“ He is a frum yid. The laws of masser still apply!!!! Why can't the bias din and the community take care of themselves without massering to the goyim. Hashem what have we become!!!! ”

“ Poor guy chose the wrong crime. He should have just molested a couple of kids & we would make a huge fundraiser for his defense. ”

“ So sad. I know him for years. He had such a difficult life. That in no way is a reason to allow others to get hurt. It just makes me realize how when we see stories of things that seem so clear how the person is wrong that it is not so clear. It was just a reminder for me and I had to share with others how we can never know or judge others.
Besuros tovos ”

“ He is a frum yid. The laws of masser still apply!!!! Why can't the bias din and the community take care of themselves without massering to the goyim. Hashem what have we become!!!! ”

“ Since when can you get a petition going to get people you don't like get locked up? Not taking sides here, just the story as presented doesn't make any sense. Also if there is sufficient evidence of criminality, normally an indictment will come.....Not a popularity contest? Someone please explain the "petition process" ? ”

“ He is a frum yid. The laws of masser still apply!!!! Why can't the bias din and the community take care of themselves without massering to the goyim. Hashem what have we become!!!! ”

“ we don't know the details but that much marijuana can only mean he's a drug dealer.if he's selling to drugs to others,minors? and he has weapons,he needs to be removed from one of our communities. ”

“ I don't even know what you mean by remove him from one of our communities. Do you mean to send him to another of our communities? What exactly are our communities? Possibly we should send him to somebody else's community? Where is that community?
Now comes the fairness problem. There is a good busload of convicted felons, pre and post sentencing in the Monsey Charedei Community. Violent crime, domestic violence, drug dealing, stealing, fraud and so much more. Should those felons also be removed and their children left as orphans? Esther, are they excused from your psach because they wear a longa rechel during the week and a bekeshe on Shabbos, or even white socks? 130 signatures in a place that can't agree on anything, and has protected far more dangerous criminals. The article did not say that he was selling to children, but everybody is adding onto the charges. What a bunch of racists. ”

“ That's racism! Why should he get more time than anyone else!!! If anything he should get less time bc it's very infrequent in that community! And what was he selling? Pot! In 2 states its completely permitted!!! He's not selling crack or LSD or any other very dangerous drug!!!! ”

“ Give this man prison time! Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky calls drug dealers "rotzchim...."

Look how many young people ended up needing rehab. because of drug dealers like this guy....Drug dealers mess young people up very badly....He's a danger because he lives in our community and sells from his home/parties..... ”

“ I am appalled at the extent of misinformation here. Let me set the record straight. I will only disclose that I have worked with substance abuse extensively, and my voice is one of experience.

Marijuana is a dangerous drug for many reasons. For one, it causes long term damage that is irreversible. Also, it is a gateway drug to many others, all of plenty danger. Thirdly, marijuana is habit forming, though not in the same way as the other street drugs.

The shailoh about drug dealers has been asked many times. I personally queried many rabbonim and dayanim who unanimously said that a drug dealer (even marijuana) is a rodef, and that halacha permits killing him. As per the law of the land, we must report this to authorities immediately.

I may feel bad for his terrible history, but that will not absolve him of responsibility for being involved in the crime of robbing others of their lives (or parts of them). I will rejoice in his incarceration, and join the rabbonim in their petition.

As for mesirah, those who consider this a halacha problem here are woefully ignorant of the facts and the true halacha. It's not even arguable. ”

“ 370 grams is alot less then a pound but sounds like much more. ”

“ I am appalled at the extent of misinformation here. Let me set the record straight. I will only disclose that I have worked with substance abuse extensively, and my voice is one of experience.

Marijuana is a dangerous drug for many reasons. For one, it causes long term damage that is irreversible. Also, it is a gateway drug to many others, all of plenty danger. Thirdly, marijuana is habit forming, though not in the same way as the other street drugs.

The shailoh about drug dealers has been asked many times. I personally queried many rabbonim and dayanim who unanimously said that a drug dealer (even marijuana) is a rodef, and that halacha permits killing him. As per the law of the land, we must report this to authorities immediately.

I may feel bad for his terrible history, but that will not absolve him of responsibility for being involved in the crime of robbing others of their lives (or parts of them). I will rejoice in his incarceration, and join the rabbonim in their petition.

As for mesirah, those who consider this a halacha problem here are woefully ignorant of the facts and the true halacha. It's not even arguable. ”

“ Shlomo Ettlinger sold many frum teens and adults in Monsey NY drugs for several years. He even had a party in house on Purim three years ago when he lived on Maple and Viola and over 50 frum young people ages 16-25 were there. He sold a lot of marijuana from his homes (Maple and caught on Blauvelt Road) and at parties. This man is clearly a rodef and evey posek from Rav Herschel Schachter to Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky/Rav Chaim Kanievsky are clear about drug dealers being rodefim. Lock them up. He endangers adults and teens in our community -the way to prevent these drug dealers from hurting our children is by putting strong consequences in place. He even would use ketamine/cocaine with young people.

All concerned citizens, please sign the petition:

https://www.change.org/petitions/rockland-county-district-attorney-thomas-zugibe-prosecute-shlomo-ettlinger-to-the-full-extent-of-the-law ”

“ He put a hechsher on the weed? ”

“ Despite what you might read in the popular media, marijuana is not legal in any state of the United States. Per 21 CFR 1308.11, it is a controlled substance in schedule I, and as such may not be prescribed, dispensed, possessed or consumed. How "dangerous" it is, is irrelevant in the law.

Any state can pass a law declaring something legal, but the fact is, when two laws conflict, the stricter law prevails, and if Federal law declares possession of an item illegal, what the state says is legally meaningless. ”

“ He is a frum yid. The laws of masser still apply!!!! Why can't the bias din and the community take care of themselves without massering to the goyim. Hashem what have we become!!!! ”

“ Because he is a rodef and will continue to destroy the lives of many young neshamas thats why ”

“ I am not an expert in the field, but I am a medical student and have done volunteer work with individuals addicted to drugs (generally heroin and cocaine). Honestly, you are simply wrong- there is little good scientific evidence that marijuana has significant adverse long-term effects, and a cursory google/wikipedia check can tell you that. You may be right that it is a 'gateway' drug, but it is hard to argue that marijuana is as bad for children or adults as alcohol (which is more habit-forming, toxic and responsible for so many more deaths). I am not arguing that this man should not be prosecuted for supplying an illegal substance to minors (if he indeed did so), but I cant stand the factually inaccurate words by someone claiming to be an expert. ”

“ to your long rant,all i can say is, you know what happens when you assume don't you? ”

“ Give this man prison time! Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky calls drug dealers "rotzchim...."

Look how many young people ended up needing rehab. because of drug dealers like this guy....Drug dealers mess young people up very badly....He's a danger because he lives in our community and sells from his home/parties..... ”

“ I am not an expert in the field, but I am a medical student and have done volunteer work with individuals addicted to drugs (generally heroin and cocaine). Honestly, you are simply wrong- there is little good scientific evidence that marijuana has significant adverse long-term effects, and a cursory google/wikipedia check can tell you that. You may be right that it is a 'gateway' drug, but it is hard to argue that marijuana is as bad for children or adults as alcohol (which is more habit-forming, toxic and responsible for so many more deaths). I am not arguing that this man should not be prosecuted for supplying an illegal substance to minors (if he indeed did so), but I cant stand the factually inaccurate words by someone claiming to be an expert. ”

“ With all due respect, don't mislead Frum Yidden with your comments. What the Rosh Hayeshiva was referring to was people who sold dangerous drugs to people, then you could perhaps call those individuals Rotzchim. Marijuana has never been proven to be a dangerous drug, and in fact it is medically helpful to people in many medical situations. Many frum yidden use marijuana responsibly, so before you condemn yidden as being rotzchim, please get your facts together as I have. all the best.. btw "TrueTorah" is honest Torah... ”

“ I am not the person who wrote the post you commented on, but I can tell you that from personally experience working with drug addicts that plot does addle the brain. Complex thought processes are harder if not impossible to do. They are mentally more immature and with enough use they have a hard time holding down jobs or keeping up with school work. They are more likely to try other drugs and it is just as addicting if not more than LSD, ecstasy, amphetamines, nicotine, and many other drugs out there. Yes, there is a range and everyone is different. But to say it is harmless is quite false and misleading.
And it is illegal by federal law in all 50 states. CO and CA may not prosecute there, but the Feds can always come in and shut down facilities and arrest people (and they have at least in CA). ”

“ you have no idea what you are talking about.

Nicotine is more addictive than heroin. weed is not physically addictive at all.

typical small-minded frum know-it-all but ignorant outlook ”

“ To all those claiming that Marijuana is a gateway drug and has long term health effects:

lets put legal issues aside because the whole united states is confused about it and soon enough it'll be legal in your state as well!

Marijuana is a hundred times worse then alcohol in both aspects. health wise alcohol is much more damaging, and teens start abusing alcohol way before they start with marijuana. so maybe we should start closing down all wine and liquor stores.

and if you think that he should be locked up because he broke the law + he sold to minors, how many parents give their kids alcohol on shabbos, at simchas, on yom tov etc. ”

“ you have no idea what you are talking about.

Nicotine is more addictive than heroin. weed is not physically addictive at all.

typical small-minded frum know-it-all but ignorant outlook ”

“ I wrote my comment based on over 30 years of working with drug addicts directly. I am simply correct. The internet, not the most reliable place to search for information about drug abuse, contains considerable misinformation, and you seem to be the victim of it. Have you met patients who are infertile, diabetic, demented, or suffering other long term ailments due to marijuana abuse? I have. Have you observed the inability of people to function with normal emotional health due to marijuana? Have you ever evaluated or treated a patient experiencing a drug triggered psychosis, requiring a lifetime of anti-psychotic medication? Have you consulted to someone seriously injured by a marijuana impaired driver?

Following many years of work in outpatient clinics, hospitals, and direct consultation, I claim to be an expert. True, marijuana lacks the drama associated with several other drugs. But it is insidious, and has done much to wreck our society.

Please look up the chapter "Marijuana: The Dumb High" in the book "Getting Tough on Gateway Drugs" by Dr. Robert Dupont (American Psychiatric Press). Then we'll discuss this again. ”

“ I think its time for Monsey people to reexamine their priorities.
Its sad that we let child molesters, abusive melamdim and others that cause our children to stray, roam around freely and continue to harm our children. But when it comes to someone that is selling marijuana we go nuts like this. Marijuana hasn't harmed anyone and if anything it helps those that are hurt numb the pain.
Marijuana is legal in 14 states for medicinal purposes and in 2 states for recreational purposes and before you know it it'll be legal in New York as well.

Stop running after the harmless people and start cracking down on the people that are actually guilty for our kids going on drugs and worse.

Unlike real drug dealers that push the harmful drugs on kids that come to them for marijuana, this guy just sold weed so if anything he is a safer alternative.

I wish him much luck, and may hashem be with him. ”

“ You have indicated several times that you have worked in mental health facilities. However, you never clearly state if you are a physician, nurse or if you sweep the floor in a clinic. Your comments are anecdotal and vague, so i'm guessing the later of these possibilities. ”

“ Actually professional with advanced degree, virtually hundreds of hours of advanced training, participated in many research and clinical programs, having presented to major professional audiences and conventions, and published in many professional journals and books. Go ahead and guess whatever pleases you. 30 years of direct clinical experience was not obtained by washing floors. ”

“ I grew up in monsey and this is the first time in quite a while that the rabbonim made me proud.
1. There are 100s of so called "activist" ranging from Vicky Polin, Nuchem Rosenberg, Mark Appel, Yanky Horowitz etc etc etc who do nothing but harp on the single issue of molesters, that issue has been beaten to death.
2.No state allows marijuana use without a medical need, you need a doctors note to get it, this drug deal bum was pushing it in our commmunity.
3. He was also selling hash and had a loaded gun, no one addressed that.
4 I feel bad for his kids but before you act dumb you keen of the ppl around you who will get hurt ”

“ Nicotine is horribly addictive in the physical sense. However, as a mind-altering drug, it doesn't shine a candle to heroin or the many other opiates (pain killers and cough suppressants) that are commonly abused today. That's why it is not banned or regulated. However, I strongly advocate that it should be banned and seriously regulated.

Weed is physically addictive, and this was proven in studies several years ago. There are documented withdrawal symptoms, though these are not dangerous as exist with alcohol and other drugs. The tolerance situation is also different from the other drugs, as the THC is fat soluble, not water soluble, and there is greater likelihood of reverse tolerance with frequent use.

This information is based on scientific fact, not the desire to legitimize something. Now, who is small minded? ”

“ I grew up in monsey and this is the first time in quite a while that the rabbonim made me proud.
1. There are 100s of so called "activist" ranging from Vicky Polin, Nuchem Rosenberg, Mark Appel, Yanky Horowitz etc etc etc who do nothing but harp on the single issue of molesters, that issue has been beaten to death.
2.No state allows marijuana use without a medical need, you need a doctors note to get it, this drug deal bum was pushing it in our commmunity.
3. He was also selling hash and had a loaded gun, no one addressed that.
4 I feel bad for his kids but before you act dumb you keen of the ppl around you who will get hurt ”

“ Actually professional with advanced degree, virtually hundreds of hours of advanced training, participated in many research and clinical programs, having presented to major professional audiences and conventions, and published in many professional journals and books. Go ahead and guess whatever pleases you. 30 years of direct clinical experience was not obtained by washing floors. ”

“ gneivas das:

You wrote, "Many frum yidden use marijuana responsibly." That is an oxymoron. Reb Moshe ZT"L is clear about marijuana being ossur for multiple reasons. Those violating his unequivocal psak halacha cannot be considered "frum Jews". They are baalei aveiroh. Sorry to bust your bubble. ”

“ gneivas das:

You wrote, "Many frum yidden use marijuana responsibly." That is an oxymoron. Reb Moshe ZT"L is clear about marijuana being ossur for multiple reasons. Those violating his unequivocal psak halacha cannot be considered "frum Jews". They are baalei aveiroh. Sorry to bust your bubble. ”

“ Advanced degree, in what ? Laura Shlesenger threw around her claim to an advanced degree as she gave out mental health advice for years. In fact she is a PhD in Anatomy. So your vagueness follows a pattern.
You claim to have "virtual" hours of advanced training.
Do you have any "actual" hours of advanced training?
Most people that are serial speakers and publishers are hacks that failed at their professional practice, or never had one, and go around selling snake oil.
Let me guess you are an ND from an on-line college? Right?
Your information and advice is way off from current APA standards, and vague. ”

“ OF COURSE I believe you.

I also believe the factual documentary film called "reefer madness" that was released a number of years ago.

You are as believable as that film. ”

“ you are still the small small man.

"shine a candle"? where did you go to school?

nicotine is not allowed to be sold because it is not mind-altering, it is not banned although it causes cancer because the government is bought and paid for on this issue.

And the problem with your argument had NOTHING to do with whether the drug was mind-altering, ti was whehter it was addictive or not.

I can tell you from a very considerable amount of personal experience that you are complete wrong about weed. Back in the 70's, I did a lot of weed, and tried almost everything else that was available then. I can tell you that weed is NOT physically addictive. neither are cough suppressants (you must read the Post, the News, or the Jewish Press). Cocaine, heroin and cigarettes are EXTREMELY addictive). the rest of your pontificating is pure fantasy on your part. Seriously, cough syrup addictive? Like what, potato chips?

I also should tell you that while I haven't touched drugs or cigarettes in at least twenty years, and it wasn't as hard as you make it out to be. I'm now a member of Mensa, run a very large company, and am financially independent, so my past experiences didn't hurt me at all ”

“ you are still the small small man.

"shine a candle"? where did you go to school?

nicotine is not allowed to be sold because it is not mind-altering, it is not banned although it causes cancer because the government is bought and paid for on this issue.

And the problem with your argument had NOTHING to do with whether the drug was mind-altering, ti was whehter it was addictive or not.

I can tell you from a very considerable amount of personal experience that you are complete wrong about weed. Back in the 70's, I did a lot of weed, and tried almost everything else that was available then. I can tell you that weed is NOT physically addictive. neither are cough suppressants (you must read the Post, the News, or the Jewish Press). Cocaine, heroin and cigarettes are EXTREMELY addictive). the rest of your pontificating is pure fantasy on your part. Seriously, cough syrup addictive? Like what, potato chips?

I also should tell you that while I haven't touched drugs or cigarettes in at least twenty years, and it wasn't as hard as you make it out to be. I'm now a member of Mensa, run a very large company, and am financially independent, so my past experiences didn't hurt me at all ”

“ despite the fact that you are obviously an idiot, I will ask you a question anyway.

you write that someone who violates a psak halacha cannot be considered a frum Jew. Therefore, I must ask, in your disturbed mind, do any frum Jews exist on Earth today? And if so, how many such people could there possibly be who have never violated a psak halacha in there lives?

I assume that by your standards, virtually none of the lamed vov of this generation are actually frum?

oh, and it's burst your bubble, not "bust" it. ”

“ So I'm an idiot now, too.

I question the frumkeit of those who wantonly go against halacha psukah. There are plenty of addicts who suffer from a "disease", and are stuck in drugs being unable to help themselves. Those who justify drug abuse full well knowing that it is assur to damage one's health (physical or mental) is a baal aveiroh. Violating halacha is not what makes someone not truly frum. It is the denial of halacha that is purposeful which tells more about the person than the specific behavior.

I will also venture to state that I am more professionally qualified to discuss your "disturbed" mind than you are of mine.

I apologize for the linguistic error about "bursting" your bubble. ”

“ You are correct in noting the lack of experience of "dependence" on marijuana. However, there is research within the last 10 years that was done on quite large samples in which withdrawal symptoms due to marijuana were observed. As I noted, these did not carry the clinical significance of withdrawal due to opiates, alcohol, sedatives, or even cocaine. But it did document the presence of physical dependency.

Cocaine produces a similar physical dependency, though this is more psychological than physical. Insurance companies do not cover costs for cocaine detox, though these patients are in plenty of distress when withdrawing from cocaine. MJ is considerably less.

If you would like to have a nice discussion or debate, let's do that. I'm tired of watching people who do not know me, my training, my experience and expertise, or my professional reputation try to trash these credentials. ”

“ How can anybody accept your credentials when you won't say what they are. ”

“ Lurker, I will answer your question happily.
When VIN gets onto a professional topic it frequently attracts impostors that pretend to have credentials that they don't. T
he first hint is when they flaunt their vast knowledge and credentials then continue with a condescending; I know am better than you so listen to me, rather than present a persuasive argument. That is not how professionals communicate. If you need to tell me how important you are, you're not.
Anonymity is your name and address, not what degree you hold. There are enough frum; MD, RN, PA, PhD, DPharm, DNP, DC, DPsy, LCSW and more that listing your credential would not be "outing" yourself. But why is there a need for anonymity if you are going to give a professional opinion. Us nobodies don't want to have our ignorance exposed, but if you are an expert you should be proud of your accomplishments and stand by them.
But even us ordinary people don't like being misled by fakers.
Calling somebody out, to stand up to their claim, is not a personal attack, it's just being prudent. ”

“ Our priorities are so screwed up! Fundraisers for molesters and rapists and signed petitions with rabbis signatures for a guy like this. ”