By Harvey Morris at the United Nations, Peggy Hollinger in Paris and James Blitz in London
Published: March 17 2011 08:16 | Last updated: March 17 2011 23:12
The United Nations Security Council last night narrowly gave the go-ahead for military action against the Libyan regime, rasing the prospect of air strikes against Muammer Gaddafi’s forces, possibly within hours.
The vote was carried by 10 votes and five abstentions from Russia, China, India, Germany and Brazil. There was a last-minute delay as it appeared two other unnamed states might join the abstainees that would have overturned the vote.
Resolution 1973 gives members of the UN – in practice the US, France, Britain and two Arab allies – to mount military operations short of a land invasion to stem regime attacks on civilians.
The resolution also extends an asset freeze on Libyan entities. The draft named the Libyan Central Bank and the Libyan National Oil Corporation as entities that would be targeted.
Susan Rice, US envoy, had last minute exchanges in the council chamber with French diplomats, took a call and briefly left the room as it emerged the number of abstainees might have grown...
Col Gaddafi’s forces bombed the outskirts of Benghazi, a rebel stronghold in the east of Libya, Reuters reported. In a radio address.
But protesters against Col Gaddafi in the eastern city of Benghazi cheered and let off fireworks to celebrate the vote, Al Jazeera television showed.
The resolution authorizing a no-fly zone over Libya demanded a ceasefire and allows “all necessary measures” to protect civilians, “excluding a foreign occupation force of any form on any part of Libyan territory”...
France, Britain and the US on Thursday had been pressing the Security Council for a resolution to allow them to take military action aimed at containing Muammer Gaddafi’s assault on rebel forces in Libya.
British ambassador to the UN, Sir Mark Lyall Grant, said the UK and its partners are “ready to shoulder our responsibility” in enforcing the resolution.
Alain Juppé, France’s foreign minister who had flown to New York to attend the meeting, said it was urgent to act. “It’s a question of days, perhaps hours,” he told reporters before the vote.
Any military action would involve the participation of Arab states, and Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have so far pledged to assist, diplomats said.
After the dramatic decision by Barack Obama, US president, to back calls for international military action against Colonel Gaddafi, the US joined France and Britain’s efforts to persuade the Security Council to approve a partial no-fly zone over Libya and air strikes against the Libyan leader’s forces.
William Hague, Britain’s foreign secretary, said a draft UN resolution called “for all necessary measures short of an occupation force to protect civilians under threat of attack”.
French officials said a resolution could be followed by immediate military action by France’s jets. “We will be ready to act once the resolution is voted [for],” an official said in Paris.
Mr Juppé said it was an important and historic moment for the UN to stand up against dictators willing to attack their own people to stifle democracy. “If we did not do what we are doing now, we would be ashamed,” he said.
Britain did not rule out the possibility of military strikes and US planners were preparing for such a move. But in a sign of residual US doubts, Gen Norton Schwartz, US air force chief of staff, said “it would take upwards of a week” to establish a no-fly zone..."
Rabbi Dovid Ribiat on ex-rabbi Tropper: "we have discovered a venomous snake in our midst, an immoral individual who abused his rabbinical position and caused immeasurable Chillul Hashem [desecration to the Name], and shame to our community. We in the Torah community must collectively take swift measures to eradicate this abomination from our midst, and to do all in our power to search and root out any other potential charlatans before they can cause their great harm."
Rabbi Dovid Ribiat heads the Kollel Ohr Yaakov of Forshay in Monsey NY, and is regarded as a prominent Halachic authority across the US. He is also the author of several Seforim, including the world-renowned four-volume work on the 39 Melochos of Shabbos. On January 21, 10 he graciously consented to the following interview regarding the Tropper scandal:
Interviewer: Over the past several weeks there have been a lot of questions in the media over the silence of the Rabbis in the Ultra-orthodox community re. the Tropper scandal. Why has there been no condemnation of Tropper from the Rabbis?
RR: I can only speak as one of the Rabbis of Monsey. Firstly, you must understand that there is no single authoritative Rabbinic body in Monsey. The city is comprised of many different Orthodox segments and synagogues, each with its own Rabbinic leadership. Although the Rabbis do get together on issues affecting the entire community, this can take time, especially when the issues need a great deal of clarification. Even though Rabbi Tropper lives in Monsey, the scandal, based on a series of tapes (which Tropper claims are fraudulent), only came to our attention through media reports. The Rabbis had no prior knowledge of this scandal and had no way of confirming the reports without undertaking their own independent investigation. It has taken time to organize a focused investigation and begin the process of sorting out the claims and counter claims in the media in search of the objective truth. We cannot issue condemnations against an individual without due process or before verifying the facts. This is why you have not heard any statements from the rabbis as yet.
INT: Rabbi, these tapes have been available on the Internet for many weeks already; didn't this leave a lot of time to come to some conclusion by now?
RR: There is no special Rabbinic "investigating agency" in Monsey with forensic experts responsible for investigating and reporting on scandals. This kind of embarrassing incident is not something that occurs, Heaven Forbid, on any regular basis; it is obviously not something that we ever anticipated."
Rabbi Dovid Ribiat on ex-rabbi Tropper: "we have discovered a venomous snake in our midst, an immoral individual who abused his rabbinical position and caused immeasurable Chillul Hashem [desecration to the Name], and shame to our community. We in the Torah community must collectively take swift measures to eradicate this abomination from our midst, and to do all in our power to search and root out any other potential charlatans before they can cause their great harm.
INT: As you know, the EJF (Eternal Jewish Family) and Horizons, two major organizations that enjoy the broad support of the foremost Orthodox Rabbis today, were headed by Rabbi Leib Tropper. These well-funded organizations have distributed large sums to many Yeshivos and Rabbinical institutions. Tropper has resigned from EJF, but still remains in charge of Horizons, which is the parent organization, and has control over the money. Why hasn't he been asked to step down, at least temporarily, until this scandal is investigated?
RR: I am not sure that EJF has the broad Rabbinic support that you describe. In any case, the information I have indicates that he has indeed stepped down from both organizations. Regardless, these organizations do not function principally in Monsey, and are not under our jurisdiction.
INT: But what about his Yeshivah in Monsey? Isn't he still there?
RR: Yes, we understand that he is still in his Yeshivah. However, as I said, we cannot force him to resign before confirming the rumors about him while he continues to deny them.
INT: Why can't he be told to step down at least temporarily?
RR: This too is not something that we can force without a hearing in Beis Din. The Rabbis did not want to proceed until their investigation was completed. Incidentally, there is a lot of outrage in the community here in Monsey, and I suspect that Rabbi Tropper has heard this message from others."
Rabbi Dovid Ribiat on ex-rabbi Tropper: "we have discovered a venomous snake in our midst, an immoral individual who abused his rabbinical position and caused immeasurable Chillul Hashem [desecration to the Name], and shame to our community. We in the Torah community must collectively take swift measures to eradicate this abomination from our midst, and to do all in our power to search and root out any other potential charlatans before they can cause their great harm.
INT: Still, all of this does not explain why the most prominent Rabbis in the US and Israel have come out with statements in support of Tropper?
RR: I have not seen any of these alleged statements, but I do know that at least some of the claims of their support are not true.
INT: May I ask you to please explain?
RR: Well, for example, there were rumors being spread that Rabbi Wachtfogel, Rosh Yeshivah of South Fallsburg Yeshivah and a major figure in the Torah community, was supporting Rabbi Tropper. However, when a delegation of Rabbis went to speak to him personally on this matter, Rabbi Wachtfogel made it very clear that this was absolutely not the case. On the other hand, he was unable to condemn Rabbi Tropper or to sanction any other action against him in the absence of evidence.
INT: But there are letters of support that have been signed by the leading Rabbis in Israel, including Rabbi Elyashiv and Rabbi Kanievsky. These can be shown to exist.
RR: As I said, I have not seen these statements. But even if they do exist, I doubt their accuracy.
INT: Do you mean to imply that those letters are forgeries?
RR: No, not necessarily, although this too could be the case. What I mean is, I have doubts about the accuracy of what is being deduced from them.
INT: But why would they sign a statement before being certain of its veracity?
RR: I'm afraid I wasn't clear. You have to realize that these are truly great people, completely dedicated to the public. When a request for moral support is brought to them, especially in issues of possible slander, it is right and proper to lend a hand to the victim. A statement of moral support does not have the weight of a legal document and would have no effect on any of the proceedings or hearings in a Beis Din. On the other hand, helping one who should be presumed innocent until proven guilty is a perfectly plausible and proper thing to do, as there certainly have been cases of malicious slander destroying innocent people. Someone probably asked the Rabbis to save Tropper from slander, and they merely responded. They are not making a Halachically binding act of support.
INT: I will ask a blunt question that many are asking: There are claims in the media that Tropper is being protected because he has helped important and influential Rabbis, and that this is in fact the reason for the wall of silence in the Chareidi community. Can you please comment?
RR: These allegations sound like no more than pernicious gossip. As a Rabbi in Monsey, I can only say that once there is incontrovertible evidence, appropriate measures will be taken. However, no action will be taken before there is satisfactory evidence, regardless of any scurrilous reports or media pressures."
Rabbi Dovid Ribiat on ex-rabbi Tropper: "we have discovered a venomous snake in our midst, an immoral individual who abused his rabbinical position and caused immeasurable Chillul Hashem [desecration to the Name], and shame to our community. We in the Torah community must collectively take swift measures to eradicate this abomination from our midst, and to do all in our power to search and root out any other potential charlatans before they can cause their great harm.
INT: Forgive me Rabbi, but do you mind if I ask if you or your organization have ever received money from Rabbi Tropper?
RR: No, I do not mind. Neither I nor my organization have ever received money from or through Rabbi Tropper.
INT: Why was there such swift and universal condemnation of Rabbi Nosson Slifkin and his books, while in the case of Tropper, who is guilty of blatantly immoral conduct, there is painstakingly slow and careful deliberation - only silence - before taking any action?
RR: Firstly, your question assumes Tropper's guilt. As I said, until there is due process we are not Halachically permitted to issue condemnations against an individual, or to take any other action against him ...
INT: ... but where was the "due process" in the case of Rabbi Slifkin? Here was a brilliant young Rabbi who wrote many scholarly books on Torah subjects, yet his books were banned and he was roundly condemned and ostracized by the entire spectrum of Rabbis in the ultra-orthodox community, merely because his views, such as the age of the universe, are not in line with their "politically correct' way of thinking. Why was he treated differently?
RR: Before I explain the difference, I must address your comment; This is not the forum for a discussion of Slifkin's books, but to cavalierly describe the controversy merely as a fight over "political correctness" reveals not only a crass ignorance of the books' content, but also of the basics of Jewish philosophy."
Rabbi Dovid Ribiat on ex-rabbi Tropper: "we have discovered a venomous snake in our midst, an immoral individual who abused his rabbinical position and caused immeasurable Chillul Hashem [desecration to the Name], and shame to our community. We in the Torah community must collectively take swift measures to eradicate this abomination from our midst, and to do all in our power to search and root out any other potential charlatans before they can cause their great harm.
INT: I understand your point Rabbi, but still, you must admit that there seems to be a double standard here. On the one hand is a simple scholar who feels the swift, full brunt of Rabbinic condemnation for his books, while on the other hand is a powerful well-connected Chareidi-style Rabbi who is accused of grossly unethical and immoral conduct, abusing his Rabbinic position in the most objectionable manner, yet there is only deafening silence. Why?
RR: I was not involved with the Slifkin controversy and cannot speak for the Rabbis in that case. Nevertheless, there are some obvious differences between the case of Slifkin and that of Tropper. With Slifkin, the evidence was on black and white, and irrefutable - there were published books, and nothing to deny. Also, the books contained many views whose objectionability ran much deeper than merely such questions as the age of the universe. As it was, there were some Rabbis who did not feel that the condemnation was the best approach, even in that case. Either way, the evidence was not the issue, whereas in the case of Tropper, in the face of denials, the evidence is the first issue.
INT: Rabbi, do you care to make any final comments?
RR: I would like to remark that this terrible episode has brought great pain and embarrassment to the entire Torah community. If the allegations are proven to be false, those who perpetrated the slander owe a profound apology, not only to Rabbi Tropper, but also to the entire Orthodox community. If, however, they are proven to be true, then we have discovered a venomous snake in our midst, an immoral individual who abused his rabbinical position and caused immeasurable Chillul Hashem [desecration to the Name], and shame to our community. We in the Torah community must collectively take swift measures to eradicate this abomination from our midst, and to do all in our power to search and root out any other potential charlatans before they can cause their great harm. However, observers from outside our community must be fair-minded. They must not attempt to paint the entire community or its Rabbinic leadership with one ugly broad brush. Nor is it fair or constructive to jump to conclusions over the manner in which internal issues are dealt with by the Rabbis, especially outsiders who do not feel the pulse of the community. Those who do not reside in a community or who are not members of the Orthodox community should respect the fact that their understanding of the issues may be limited, and should be cautious before passing judgment. With attitudes of mutual respect and human sensitivity, problems can be solved and tragedies avoided.
INT: Thank you very much for your helpful insights and for granting us your precious time, Rabbi.
In a transparent bid to stave off further anti-government [anti-moetzes] protests in Saudi Arabia [Haredi Stan], King Abdullah [Aron Schechter] has unveiled an astounding and unprecedented multi-billion-dollar package of handouts [shochad] to his subjects.
Under the deal, $66.7-billion will be spent on constructing half a million housing [section eight] units and $4.3-billion on building more medical [medicaid] facilities. The government [moetzes] will also kick in an additional two months' [kollel] wages for all state [kollel] workers and provide two extra payments for university [baismedrash] students worth around $500.
The king [roshiva] also boosted the monthly minimum [unemployment] wage to $800 and said the state [gedolim] will make monthly payments of about $260 to the country's jobless [batlonim]. (Despite its vast oil [chulnet] wealth, the kingdom [moetzes] currently has an unemployment rate of 10.5 [100%] percent, while the rate is much higher for younger Saudis [Haredim]).
He also vowed to provide millions more for the government's [moetzes] housing loan [shnor] fund and hiked the maximum [free-]loan for homes to around $130,000.
The elderly monarch, who is reportedly in declining health, appeared live on state [moetzes] television [kolkores], to announce his benefits program.
However, during his speech, the king praised his security [ferd] forces for preventing protests planned by the country's Shia [Moderdox] minority.
"You are the hitting hand against whoever considers undermining the nation's [moetzes] security and stability," he said.
The king [roshiva] also seemed to thank the vast majority of his subjects who did not participate in street protests.
"I am so proud of you,” [for being stupid] he beamed. “Words are not enough to describe you," he said. "You are the safety valve [of flushing toilets] of this nation [oilemgoilem] and you struck at that which is wrong with the truth and at treachery with loyalty."
Most of the unrest in the kingdom [moetzes] has come from the minority Shias [Moderdox] who live in the oil-rich eastern part of the kingdom and share some of the same grievances as their brethren in neighboring Bahrain.
Abdullah’s {Schechter's] largesse [shochad] did not impress some leading opposition figured, who are demanding more systematic changes, including the release of political prisoners and a loosening of the ruling Saud [Schechter] family’s grip on the nation’ [moetzes] affairs.
"I was seriously disappointed to be honest," said Mohammed al-Qahtani [Norm an-Lamm], a prominent reformist, according to Al-Jazeera [Jew-Wishweek].
"The least we expect is to establish a constitutional monarchy [impeachment committee] and freeing political [yeshivissha] prisoners. Is this going to be enough for the people? I don't think so."
Ad mosai
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP35sj-9iaI&feature=player_embedded#at=289
http://shameonlakewoodboe.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteThe Downfall of a Modern-Day Rosha Wicked One !
ReplyDeleteFinamcial Times:
Security Council votes for no-fly zone
By Harvey Morris at the United Nations, Peggy Hollinger in Paris and James Blitz in London
Published: March 17 2011 08:16 | Last updated: March 17 2011 23:12
The United Nations Security Council last night narrowly gave the go-ahead for military action against the Libyan regime, rasing the prospect of air strikes against Muammer Gaddafi’s forces, possibly within hours.
The vote was carried by 10 votes and five abstentions from Russia, China, India, Germany and Brazil. There was a last-minute delay as it appeared two other unnamed states might join the abstainees that would have overturned the vote.
Resolution 1973 gives members of the UN – in practice the US, France, Britain and two Arab allies – to mount military operations short of a land invasion to stem regime attacks on civilians.
The resolution also extends an asset freeze on Libyan entities. The draft named the Libyan Central Bank and the Libyan National Oil Corporation as entities that would be targeted.
Susan Rice, US envoy, had last minute exchanges in the council chamber with French diplomats, took a call and briefly left the room as it emerged the number of abstainees might have grown...
Col Gaddafi’s forces bombed the outskirts of Benghazi, a rebel stronghold in the east of Libya, Reuters reported. In a radio address.
But protesters against Col Gaddafi in the eastern city of Benghazi cheered and let off fireworks to celebrate the vote, Al Jazeera television showed.
The resolution authorizing a no-fly zone over Libya demanded a ceasefire and allows “all necessary measures” to protect civilians, “excluding a foreign occupation force of any form on any part of Libyan territory”...
France, Britain and the US on Thursday had been pressing the Security Council for a resolution to allow them to take military action aimed at containing Muammer Gaddafi’s assault on rebel forces in Libya.
British ambassador to the UN, Sir Mark Lyall Grant, said the UK and its partners are “ready to shoulder our responsibility” in enforcing the resolution.
Alain Juppé, France’s foreign minister who had flown to New York to attend the meeting, said it was urgent to act. “It’s a question of days, perhaps hours,” he told reporters before the vote.
Any military action would involve the participation of Arab states, and Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have so far pledged to assist, diplomats said.
After the dramatic decision by Barack Obama, US president, to back calls for international military action against Colonel Gaddafi, the US joined France and Britain’s efforts to persuade the Security Council to approve a partial no-fly zone over Libya and air strikes against the Libyan leader’s forces.
William Hague, Britain’s foreign secretary, said a draft UN resolution called “for all necessary measures short of an occupation force to protect civilians under threat of attack”.
French officials said a resolution could be followed by immediate military action by France’s jets. “We will be ready to act once the resolution is voted [for],” an official said in Paris.
Mr Juppé said it was an important and historic moment for the UN to stand up against dictators willing to attack their own people to stifle democracy. “If we did not do what we are doing now, we would be ashamed,” he said.
Britain did not rule out the possibility of military strikes and US planners were preparing for such a move. But in a sign of residual US doubts, Gen Norton Schwartz, US air force chief of staff, said “it would take upwards of a week” to establish a no-fly zone..."
Rabbi Dovid Ribiat on ex-rabbi Tropper: "we have discovered a venomous snake in our midst, an immoral individual who abused his rabbinical position and caused immeasurable Chillul Hashem [desecration to the Name], and shame to our community. We in the Torah community must collectively take swift measures to eradicate this abomination from our midst, and to do all in our power to search and root out any other potential charlatans before they can cause their great harm."
ReplyDelete5 Towns Jewish Times:
"Leib Tropper - Why the Rabbis Were Silent
Written by 5TJT Staff
Saturday, 23 January 2010 19:00
Rabbi Dovid Ribiat heads the Kollel Ohr Yaakov of Forshay in Monsey NY, and is regarded as a prominent Halachic authority across the US. He is also the author of several Seforim, including the world-renowned four-volume work on the 39 Melochos of Shabbos. On January 21, 10 he graciously consented to the following interview regarding the Tropper scandal:
Interviewer: Over the past several weeks there have been a lot of questions in the media over the silence of the Rabbis in the Ultra-orthodox community re. the Tropper scandal. Why has there been no condemnation of Tropper from the Rabbis?
RR: I can only speak as one of the Rabbis of Monsey. Firstly, you must understand that there is no single authoritative Rabbinic body in Monsey. The city is comprised of many different Orthodox segments and synagogues, each with its own Rabbinic leadership. Although the Rabbis do get together on issues affecting the entire community, this can take time, especially when the issues need a great deal of clarification. Even though Rabbi Tropper lives in Monsey, the scandal, based on a series of tapes (which Tropper claims are fraudulent), only came to our attention through media reports. The Rabbis had no prior knowledge of this scandal and had no way of confirming the reports without undertaking their own independent investigation. It has taken time to organize a focused investigation and begin the process of sorting out the claims and counter claims in the media in search of the objective truth. We cannot issue condemnations against an individual without due process or before verifying the facts. This is why you have not heard any statements from the rabbis as yet.
INT: Rabbi, these tapes have been available on the Internet for many weeks already; didn't this leave a lot of time to come to some conclusion by now?
RR: There is no special Rabbinic "investigating agency" in Monsey with forensic experts responsible for investigating and reporting on scandals. This kind of embarrassing incident is not something that occurs, Heaven Forbid, on any regular basis; it is obviously not something that we ever anticipated."
Rabbi Dovid Ribiat on ex-rabbi Tropper: "we have discovered a venomous snake in our midst, an immoral individual who abused his rabbinical position and caused immeasurable Chillul Hashem [desecration to the Name], and shame to our community. We in the Torah community must collectively take swift measures to eradicate this abomination from our midst, and to do all in our power to search and root out any other potential charlatans before they can cause their great harm.
ReplyDelete5 Towns Jewish Times:
"Leib Tropper - Why the Rabbis Were Silent
INT: As you know, the EJF (Eternal Jewish Family) and Horizons, two major organizations that enjoy the broad support of the foremost Orthodox Rabbis today, were headed by Rabbi Leib Tropper. These well-funded organizations have distributed large sums to many Yeshivos and Rabbinical institutions. Tropper has resigned from EJF, but still remains in charge of Horizons, which is the parent organization, and has control over the money. Why hasn't he been asked to step down, at least temporarily, until this scandal is investigated?
RR: I am not sure that EJF has the broad Rabbinic support that you describe. In any case, the information I have indicates that he has indeed stepped down from both organizations. Regardless, these organizations do not function principally in Monsey, and are not under our jurisdiction.
INT: But what about his Yeshivah in Monsey? Isn't he still there?
RR: Yes, we understand that he is still in his Yeshivah. However, as I said, we cannot force him to resign before confirming the rumors about him while he continues to deny them.
INT: Why can't he be told to step down at least temporarily?
RR: This too is not something that we can force without a hearing in Beis Din. The Rabbis did not want to proceed until their investigation was completed. Incidentally, there is a lot of outrage in the community here in Monsey, and I suspect that Rabbi Tropper has heard this message from others."
Rabbi Dovid Ribiat on ex-rabbi Tropper: "we have discovered a venomous snake in our midst, an immoral individual who abused his rabbinical position and caused immeasurable Chillul Hashem [desecration to the Name], and shame to our community. We in the Torah community must collectively take swift measures to eradicate this abomination from our midst, and to do all in our power to search and root out any other potential charlatans before they can cause their great harm.
ReplyDelete5 Towns Jewish Times:
"Leib Tropper - Why the Rabbis Were Silent
INT: Still, all of this does not explain why the most prominent Rabbis in the US and Israel have come out with statements in support of Tropper?
RR: I have not seen any of these alleged statements, but I do know that at least some of the claims of their support are not true.
INT: May I ask you to please explain?
RR: Well, for example, there were rumors being spread that Rabbi Wachtfogel, Rosh Yeshivah of South Fallsburg Yeshivah and a major figure in the Torah community, was supporting Rabbi Tropper. However, when a delegation of Rabbis went to speak to him personally on this matter, Rabbi Wachtfogel made it very clear that this was absolutely not the case. On the other hand, he was unable to condemn Rabbi Tropper or to sanction any other action against him in the absence of evidence.
INT: But there are letters of support that have been signed by the leading Rabbis in Israel, including Rabbi Elyashiv and Rabbi Kanievsky. These can be shown to exist.
RR: As I said, I have not seen these statements. But even if they do exist, I doubt their accuracy.
INT: Do you mean to imply that those letters are forgeries?
RR: No, not necessarily, although this too could be the case. What I mean is, I have doubts about the accuracy of what is being deduced from them.
INT: But why would they sign a statement before being certain of its veracity?
RR: I'm afraid I wasn't clear. You have to realize that these are truly great people, completely dedicated to the public. When a request for moral support is brought to them, especially in issues of possible slander, it is right and proper to lend a hand to the victim. A statement of moral support does not have the weight of a legal document and would have no effect on any of the proceedings or hearings in a Beis Din. On the other hand, helping one who should be presumed innocent until proven guilty is a perfectly plausible and proper thing to do, as there certainly have been cases of malicious slander destroying innocent people. Someone probably asked the Rabbis to save Tropper from slander, and they merely responded. They are not making a Halachically binding act of support.
INT: I will ask a blunt question that many are asking: There are claims in the media that Tropper is being protected because he has helped important and influential Rabbis, and that this is in fact the reason for the wall of silence in the Chareidi community. Can you please comment?
RR: These allegations sound like no more than pernicious gossip. As a Rabbi in Monsey, I can only say that once there is incontrovertible evidence, appropriate measures will be taken. However, no action will be taken before there is satisfactory evidence, regardless of any scurrilous reports or media pressures."
Rabbi Dovid Ribiat on ex-rabbi Tropper: "we have discovered a venomous snake in our midst, an immoral individual who abused his rabbinical position and caused immeasurable Chillul Hashem [desecration to the Name], and shame to our community. We in the Torah community must collectively take swift measures to eradicate this abomination from our midst, and to do all in our power to search and root out any other potential charlatans before they can cause their great harm.
ReplyDelete5 Towns Jewish Times:
"Leib Tropper - Why the Rabbis Were Silent
INT: Forgive me Rabbi, but do you mind if I ask if you or your organization have ever received money from Rabbi Tropper?
RR: No, I do not mind. Neither I nor my organization have ever received money from or through Rabbi Tropper.
INT: Why was there such swift and universal condemnation of Rabbi Nosson Slifkin and his books, while in the case of Tropper, who is guilty of blatantly immoral conduct, there is painstakingly slow and careful deliberation - only silence - before taking any action?
RR: Firstly, your question assumes Tropper's guilt. As I said, until there is due process we are not Halachically permitted to issue condemnations against an individual, or to take any other action against him ...
INT: ... but where was the "due process" in the case of Rabbi Slifkin? Here was a brilliant young Rabbi who wrote many scholarly books on Torah subjects, yet his books were banned and he was roundly condemned and ostracized by the entire spectrum of Rabbis in the ultra-orthodox community, merely because his views, such as the age of the universe, are not in line with their "politically correct' way of thinking. Why was he treated differently?
RR: Before I explain the difference, I must address your comment; This is not the forum for a discussion of Slifkin's books, but to cavalierly describe the controversy merely as a fight over "political correctness" reveals not only a crass ignorance of the books' content, but also of the basics of Jewish philosophy."
Rabbi Dovid Ribiat on ex-rabbi Tropper: "we have discovered a venomous snake in our midst, an immoral individual who abused his rabbinical position and caused immeasurable Chillul Hashem [desecration to the Name], and shame to our community. We in the Torah community must collectively take swift measures to eradicate this abomination from our midst, and to do all in our power to search and root out any other potential charlatans before they can cause their great harm.
ReplyDelete5 Towns Jewish Times:
"Leib Tropper - Why the Rabbis Were Silent
INT: I understand your point Rabbi, but still, you must admit that there seems to be a double standard here. On the one hand is a simple scholar who feels the swift, full brunt of Rabbinic condemnation for his books, while on the other hand is a powerful well-connected Chareidi-style Rabbi who is accused of grossly unethical and immoral conduct, abusing his Rabbinic position in the most objectionable manner, yet there is only deafening silence. Why?
RR: I was not involved with the Slifkin controversy and cannot speak for the Rabbis in that case. Nevertheless, there are some obvious differences between the case of Slifkin and that of Tropper. With Slifkin, the evidence was on black and white, and irrefutable - there were published books, and nothing to deny. Also, the books contained many views whose objectionability ran much deeper than merely such questions as the age of the universe. As it was, there were some Rabbis who did not feel that the condemnation was the best approach, even in that case. Either way, the evidence was not the issue, whereas in the case of Tropper, in the face of denials, the evidence is the first issue.
INT: Rabbi, do you care to make any final comments?
RR: I would like to remark that this terrible episode has brought great pain and embarrassment to the entire Torah community. If the allegations are proven to be false, those who perpetrated the slander owe a profound apology, not only to Rabbi Tropper, but also to the entire Orthodox community. If, however, they are proven to be true, then we have discovered a venomous snake in our midst, an immoral individual who abused his rabbinical position and caused immeasurable Chillul Hashem [desecration to the Name], and shame to our community. We in the Torah community must collectively take swift measures to eradicate this abomination from our midst, and to do all in our power to search and root out any other potential charlatans before they can cause their great harm.
However, observers from outside our community must be fair-minded. They must not attempt to paint the entire community or its Rabbinic leadership with one ugly broad brush. Nor is it fair or constructive to jump to conclusions over the manner in which internal issues are dealt with by the Rabbis, especially outsiders who do not feel the pulse of the community. Those who do not reside in a community or who are not members of the Orthodox community should respect the fact that their understanding of the issues may be limited, and should be cautious before passing judgment. With attitudes of mutual respect and human sensitivity, problems can be solved and tragedies avoided.
INT: Thank you very much for your helpful insights and for granting us your precious time, Rabbi.
RR: You are welcome, and I thank you as well."
>On the other hand, he was unable to condemn Rabbi Tropper or to sanction any other action against him in the absence of evidence.<
ReplyDeleteWhat a load of crock!! How much more evidence can one have than tapes of his distinctive horrid voice and video of his sexual encounter???
International Business Times:
ReplyDelete"Saudi Arabia king unfurls billions in handouts to quell unrest
March 18, 2011 4:25 PM EDT
In a transparent bid to stave off further anti-government [anti-moetzes] protests in Saudi Arabia [Haredi Stan], King Abdullah [Aron Schechter] has unveiled an astounding and unprecedented multi-billion-dollar package of handouts [shochad] to his subjects.
Under the deal, $66.7-billion will be spent on constructing half a million housing [section eight] units and $4.3-billion on building more medical [medicaid] facilities. The government [moetzes] will also kick in an additional two months' [kollel] wages for all state [kollel] workers and provide two extra payments for university [baismedrash] students worth around $500.
The king [roshiva] also boosted the monthly minimum [unemployment] wage to $800 and said the state [gedolim] will make monthly payments of about $260 to the country's jobless [batlonim]. (Despite its vast oil [chulnet] wealth, the kingdom [moetzes] currently has an unemployment rate of 10.5 [100%] percent, while the rate is much higher for younger Saudis [Haredim]).
He also vowed to provide millions more for the government's [moetzes] housing loan [shnor] fund and hiked the maximum [free-]loan for homes to around $130,000.
The elderly monarch, who is reportedly in declining health, appeared live on state [moetzes] television [kolkores], to announce his benefits program.
However, during his speech, the king praised his security [ferd] forces for preventing protests planned by the country's Shia [Moderdox] minority.
"You are the hitting hand against whoever considers undermining the nation's [moetzes] security and stability," he said.
The king [roshiva] also seemed to thank the vast majority of his subjects who did not participate in street protests.
"I am so proud of you,” [for being stupid] he beamed. “Words are not enough to describe you," he said. "You are the safety valve [of flushing toilets] of this nation [oilemgoilem] and you struck at that which is wrong with the truth and at treachery with loyalty."
Most of the unrest in the kingdom [moetzes] has come from the minority Shias [Moderdox] who live in the oil-rich eastern part of the kingdom and share some of the same grievances as their brethren in neighboring Bahrain.
Abdullah’s {Schechter's] largesse [shochad] did not impress some leading opposition figured, who are demanding more systematic changes, including the release of political prisoners and a loosening of the ruling Saud [Schechter] family’s grip on the nation’ [moetzes] affairs.
"I was seriously disappointed to be honest," said Mohammed al-Qahtani [Norm an-Lamm], a prominent reformist, according to Al-Jazeera [Jew-Wishweek].
"The least we expect is to establish a constitutional monarchy [impeachment committee] and freeing political [yeshivissha] prisoners. Is this going to be enough for the people? I don't think so."