myself “well versed”. The only thing I’ve really formed an opinion on is that the rest of the Jewish Community needs to better understand the Hasidim in general.

The book (many times) talks about how the Lubavitch send out troops, they set up a school, and that school is cheaper than an existing Jewish school and conflict arises. The problem is that Chabad strikes right at the vulnerable heart of many synagogues: the money. The problem (as I see it) is that the Chabaniks understand The Money so much better than the other Jews it’s not even funny.

She even quotes a New Jersey Rabbi[1] who notes that the another school:

…”loses kids every year to Lubavitch.” He claims it’s not because the education they get at Chabad is better. In his opinion, Chabad day schools provide a “narrow Jewish education,” with little Hebrew or Jewish history, no Zionist history, and an overemphasis on Talmud and Hasidic mysticism. It’s just dollars and cents, “so the parents can build another jacuzzi.”

Holy Crap! If this guy was my Rabbi I’d send my kids to another school, too. People do things because they think its the best option, not because they want Jacuzzis. The best option may, in some cases, include a jacuzzi for the family, but that kind of accusation does not help anyone. It is, in fact, absurd.

It is the job of the leadership to lead the congregation. If they are losing their congregants, maybe they should look at themselves rather than at the Chabad.

Having myself had terrible experiences with synagogues I know it is very refreshing to go to services and be accepted, and have people happy to see you there (NOTE: I’m not planning on going over to the Chabad any time soon, but trust me, for men their services are quite accepting and engaging).

My point is, however, that Chabad has the leadership and many of the other synagogues do NOT. This is the root of the problem.