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Tuesday, October 27, 2020

The rabbis are assigning higher priority to 'customer retention' than to the clear halakhic imperative to preserve health and life!

Ultra-Orthodox non-compliance rests on fear

The rabbis are assigning higher priority to 'customer retention' than to the clear halakhic imperative to preserve health and life
Following authorization from their rabbis, ultra-Orthodox Jews of the Toldot Aharon sect attend a computer and Internet lecture in Ramat Gan. February 2, 2012. (Yossi Zeliger/FLASH90)

The ultra-Orthodox “revolt” of the last lockdown, which continues until today, is most clearly expressed in the opening of their elementary schools for boys.

This violation of the rules brings to light two phenomena: the first is the unmistakable priority granted to abiding by communal and religious values over complying with the laws of the state. Second, and just as strong, is fear. The behavior of the ultra-Orthodox, as some of their leaders candidly acknowledge, stems from the recognition that if they leave their flock without supervision, even briefly, the whole system is liable to fall apart. This insight, which shows ultra-Orthodox society in a sad light, reveals that it is clearly in need of internal soul-searching. But it also sprouts hope for the integration of the ultra-Orthodox into Israeli society in the future.

The conduct of the ultra-Orthodox since the onset of the pandemic, and all the more so during the recent lockdown, has left many Israelis rubbing their eyes in disbelief. Besides the anger at the irresponsibility and flagrant lack of solidarity displayed by most of the ultra-Orthodox, many outside the community simply cannot understand why its rabbis and leaders, who certainly do not want their followers to fall sick or die, are knowingly endangering their health. Indeed, the morbidity and mortality figures among the ultra-Orthodox have skyrocketed, to the point where this sector has become a world leader in coronavirus infections.

One possible explanation — admittedly, rather shaky — is that Jewish values oblige us to continue public prayer and Torah study in a public setting, whatever the health risk. This is a dubious explanation, since one need not be a great talmudic scholar or an eminent halakhic adjudicator to understand that, in Judaism, the supreme value, overriding all else, is the sanctity of life. This is expressed in the halakhic dictum that the precepts (mitzvot) were given to live by (meaning that individuals must live in order to fulfill them), rather than to die for (as a result of keeping them). This principle is the beacon that lights the path of each and every Jew.

The second explanation, less obvious but more convincing, is fear. There are two ways to enforce an ascetic lifestyle that demands personal sacrifice, of the sort followed by the ultra-Orthodox. One is an ardent belief, shared by all members of the community, that theirs is the right path; the other is by building up high walls to insulate the community and — enforce a draconian regime within them. The COVID-19 pandemic makes it glaringly clear that the ultra-Orthodox community’s existence and sustainability is grounded in rigid and uncompromising regimentation, as well as in fear.

Ultra-Orthodox life revolves around a close-knit community framework that defines the parameters of its members’ lives and their choices, from the cradle to the grave. Prayers, group study, the rabbis’ gatherings and receptions for their followers, and all the other community events guarantee that individuals will be under close supervision at almost every moment of their lives. The rabbi, the teacher, the spiritual supervisor in the yeshiva, the man in the next pew in the synagogue, the neighbors in the park — all of them are always watching, keeping their eyes on everyone else, making sure that they toe the line, and do not deviate in the slightest bit from the straight and narrow path. Every wig that does not keep a married woman’s hair wholly out of sight; every failure to show up for daily services, is cause for concern. Any seriously deviant behavior constitutes the grounds for harsh community sanctions, ranging from exclusion from the synagogue to condemnation and ostracism of the “criminal” and his family. For those born into this communal reality, this is a punishment too cruel to bear.

And then came the coronavirus pandemic. To comply with the rules of social distancing imposed by the government, the ultra-Orthodox, like all other Israelis, have to stay home and manage without key elements of their community life. Yes, you can pray with a minyan of only 10 men in the courtyard of your apartment building. Yes, you can study Talmud at home. But when men of all ages are at a distance from the community circle, its watchful eye no longer has them in constant view. Confined at home, without the rabbi or neighbor to keep tabs on them, they are liable to go downhill, discover that there are other ways to live, and to find their way out of the community.

This truth, which most rabbis have preferred to keep under wraps, was revealed by several among them who openly acknowledged that their followers are too weak to stay within the fold without close supervision. Their calculation was simple. There is no doubt that the pandemic endangers life; but the threat of dropout from the community and of spiritual damage that cannot be remedied is far greater and far more terrifying. Such a threat may shake the foundations, the regime, the community. The rabbis are assigning higher priority to “customer retention” than to the clear halakhic imperative to preserve health and life.

This fear, which lies behind the willingness of many ultra-Orthodox rabbis to sacrifice their followers’ lives — and those of other Israelis — is clear evidence of their doubt as to their followers’ commitment to the path, and of their sense that without close supervision and high walls, everything could fall apart. From a broader Israeli perspective, if this is indeed the true picture, perhaps there is hope for the future. Perhaps the broader and deeper integration of the ultra-Orthodox into Israeli society is not impossible after all.

 

https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/ultra-orthodox-non-compliance-rests-on-fear/?fbclid=IwAR31u4LNHhvt1dCUht2xbdjGBYOFuRpMWaRZdePbP4U8q-uk3a2tjk8F2Ts

14 comments:

Joe Putz said...

For a second I thought those Toldos A guys were watching Monday Night Football!

UOJ accused of kefira for saying Fressers should want to live said...

Kushner accused of racism for saying Black people must ‘want to be successful’

By AP
Today, 12:47 pm

WASHINGTON — Presidential adviser Jared Kushner said Monday President Trump wants to help Black people in America, but they have to “want to be successful” for his policies to work.

“President Trump’s policies can help people break out of problems they’re complaining about, but he can’t want them to be successful more than they want to be successful,” Kushner said on “Fox & Friends.”

Kushner, who is Trump’s son-in-law, also criticized prominent people who raised their voices after the killing of George Floyd, a Black man who died in police custody, but didn’t follow thru to improve the lives of Black people.

“You saw a lot of people who were virtue signaling — they go on Instagram & cry, or they put a slogan on their jersey or write something on a basketball court,” Kushner said. “Frankly, that did more to polarize the country than to bring people forward. You solve problems with solutions.”

Rep. Don Beyer of Virginia accused Kushner of “casual racism.” Former Democratic National Committee Chair Donna Brazile wrote on Twitter, “He’s talking to folks who've suffered systemic racism & historic tokenism.”

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany defended Kushner, saying “internet trolls” took Kushner’s words out of context. She said they were trying to distract from Trump’s “undeniable record of accomplishment” for Blacks.

Ja’Ron Smith, who works with Kushner as deputy director of the President's Office of American Innovation, also rose to Kushner’s defense. Smith, who is Black, tweeted a photo of himself with Kushner & VP Mike Pence.

Smith said Kushner has been “a huge advocate” for the issues that affect Black America, naming criminal justice reform, opportunity zones & jobs.

“I will always stand with you Brother!!!” Smith said.

Trump has been promoting his Black opportunity zones, funding for historic Black colleges & criminal justice reforms.

Paul Mendlowitz said...

Both ----very funny! Anonymous Joe Putz said...

For a second I thought those Toldos A guys were watching Monday Night Football!

10:26 AM, October 27, 2020 Delete
Anonymous UOJ accused of kefira for saying Fressers should want to live said...

Mean Joe Greene said...

If you think those Toldos Aharon chevra are funny, you should have seen the Chassidishe gang in the late 90s that was coming to Dougie's Sports Bar on the Upper West Side to watch the games. While sitting there fixated it was obvious they didn't know the rules and would keep yelling "fumble" which they couldn't even pronounce!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xffOCZYX6F8

Agav, this has been named the best commercial of all time by media critics & academics.

Touro Vodaas said...

https://dusiznies.blogspot.com/2020/10/rabbi-mosheh-lichtenstein-wolf-in.html

The question still stands: did they pick the wrong Lichtenstein brother to fill Belsky's shoes?

Where's Menachem "Crocodile Tears" Genack when you need him?

Paul Mendlowitz said...

The question still stands: did they pick the wrong Lichtenstein brother to fill Belsky's shoes?
*
While the jury is out on the choice, one thing seems certain - they picked the anti-Belsky!

Monday Morning Qvarterback said...

During a Scud attack on Eretz Yisroel during Gulf War I, an American in Ponivizh called the US Embassy to ask how to tune in to the Superbowl. The diplomat who took the call had a fit, yelling at the bochur before hanging up: "Look pal, I don't know about you, but we're in the middle of a war here!"

Monsey said...

https://dusiznies.blogspot.com/2020/10/breaking-news-din-endorses-donald-trump.html

DIN wrote in a different post here that the YTV Lichtenstein is "rabid".

He was rov of a shul in Forshay until this year & his wife taught at Yeshiva of Spring Valley. She is a nut who picks victims among YSV girls to slander to the hanhala as having various problems; academic, social, etc. And because YSV has a tzedreiter hanhala, they swallow everything that improper teachers tell them, making themselves deaf to anyone else coming with proof to the opposite end. They even ignore choshuva rabbonim.

YTV Mrs. Lichtenstein was also covering up for a molester. It wasn't yet know that girl was molesting other girls, but it was known already that she's a violent bully. The girl's father has a few bucks & other protekzia.

YTV Mrs Lichtenstein is not right in the head. Try reasoning with her regarding her sick binges I just mentioned. You will get nowhere with her while she imparts an aura of malaise & being dense. She does not belong in chinuch.

Zombie said...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5KNJrt_DTo

Professor Ryesky said...

Joe Putz, how could you ever think that they were watching Monday Night Football?

The Toldos A guys get put in cherem if they even think about a t*l*v*s**n, let alone watch one.

Hundt Biden said...

In a recently uncovered shocking video, an Anti-Chinese Communist Party dissident journalist reports Sept 24 on 3 hard drives CCP turned over to the Dept of Justice & US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi

Lude’s Broadcast video is from a Chinese whistleblower network

As per the video, CCP agents Jiang Zemin, Zeng Qinghong & Meng Jianzhu provided the hard drives

The dissident claims President Trump also has copies

1st hard drive: sex-pedophilia tapes of Hunter Biden + his $4.5 billion secret deal with Xi & Wang

2nd hard drive: Xi & Wang’s overseas wealth & ‘architecture & art project’, information on their illegitimate children

3rd hard drive: CCP bioweapon

The reporter believes internal friction in CCP led to the hard drives hand over

The video mainly talks about the 1st drive

He details a $4.5 Billion Hunter deal. It fits a Washington Times report that Hunter receives $10 million a year from a corrupt Chinese billionaire, with whom he sought to increase cash flow with joint ownership, a 2017 email from Hunter shows

It's in Lude’s Broadcast, before the Times, which says the money was for “introductions alone,” per Biden, son of presidential nominee Joe Biden. Another email to Hunter says 10% in a company is for (unidentified) “big guy”

Hunter hooked up with billionaire Ye Jianming, chair of CEFC China Energy, when his father was VP

Jianming is mentioned in the dissident video

Most shocking revelations come 2.5 minutes into the clip: videos of underage Chinese girls & Hunter

At 3:19 Lude uses Chinese words for “sex abuse” depicted in Hunter videos, according to Mike Adams of Natural News. At 3:32, Lude describes the sex as “extreme abuse” of kids, correctly translated. This implies violent rape - Hunter's victims did not consent

The video's a tad confusing but generally sticks to the 1st drive with the explicit video + Hunter-Ye Jianming deal

Lude reports the videos are a message to US officials that CCP has the “goods” on Hunter - essentially blackmail

The reporter implies CCP counts on a Biden presidency as Joe Biden is highly compromised from illegal Hunter activities: abuse of underage girls, as in drive 1

TJV couldn't verify translations but can't refute the themes & topics. We urge Chinese speakers to help TJV verify the translation, to improve reporting this intriguing story

Most interesting, the dissident video came 3 weeks before the NY Post on Hunter's laptop in a Delaware shop, which also contains explicit pics + now-famous emails

Is drive 1 in the dissident video, same as the Delaware shop? Lude also mentions emails of meetings with Ukrainian & Kazakh companies, much like the NY Post

Another interesting point: Rudy Giuliani's extraordinary claim China has explosive emails from Hunter’s laptop – ‘illegal’ info he asked authorities probe, reports The Daily Mail:

Guiliani said "Very sensitive. 1,000+ pics, highly inappropriate to illegal which have to be via the Chinese", Giuliani told former White House strategist Steve Bannon on 'War Room: Pandemic' podcast.

So, Guiliani also knew China possesses a Hunter drive

There are layers of intrigue in this, impacting the 2020 election. So many pieces to the puzzle & much to be verified as the story develops

Anonymous said...

Bochurim were thrown out of R' Dovid's Brisk in the 80s for watching the Superbowl at a Dougie's-like bar. He said the minhag Brisk is we don't actually tell bochurim they are expelled but no one should speak to them. Kach hava.

Agudah Fresser Derangement Syndrome said...

The Agudah Fressers with their cheerleaders Eckstein & Lipschutz are whooping it up that Islamist MPAC has filed a brief that smells like Arafat's underwear in support of Sruli Reisman's lawsuit attacking Gov. Cuomo.

Not only is MPAC part of Marxist, anti-Semitic Black Lives Matter

https://www.investigativeproject.org/profile/181/the-muslim-public-affairs-council-mpac

But they try to whitewash every Arab terrorist group

Click the bottom link for the full report

Beyond completely shameless - The Agudah Fressers have completely lost their minds!

Fresser Outreach said...

Mormons follow Agudah's selfish lead

https://nypost.com/2020/10/27/mom-code-movement-urges-mothers-not-to-have-kids-tested-for-covid/

Contact tracing is critical to learning more about how the deadly virus spreads, but a group of Utah parents say it’s a nuisance.

They encourage families to stop testing their children to keep schools open.

The movement to reduce testing among schoolchildren began on Facebook, among parents who call COVID testing “unnecessary,” as results may force the whole school to shut down.

Davis County school district parents are calling it the “mom code.”, according to “Good Morning America,” which obtained screenshots of the posts before they were removed from social media.

“I personally think getting tested is selfish,” read another comment, reported by Salt Lake City’s KUTV. “Because of the fact that they contact trace everyone so one person leads to 30 people that have to quarantine or worse, programs like athletics are shut down. It’s mass hysteria because 1 person came in contact with another that had the sniffles and ran to get tested! Stop the testing. Stop the Contact tracing.”

"Mom code" proponents would rather risk an outbreak than have school doors shut again.

KUTV first reported the trend on Friday, talking to some of those who oppose the “mom code.”

These parents risk going broke to send their kids to private school amid COVID
“Parents are saying, ‘Let’s not test,’ just so they don’t have to worry about shutting down the sports teams,” said parent Genevra Prothero. “I think it's absolutely a disgrace.”

Utah health officials warned parents in a statement to “GMA”: “Testing is critical. Identifying cases is key to limiting spread of disease in our communities.” State health data reveals 8,000 confirmed cases of COVID in Davis County, population 355,000.